COPELAND – Walter L. Birney died January 8, 2019 at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses. He was born April 25, 1934 to Claude D. and Mildred E. (Farris) Birney in Sublette.

Walter was a man who lived his life by the Great Commission. He graduated from Sublette High School in 1952 and then continued his education at Dallas Christian College where he received his ministry degree.  While at college he met and married Iva Lou Mosher in 1954 in Sulphur Springs, Texas.  They moved to Western Kansas after Walter preached for a short time in Texas. Walter began  preaching at the Christian Church in Copeland where he was the minister for over 25 years. While preaching he was also the coordinator of the National Missionary Convention for 43 years.  During this time Walter also volunteered at the Ashland Christian Service Camp for many summers. Walter was also known for running hundreds of long distance races, such as marathons, 10K's and 5K's.  Walter also loved his family and always kept them in his prayers, whether it was his wife, children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren.

He was a member of the Sublette Christian Church.

Walter is survived by his wife of 64 years, Iva Lou, two sons, Mickey Birney and wife Alicia of Ellsworth; Scotty Birney and his wife Kelly of Garden City; two daughters Lorrie Ortiz and her husband Oscar of Overland Park; and Lindie Andreas of Copeland; one daughter-in-law, Tammi Birney of Sedgwick; as well as 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Walter is also survived by one sister, Claudette of North Highland, California; and three brothers, Larry Birney of Copeland; Michael Birney of Dodge City, and Neil Birney of Anderson, South Carolina. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother Robert Birney and one son Gary L. Birney.

Funeral service will be held at Sublette Christian Church on Saturday January 12, 2019 at 2:00 PM with Pastors Mickey Birney and Brandon Mildren presiding. Burial will follow at Copeland Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Sublette on Friday January 11, 2019 from 12:00 to 8:00 PM with the family receiving friends from 6-8 PM.. Memorials are suggested to the Sublette Christian Church in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com