Walter Wayne Kraften

He was a first generation American born to Lithuanian immigrants in Syksville, Pennsylvania. As a young man he worked in the coal mines of Pennsylvania until he first joined the service at 16. During his military career, he boxed, played baseball, and was an expert marksman. At the beginning of World War II, he was stationed at Ft. Hickham on the island of Oahu when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Walter met his bride of 58 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1942. He proudly served America in the United States Air Force for 28 years with the Strategic Air Command Division and logged thousands of hours of flight time. His rank at the time of his retirement was Chief Warrant Officer W3. Upon his retirement, he worked as a safety engineer at Border Steel, the City of El Paso and was active in the Sheriff Reserves. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and shared his passion for life with his family who carry on those traditions. He adored his family and served his country with pride. He was a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He will be greatly missed by all who know and loved him. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marian K. Garner Kraften and his daughter, Lou Ann Kay “Dolly” Kraften. He is survived by sons, W. Wayne Kraften and his wife Gloria; William Kraften and his wife Kathy; stepson Robert Mitchell and his wife Lupe; grandchildren, Greg Lelesch of Kaneohe, Hawaii, Ken Kraften (BSA Eagle Scout) of Decatur, Georgia, Jennifer Kraften of Hemet, CA, Tyler Kraften (BSA Eagle Scout) and Jason Kraften (BSA Eagle Scout) of El Paso, TX, Bobby Mitchell, Lisa Mitchell, Sandy and Laura Mitchell of El Paso, TX and four great grandchildren. Pee Wee(his little man in a fur suit), his longtime companion, and his large extended family of nieces and nephews will also greatly miss their Uncle Wally. He has joined his Heavenly Father. In Iieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America at 8888 Dyer St. Ste. 416, El Paso, TX 79904. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Sunset Funeral Home-Northeast. Graveside services will be held at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with full military honors at 10 am on Monday, May 5, 2008. Service entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.