Walter William Carnwright I

George and Lillian Carnwright welcomed their sixth child while living in the hills of Pennsylvania. The youngest of their family, Walter William Carnwright was called Billy or Bill while growing up.

Lillian tragically passed away when Billy was just four years old. When asked what he wanted to do first in heaven, he answered to get to know his mother because he had no memory of her. Farm living taught him the joy of milking cows, driving a tractor and sneaking a homemade pickle from the barrel in the basement. He developed a love for machinery that would define the rest of his life. A case of polio as a young child deformed his spine giving him life long back pain from scoliosis. Times were tough and his father chased construction jobs throughout New York and Pennsylvania with his family. The children changed schools often and attended more than 20 schools in a 15 year period. He learned to make friends, adapt quickly to new environments and stay determined and focused on the task at hand. Developing a quick wit and positive sense of humor, he became a story teller extraordinaire. Having a strong commitment to family and friends, he felt a deep responsibility to support and defend those around him. He could be generous beyond measure to help someone he knew was “down on his luck.”

In the early 1950’s Bill headed to California to chase opportunities in the West. He made the decision to go by his first name, Walt, rather than Bill. He could do anything: he worked as a gas station manager, mechanic, car wash manager, machinist and even as a McDonalds closing manager. He married Zelma Wilhelmina Snyder in 1957 and they had two children: Walter William Carnwright, II, and Loretta Annette. The marriage didn’t work out and the children stayed in the US with their father. On June 19th, 1965 he married Marilyn Kay who had a daughter Bonnie Leigh, almost the same age as Loretta. He graduated from the Glendora Police Department Reserves in 1966 and the couple welcomed their youngest child Carilyn Marie that same year. A little community called Apple Valley was growing just over the Cajon Pass. They moved the family to the high desert to open his own business. Apple Valley Auto Repair opened in 1972 and was followed by The Smog Center in 1984.

Walt was devoted to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His Christian walk was the foundation for his life. His faith wasn’t for show or pretense. He never shied away from speaking about his love for the Lord. Apple Valley Church of the Nazarene was the second home of the Carnwright family. The Carnwright home was a block away from church and became a fun gathering place for church families on Sunday nights. Eventually, Walt and Marilyn moved their membership to the Victorville Church of the Nazarene where he helped build the new sanctuary.

He enjoyed camping, travelling through most of the United States with his family and church friends. He and Marilyn travelled internationally and took several cruises. He loved salted buttermilk, Ritz crackers, Limburger cheese, tapioca pudding, ice cream, pop corn, fried chicken, corn on the cob, napping, hunting, coin collecting, wood working, auto repair, duct tape, WD-40 and anything that involved the purchase of a new tool.

He was a Jack of all trades and enjoyed helping and giving advice to absolutely everyone. Walt had the wonderful ability to tell a funny story with impeccable timing. He found humor everywhere and was always quick to share it with others. He was a jokester: he could be found outside your rig with a cow bell, on the roof with his walker or on the treadmill on his scooter. He loved a good party, a good joke and a good idea.

Walt is survived by his wife of 60 years Marilyn Kay Carnwright, Son-Walter William Carnwright II (Ariel Feir) of Las Vegas, NV, Daughter-Bonnie Leigh Boss, of Apple Valley, CA, Daughter-Loretta Annette Fritz (Terry Fritz) of Port Orchard, WA, Daughter-Carilyn Marie Parisi (Jordan Parisi), of Apple Valley, CA. Grandchildren (Bonnie) Jennie, Aaron, Leah, Emily, Katie, (Carilyn) Anthony, Christopher, Alicia, Michael, (Loretta) Emma, Austin and (Walter) Ben. He also had twelve great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father - George Cooper Carnwright, mother - Lillian Parthena Carnwright (nee Cleveland), Siblings - Julia Anna Daniels, George Arthur Carnwright, Betty Marie Kelley, Raymond Edgar Carnwright and Doris Jean Carnwright.

Funeral services will be held at Sunset Hills Memorial Park Chapel located at 24000 Waalew Road in Apple Valley on Tuesday, February 10th. There will be a viewing at 11am, a service at Noon and a graveside service at 1pm. Victorville Church of the Nazarene will host a pot luck gathering at 2:30pm after the services. The church is located at 13801 Rodeo Drive, Victorville, CA 92395.