Walter A. Meyer, formerly of Glendale, Arizona and Prescott, Arizona passed away on Monday, November 19, 2012 at the Arizona State Veterans Home in Phoenix, Arizona. Walt was born on November 5, 1930 in Arlington County, Virginia, the son of Angell E. Meyer and Virginia E. Good. Walt graduated from high school in Alexandria, Virginia and worked as a cashier at Safeway Foods until entering the United States Army on February 5, 1952. He served in the Korean War where he was wounded on October 14, 1952 and again on October 28, 1952 and attained the rank of Sergeant. Walt received two Purple Hearts along with the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, a Commendation Ribbon, a Merit Unit Commendation, a Good Conduct Medal, a United Nations Service Medal and a Combat Infantry Badge. Those who knew Walt through the years knew that he was a somewhat quiet, unassuming man but he served his country well during that time of conflict. He continued to serve in the Reserves until receiving an Honorable Discharge on February 19, 1960.
Walt began working for the U.S. Post Office while still living in Alexandria, Virginia and then transferred to the Glendale, Arizona Post Office where he worked until he retired in June of 1990. He was quite a remarkable mail carrier considering he had a different route every day of the week so he not only had to know one route but he had to know all five routes. He made many friends while working at the Glendale Post Office and he was always there to lend a hand to help friends. Walt was also an avid hiker and spent most of his long weekends off hiking and backpacking with one of his fellow workers. He had a vast knowledge of some of Arizona's best hiking spots and was very proud of his hiking abilities. Walt didn't brag about much but he sure did brag about those hikes. Walt was also an avid Washington Redskins fan while living in Alexandra where he held season tickets to their games.
Walter married Jeanette C. Cheek on March 7, 1965 and she predeceased him July 15, 1988. He then married Joyce E. Davenport on October 6, 1989 and she survives him. He is also survived by his sister Carol MacMillan of Prescott, Arizona, step-daughter Kappi (E.Ladd) Cox of Coldwater, Michigan and step-son Michael (Maria) Davenport of Vicksburg, Michigan along with step-grandchildren Kellee Bauer, Wyatt Cox, Neil Davenport, Kayla Davenport and step-great granddaughter, Brooklyn Bauer. Walt's parents Virginia and Angell predeceased him in July, 1989 and in December, 1997 respectively.
Walter was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2005 and spent his last four years living at the Arizona State Veterans Home where he was given the utmost care by the Staff. He participated in many activities while there and was well liked by the Staff who share in grieving his loss.
Cremation has taken place and the family is celebrating his life privately. Donations can be made to either the Arizona State Veteran's Home towards their Recreation Department or to the Alzheimer's Foundation.
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