Obituary

Captain Walter B. Abney, 51, a native and lifelong resident of Slidell, passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021(Good Friday), in Covington, Louisiana. Walter was born on April 6, 1969(Easter Sunday), in Slidell, Louisiana, to Robert and Lynn Abney, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Lesley Crockett Abney; one daughter, Peyton Elizabeth Abney; his parents, Robert and Lynn Abney, Jr.; brother, Robert Henry Abney III (Wendi); sister, Monica Abney Duhon (Lamar); nieces, nephews; in-laws, William and Deborah Crockett; and other relatives. After graduating from Salmen High School in 1987, Walter attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy and graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation/Nautical Science. He was then commissioned as a Naval officer and joined the Military Sealift Command. He was known throughout the fleet for his superb ability to handle, transport and UNREP Navel ammunition. Walter worked his way up the ranks, literally mastering his craft of Marine Transportation. At a young age, he sailed Master aboard the USNS Shughart and USNS Pililaau, the first ship in Kuwait when Operation Iraqi Freedom commenced in 2003. Being a boy from the bayou, Captain Walter Abney always wanted to return home and on July 1, 2004 was Commissioned by the Governor of Louisiana to the Crescent River Port Pilots Association, where he was known for his professionalism and dedication to the mission of piloting ships and their precious cargo up and down the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Pilottown. Walter retired on December 31, 2011 and devoted his time fully to his two passions, his lovely wife and daughter on their bayou paradise. Please visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign guestbook. Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.