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Walter Frank Mars
03/20/1923 — 10/01/2008
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Fromberg, MT
Walter Frank Mars
Walter Frank Mars, 85 of Richland Washington, passed away October 1, 2008 at Kadlec Medical Center, Richland WA.
Walt, a first generation American, was born March 20, 1923 to Peter and Veronica Mars at the family home in Fromberg, Montana. Walt was one of ten children, three of whom died at birth.
As a youth Walt attended Fromberg High School, graduating class of 1940. While in school he participated in the marching band and played basketball.
While growing up, Walt worked in the Black Diamond Coal Mine and at the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone Park. In 1943 he enlisted in the Merchant Marines, working as a machinist helper for Poole and McGonigal in the Portland Shipyards.
In 1947 Walt relocated to Richland, WA. Walt continued working in the machinist field in the Hanford area, starting with General Electric, retiring the first time in 1985 from Westinghouse Hanford. He returned to work as a consultant for them, again retiring in 1992.
On December 1, 1961 Walt married Josephine Anne Odom. Jo provided Walt with a ready made family consisting of David, Debbie and Mary Anne Odom. October of 1962 brought daughter Lisa, followed in 1966 by daughter Tracey.
Walt was an active outdoors man. Fishing spots were the Oregon Coast, and the Toutle River, while his hunting activities took place in the Blue Mountains. Walt loved to garden and was very proud of his annual tomato patch. Other activities included bowling every Thursday night even attaining the 'Most Improved Average'. He was a member of the American Legion for 57 years. He enjoyed playing pinochle, poker, and he loved to dance. Walt spent the last ten years living at Alterra in Richland. He enjoyed helping direct activities and was a volunteer on the maintenance team. Walt was a unique individualwith a droll sense of humor-he was well known for his endless supply of bad jokes. He instilled in his children strength, integrity, honesty and the ability to pull weeds and operate a manual thatch rake.
Walter is survived by sister, Lucille 'Mitzi' Butcherof Seattle WA, daughters Lisa Ron Marr of Benton City WA, and Tracey Mars of Richland WA, step-children, David Melanie Odom of Richland WA, Debbie Ron Bloom of Wasilla AK, and Mary Anne Matt Humiston of Kingston WA, grandchildren, Jeremy Odom of Wasilla AK, Makala Mike Johnson of Spokane WA, Stephanie Drew Pritchard of Seattle, Jessica Joe Lindquist of Wasilla AK, Jordanne Pruitt of Weatherford TX, and Jared Pruitt of Benton City WA. He also had 4 great-grandchildren.
As per Walter's request no services will be held. A wake will be held March 21, 2009, at daughter Lisa's house, please leave contact information in the online guest book at www.einansfuneralhome.com
Papa-Rest in Peace, I will always miss you. Love
Lisa
My thoughts and prayers are with you the family during this time.
My heart-felt condolences go out to the Mars’ family. I first met Walt in 1973 at the 306E building QC Inspection LabHanford. Walt worked for me for a number of years while I was the lead engineer for the Lab. Wlat pretty much taught me most of what I know about physical and mechanical inspection. We had lots of inspection challenges and Walt always seemed to come up with a way for proper set-up for the inspections. He was a master in the use of the Optical Comparator. I will miss miss Walt a lot. Rest in peace my friend.
My condolences to the Mars Family. I First became acquainted with Walt in 1952 during pick-up basketball games at Spaulding School. We bumped elbows quite a few times, had a good time and became friends. We also went deer hunting in the Spokane area. Then, during work at Hanford we would occasionally meet and update each other on our activities. Through a prompt in the paper I called and congratulated him on his 80th birthday. Walt will be remembered.
My deepest condolences to Waltâs family, may God comfort you at this time. I first met Walt in 1988 when I transferred to 306E in the 300 area working for Westinghouse. Walt, being the senior man in the QA/QC group, took me under his wing and taught me a lot about precision measurement tools and reactor components. Our desks faced each other so we had a lot of time to visit and crack jokes, while working of course. Walt had some of the best jokes and such a dry sense of humor. After we both left Westinghouse we would send each other Christmas cards with a line or two about how everything was going. I thought about Walt often and always looked forward to that Christmas card. I wish I had of went and visited him but never did, my loss. I will miss Walt and he will always have a special spot in my heart. May he rest in peace and until we see each other in Heaven, Goodbye my friend.
Mark McGhan
My mother, Catherine Kay Blakely, sometimes sat at the same table at Alterra sharing meals with Walt. She enjoyed his company and was sad to learn of his sudden passing. Walt called Mom several times a week to tell her of upcoming musical programs on PBS. I used to bring Walt tomatoes in the summer as he was quite the fan of a good tomato! Both Mom and I will miss Walt’s dry wit and the twinkle in his eye.
my condolences to the family.you are in my thoughts & prayers. JoAnn
Guestbook for
Walter Frank Mars