Walter Gordon Vanstory,

Walter Gordon Vanstory, Jr. passed away February 19, 2008 at the age of 90. Walter was born in Gatesville, TX on May 26, 1917, seven weeks after the United States entered World War I. He was raised on farms and ranches in Central and West Texas, graduating from Shallowater High School on May 29, 1936. He joined the United States Army, was honorably discharged, and then joined the Texas National Guard when the US entered World War II. He served in the 36th Infantry Division (Texas T-Patchers”) in the campaigns of North Africa and Italy under General Mark Clark. After the war, Walter was a police officer in Lubbock, Texas. He transferred to the El Paso Police Department and proudly wore badge “No. 1”. He was later employed by El Paso Natural Gas Co., retiring in 1979 after thirty years of service. Having started busting broncos at the age of 15, “Van” was at home in the saddle and had a life-long love of horses. While working at the El Paso Police Department, his Lieutenant told him to “get down there and see what you can do for those kids” in the livestock show. From that time, he dedicated 62 years and many hours of hard work to the Southwestern International Livestock Show and Rodeo, beginning as a volunteer, then Assistant Horse Show Superintendent. He became the Horse Show Superintendent in 1970 and was later elected Vice President of Arena and Grounds and to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, positions he held until his death. The number of children and teens he influenced over the years cannot be measured and he remains an adored icon of the organization and the El Paso community. He received the Paso Del Norte Award from the County of El Paso, as well as many other awards and commendations for his service to the community. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ava Marie Ketchum Vanstory, by his parents Walter G. Vanstory, Sr. and Hattie Blanche Siceloff Vanstory, a brother John William Vanstory and a sister Mary Lois Vanstory Dolby. He was also preceded in death by his son Jimmy Van Vanstory and daughter Connie Barfield. He is survived by son Ken Vanstory (Benicia, CA), daughter Mary Ann Haigh (Shoshone, ID), daughter Patricia Prather (Bloomfield, NM), son Charles Vanstory (Dallas, TX), daughter Beth Vanstory Lemon (El Paso, TX) and step-son Ray Rhudy (San Diego, CA). Surviving grandchildren include Mike Vanstory, Jim Bob Vanstory, Jolea James, Misty Engelmann, Johnny Barfield, James Adams, Hiram Adams, Jodi Martin, Tyler Vanstory, Mason Vanstory, Ryan Baker, Preston Vanstory Bissuett, Christina Milligan, Christopher Rhudy and Lisa Burke. There are 16 great-grandchildren. Very special thanks to Bob Abbott, VNA hospice, Dr. Raul Portillo, and Stefanie and Jerry Aguilar for their care in Walter’s final days, as well as Dr. Rene Casavantes and his mom for providing Walter with his last enjoyable repast. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Preston Vanstory Bissuett, Ryan Baker, Mike Vanstory, Jim Bob Vanstory, Tyler Vanstory and Mason Vanstory. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Lemon, Harry Vold, Doug Worsham, Chuck Mattox, Richard Fritz, Bill Bowers, Gary “Roach” Hedeman, Charlie Bush, Dr. Oliver Smith, James Franzoy, Mike Daigle, Monte Hough and Chris Deane. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2008 at Sunset Funeral Home–West. Funeral Service will be held 10 a.m., Monday, February 25, 2008 at Sunset Funeral Home-West, Chapel of Remembrance. Interment to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West.