Willard Joe Harnden, age 89 of Goodyear, AZ passed away on March 30, 2018. He was born in Medicine Lodge, Kansas in 1928. Billy grew up with his mother Ruth, Grandmother Elizabeth, older sister, Beverly and step-father “Doc”. He was very active with Boy Scouts and the Sea & Air Scout programs and earned his Eagle Scout award in 1943. While a high school senior, Bill began taking flying lessons (unbeknownst to his mother) in a small Piper Cub aircraft, and would eventually earn his private pilot’s license in 1960.
After graduating from Medicine Lodge High School in 1946, Bill enlisted in the US Marine Corps at the age of seventeen. Private First Class WJ Harnden’s first assignment was with the famous Black Sheep fighter squadron VMF-214 as an aircraft support and maintenance personnel. Stationed at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Orange County, California, Bill’s squadron was also assigned to sea operations with the escort aircraft carrier USS Rendova. Bill enjoyed his adventures on the Pacific Ocean.
Upon completion of his enlistment, Bill returned to Kansas to attend and graduate from Emporia State Teachers’ College, specializing in accounting and mathematics. The Korean conflict brought Bill back to the Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1951. Transferring to the Marine Corps Reserve in 1953, Bill continued his service and advanced to the rank of Colonel in 1975 before officially retiring in 1988.
Bill started his accounting career in Wichita, Kansas and after moving to Denver, Colorado, Bill’s career expanded to include domestic oil production. He enjoyed his time as an active adult leader with his three son’s ventures with the Boy Scouts. After living a number of years in San Diego, California, Bill and his wife, Ann moved to Phoenix to enjoy his golden years and be closer with his grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ann; three sons, Willard Joe, Jr., Jeffery, and Eric; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A service with military honors will be held promptly at 12:30 pm, Monday, April 9, 2018 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024. The family suggests donations be made to the Hospice of the West, 21410 N. 19th Ave., Ste. 100, Phoenix, AZ 85027.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6