GADDIS, Walter Conroy

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona 01/15/2010 Walter Conroy Gaddis, 86, of Clay Springs died peacefully at his home following a lengthy illness. Walter was born Nov. 11, 1923 in Dalton, Ga. to the late Walter Andrew and Eleandor (Jackson) Gaddis. He married the former Virginia Marvene Cantrell Aug. 16, 1945. They were married for 52 years until she passsed away in 1998. Walter was very proud of his country and was extremely patriotic. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was there the day allied forces liberated Europe from its enemies. After serving 20 years in the Navy, he received his honorable discharge in 1962. Everyone he knew considered him to be a true patriot. He volunteered countless hours at the VA Hospital in Phoenix for many years. He recognized that the U.S. Constitution was a divinely inspired document and that it was meant to last, not just for now but forever. He was a selfless man when it came to his country and fellow veterans, always giving heartfelt help and service to all. He was a frequent volunteer at many schools in Glendale. He would share his first-hand experiences of WWII and was able to instill to the students his sense of love for his fellow patriots, his country and for the U.S. Constitution. He knew that the freedoms we enjoy as Americans had a price and he was ever willing to pay that price. He was a devoted family man and was a loving husband to his wife, loving dad to his children and caring "Papa" to his grandchildren. He will be missed by many, but none will miss him more than his own family. Heaven rejoiced when this angel was called home. Walter is survived by his daughter Connie Gaddis of Clay Springs; son John M. Gaddis of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.; four grandchildren Sharron (Bryan) Siewert of Pasadena, Calif., Walter L.E. Nesbitt of Phoenix, Desiree (John) Trujillo of Morrilton, Ark., Kimberly (Cliff) Bodie of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.; seven great-grandchildren Christopher Siewert of Pasadena, Calif., Andrew Siewert of Pasadena, Calif., Shari Eason of Morrilton, Ark., Katie Newbitt of Morrilton, Ark., Seavanna Trujillo of Morrilton, Ark., Nancy Trujillo of Morrilton, Ark. and Morrigan Trujillo of Morrilton, Ark. In addition to his beloved wife, Walter was also preceded in death by daughter-in-law Linda Gaddis in 2005. Private family services will be held at a later date. Contributions to the White Mountain Hospice Foundation, 1789 W. Commerce Drive, Lakeside, Arizona 85929 or to the American Diabetes Foundation, 8125 N. 23rd Ave. #222, Phoenix, Arizona 85021 have been suggested by his family. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.