Walter S. Barsell, Sr., age 97 of Wahoo, died September 24, 2018 in Wahoo. He was born December 11, 1920 in Omaha, to Walter and Hazel (Goddard) Barsell. Walt graduated from Benson High School in 1939.
While in high school, Walt excelled in football, basketball and track. He served as Senior Class President and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed”. At age 19, Walt enlisted in the United States Navy and served during World War II.
He served on the USS Astoria for two years as an Electronic Technician. Walt was stationed at Pearl Harbor when that military base was attacked by Japan on December 7, 1941. He continued his service at Pearl Harbor for another 18 months.
Following his assignment at Pearl Harbor, Walt went to New York for advanced training and then to Okinawa where he served until the end of World War II. Not only was Walt a Pearl Harbor Survivor and a World War II Veteran, he served in the Naval Reserves for three years then returned to active duty to help the US forces achieve success in the Korean Conflict. Walt and his first wife, Pansy Pauline Barsell, were married for ten years before Pancy’s death.
On April 24, 1960, he married Bonnie Jean Smith at Grace Methodist Church in Lincoln. They established their life in Wahoo where Walter worked as store manager at Hinky Dinky for 37 years. He was the first store manager for Hinky Dinky to qualify for company retirement benefits.
Walt was a member, and Past President, of the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce. Walt also was active in the Eagles Club, the Pearl Harbor Survivor Association, and was a Life Member of Wahoo VFW Post #4502. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church where he volunteered as a Sunday School Teacher and Sunday School Superintendent.
He was a Cub Scout Scoutmaster for many years and also delivered Meals on Wheels. In his spare time, Walt enjoyed golfing, fishing, and spending his time with his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the Wahoo Whirlers dance club after having taken dance lessons when he was in his twenties, and again at the age of 91.
He is survived by his sons Rand (Barbara) Barsell of Ely, NV, Walter Jr. (Cathy) Barsell of Fremont, Douglas (Grace) Barsell of Green Acres, FL, Donald Barsell of Ben Lomond, CA, David (Julia) Barsell of Tucson, AZ; daughters Mary Alice (Roger) Mills of Blaine, WA, Pam (Arnie) Pospisil of Wahoo, Gloria Stroebel of Wahoo; sister Vivian Zwink of Macksvile, KS; special friend Anita Parker of Wahoo; 14 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. Walt was preceded in death by his two wives, Bonnie Jean and Pancy Pauline; and brother William Barsell. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Walter S. Barsell please visit our Sympathy Store.
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