Walter Dan Salmans, 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Hanston KS on December 22, 2025. He was born in his parent's home in Hanston KS on December 15, 1947.

Walt felt like he had a storybook childhood with multiple siblings, grandparents next door, and a nearby creek. He often told stories of playing tag on the stockyard pens along the railroad, all day bicycle outings with a can of vienna sausages, and adventures along the creek with his sling shot, knife, and BB gun. The Boy Scout program had a major impact on Walt's life, learning many lessons from his WWII Veteran scout leaders. Traveling and adventuring led him to earn his Eagle Scout standing. Along with traveling with his scout troop, Walt's family also enjoyed many road trips, once traveling to New York City with a 16 year old Walt behind the wheel.

Walt attended Hanston Schools for K-6th grade. In his 7th grade year his family moved to Waco, TX for one year. His 9th grade year his father was diagnosed with cancer which led the family to Green Mountain Falls, CO for treatment. The family then returned to Hanston where Walt stayed for the remainder of his school career, graduating in 1966.

Walt gave his heart to Jesus at a young age and regularly attended church camp at Horn Creek in Westcliffe, CO where, in 1964, he met his future wife, Gwen Stutz. After convincing Gwen's father it was suitable to date someone outside of Ness County, they married on December 27, 1969 in Ness City, KS. Walt completed his BS in Mathematics and they both graduated from Baylor University in 1971.

Walt loved and appreciated God's creation by farming, ranching, and hunting. Time shared in nature or playing host at his table to family and friends was among his greatest joys. He also looked forward to his time alone on the creekbank. Being in Walt's home always included listening to the music of the season, hearing his contagious laughter, and lively stories. At the center of it all was his faith in Jesus Christ, his Savior.

Walt served his community numerous years on the Hanston City Council and the Hanston Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a founding member of Faith Fellowship Church in rural Hodgeman County where he taught Sunday School to youth and adults alike.

Survivors include: Wife, Gwen Salmans of Hanston KS; Children, Kristi (Greg) Stratman of Delta CO, Oliver (Christy) Salmans, Justin (Jessica), Luke (Ashley), Levi (Emily) all of Hanston KS; Sister, Sylvia Ann (BJ) Barron of Tulsa OK; 22 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren with a 6th on the way. He was preceded in death by infant twin daughters; son-in-law, Eric Ward; parents, Otha and Sylvia Salmans; sisters, Elaine Keeten and Jana Jordan; brothers, Lee Salmans and Larry Salmans.

A celebration of life service will be held at Faith Fellowship Church, Gray KS, at 11:00 am on December 30, 2025. Burial to follow at Fairmount Cemetery, Jetmore KS. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Beckwith Funeral Home, Jetmore. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hanston Fire Department in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, PO Box 663, Jetmore KS 67854. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithfuneralhome.com.