Obituary of Walter Herbert Cairnes

August 18, 1930 – January 27, 2019 Walter Herbert Cairnes, Jr. was born to Walter Herbert Cairnes, Sr. and Anna Louise Galbreath Cairnes in Jarrettsville, Maryland in 1930. Herb enjoyed growing up on Friendship Farm and told countless tales of adventures shared with his sister Jean and brother George, both of whom predeceased him. After his high school graduation, Herb attended Indiana Technical College and earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering. He moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to work for McDonnell Aircraft Company and while there met the love of his life. He loved to tell the story of meeting a cute red-headed girl in the choir who was bold enough to ask him out on a date. They were married only a few months later. The dynamic duo of Anne and Herb continued to serve the Lord and sing in the choir throughout their 60-year marriage. Their love story resulted in a family consisting of: Diane Franklin, deceased (Ralph and Jill Franklin) Judi (Mark) Wallace Grandchildren Travis (Kelly) Franklin, Casey (Dana) Franklin, David (Kelly) Wallace, Michael Wallace, Rebecca Wallace, and Elizabeth Wallace Great Grandchildren Matthew, Ashleigh, and Luke Herb was delighted to move his family to Florida in the Fall of 1968 and continued working in the defense industry throughout his career. He wore many hats at Merritt Island Presbyterian Church as he served God and his community. He was always there to sing in the choir, provide technical support, work with Kid’s Club and the MIPC Players, mow the lawn, change the locks, fix the sprinklers, etc… He could and would do it all. He also used his skill as a woodworker to craft the beautiful wooden cross that hangs in the sanctuary to this day. Herb and Anne enjoyed traveling during their years of retirement, driving through the US in their RV and touring Europe with friends and one another. They built a vacation home in the mountains of North Carolina and hosted friends and family who came to visit. When Anne’s health deteriorated in 2004, Herb took on the role of caregiver. He selflessly attended her every need for eleven years without complaint. Herb never had a cross word for anyone, but gave everyone he met a smile, kind word, and bit of encouragement. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, however we do not grieve as those who have no hope. We believe we will see him again one day in God’s glorious kingdom. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Merritt Island Presbyterian Church, 600 South Tropical Trail, Merritt Island. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sharing Center of Central Brevard in memory of Herb Cairnes.