Walter Leo Whitten passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Pasco, WA, on Monday, August 24th. He was 81 years old.

Walter was born May 17, 1928 in Portland, Oregon. He was raised in Toutle and Castle Rock, WA. He was in the Army for three years, stationed in Japan, during the occupation at the end of World War II. While in the army, he was a vehicle inspector and his job was to wreck Jeeps to find the various points of failure. The Army would then study the Jeeps and figure out how to fix and fortify them.

After arriving in the Tri-Cities 58 years ago, he married Kathleen White in 1951. They had three children, Sheree, Larry and Robin. He later married Barbara Thomas on April Fool's Day in 1970, accepting Holly as his daughter, while onlookers murmured, "This will never last...".

Walt was the former owner of Walt's Exxon on Lee Blvd. in Richland for 26 years. He was also a member of the American Legion, Post 34. Of all of the many accomplishments and crazy events in Walt's life, he was the most proud of his children.

In his youth, Walt bought many, many stale hamburgers from Harry Truman at Spirit Lake. He also rode his horse Baldy, on the Cascade Trail and across railroad trestles every summer. As an adult, Walt earned his private pilot's license at age 49. He spent many enjoyable hours in his plane, Betsy, flying into and out of the wilderness areas all over the Northwest.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barb, son Larry Karen Whitten of Pasco, daughters Sheree Don Norquist of Chelmsford, MA and Holly Roberts of Sunnyvale, CA, brothers Les Dena Whitten and Bill Diane Whitten, all of Castle Rock, WA, sister Laura Bert Martineau of Longview, WA, grandchildren Laura, Brent and Janelle Norquist, Kyle and Ryan Whitten, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Margaret Whitten, daughter Robin Whitten, and brother John Straw.

Graveside services to be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 29th at Sunset Memorial Garden, 915 By-Pass Highway, Richland. At Walt's request, attire should be casual: "come as you please".

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory may make donations to: Hospice of The Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336.

Special thanks to: Dr. Stanley Hales and staff of Lourdes Medical Center, Pasco, WA; Dr. Michael Kwasman and staff at Spokane Cardiology; and the wonderful staff at Hospice, especially Bonnie Jo, Joan, Stephanie, Linda and Chaplain Tim.

Most who knew Walt knew of his sense of humor, generous nature and crazy stories. His retirement motto was: "No office, no hurries, no business, no worries. Available by appointment for: breakfast, lunch, dinner, fishing, travel or expert advice." Walt never met a stranger, and was never, ever at a loss for words...