BARRAZA, Apolonia (Hap)

West Valley View, Avondale, Arizona January 5, 2010 Apolonio "Hap" Barraza, 87, of Goodyear died Dec. 22, 2009, at his home. Mr. Barraza was born Feb. 9, 1922, in Mesa. He grew up in Tolleson. He was a B-17 navigator in World War II and participated in 35 combat missions with the 8th Air Force out of England. He served in the Korean War. He obtained a bachelor's degree in management from Florida State University. He retired from the Air Force as a major after 26 years. He received the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters and the Joint Services Commendation Medal. He finished his career as a staff intelligence officer for North American Air Defense Command. He was a member of the Maryvale Citizens Association Board, Maryvale Planning Committee, city of Phoenix LEAP Commission and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Phoenix. He is survived by his wife, Cleta Maxine Sessums; one daughter, Merle Lindlar of Scottsdale; two sons, Bruce of Goodyear and Walter of Phoenix; one sister, Carmen Gonzales of Tolleson; one brother, John Montano of Phoenix; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Services were held Dec. 29 at St. Paul Lutheran. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.