Walter Stocksdale
Walter I. Stocksdale, 90, of New Philadelphia, died May 2, 2011, at Union Hospital, Dover, following a period of declining health.
A lifetime resident of New Philadelphia, Walter was born July 31, 1920, to the late Ivan and Edna Stocksdale. He was a 1938 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and attended Western Reserve University, Cleveland, until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1942. He served as a flight navigator on a B-17 during WWII.
Following his service, Walter worked at Gilgen’s Slaughter House and Yaggi Cheese Factory. In the early 1950s, he was a co-owner along with his brother-in-law, Ed Englehart, of East Front Street Market, Dover. Later, he was a salesman for Nickels Bakery, retiring in 1982. He was a 62-year member of First United Church of Christ. Walter was a sports fan, having played football in high school, college, and the Air Force. He played for legendary coaches Woody Hayes and Bear Bryant. Walter was a life member of the Elks Lodge BPOE 510, where he was an avid card player, the F&AM Lodge 177, and VFW Post 1445, all in New Philadelphia.
On Sept. 25, 1948, Walter married Clara Yaggi, and together they had three children. Walter is survived by Clara, his wife of 62 years; children, Susan French of Suwanee, Ga., and James Stocksdale and Cathy Stocksdale, both of Columbus; grandchildren, Brian and Amy French and Alyson, Dain, and Jesse Stocksdale; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Mary Jane Stocksdale; sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Edward Englehart; and son-in-law, Gary French.
Memorial services celebrating Walter’s life were held May 6, at Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory, New Philadelphia, with Rev. Jeff Gerber officiating.
Those unable to attend may send the family personal condolences by signing his online guest registry at http://www.geibcares.com.
Memorial contributions in Walter’s name may be directed to First United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 422, New Philadelphia 44663.
A lifetime resident of New Philadelphia, Walter was born July 31, 1920, to the late Ivan and Edna Stocksdale. He was a 1938 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and attended Western Reserve University, Cleveland, until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1942. He served as a flight navigator on a B-17 during WWII.
Following his service, Walter worked at Gilgen’s Slaughter House and Yaggi Cheese Factory. In the early 1950s, he was a co-owner along with his brother-in-law, Ed Englehart, of East Front Street Market, Dover. Later, he was a salesman for Nickels Bakery, retiring in 1982. He was a 62-year member of First United Church of Christ. Walter was a sports fan, having played football in high school, college, and the Air Force. He played for legendary coaches Woody Hayes and Bear Bryant. Walter was a life member of the Elks Lodge BPOE 510, where he was an avid card player, the F&AM Lodge 177, and VFW Post 1445, all in New Philadelphia.
On Sept. 25, 1948, Walter married Clara Yaggi, and together they had three children. Walter is survived by Clara, his wife of 62 years; children, Susan French of Suwanee, Ga., and James Stocksdale and Cathy Stocksdale, both of Columbus; grandchildren, Brian and Amy French and Alyson, Dain, and Jesse Stocksdale; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Mary Jane Stocksdale; sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Edward Englehart; and son-in-law, Gary French.
Memorial services celebrating Walter’s life were held May 6, at Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory, New Philadelphia, with Rev. Jeff Gerber officiating.
Those unable to attend may send the family personal condolences by signing his online guest registry at http://www.geibcares.com.
Memorial contributions in Walter’s name may be directed to First United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 422, New Philadelphia 44663.
Published: May 10, 2011
