Joseph Nalton Thibodeaux

Joseph "Joe" Nalton Thibodeaux of Arlington, Wa passed away of natural causes related to old age on January 8, 2012 at 90 years of age. He was born on October 30, 1921 to Louis Thibodeaux and Clemence Hebert Thibodeaux in Port Barrie, LA. As a young man he enlisted in the United States Army in 1940. He was a WWII Veteran, who participated in D Day. His service in the Army ended with an honorable discharge.

Thereafter, he re-enlisted in the Air Force, serving in the Korean War, where he was awarded two Bronze Stars (the fourth highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces), plus numerous Unit Awards and Citations. He retired from the Air Force after 26 years of service. He was employed by Boeing for six years and by Fred Meyer for eight years. With his degree in welding from E.C.C., he also was employed as a welder for a period of time.

In 1967 Joe met the love of his life, Helen Scafe. They were married on May 10, 1969 in Everett, Wa. After entering into full retirement, he and Helen traveled extensively in the South Western United States. Joe was an avid fisherman. As a great "tinker" and "jack of all trades", he was best known as a metal and woods craftsman.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Gustave, Milton and Wilfred Thibodeaux; and sister, Elvina Thibodeaux all of Louisiana.

Joe is survived by Helen Thibodeaux, his loving wife of 42 years; five children, Morgan Thibodeaux (Rose), Kenneth Thibodeaux (Sue), Joyce Thibodeaux, Joseph Thibodeaux, Jr., and John Thibodeaux; stepsons, Dennis Scafe (Meri), Kenneth Scafe (Caroline) and Gayle Scafe (Dona); and two sisters, Mary Thibodeaux Blacock and Bernice Thibodeaux Legier; plus, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

At the request of Joe's family, a private graveside funeral service with full military honors shall be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Everett, WA on January 17, 2012. Arrangements under the direction of Purdy & Walters with Cassidy Funeral Home, Everett, WA.