Walter A Bedlien

Walter Alfred Bedlien, 89, passed away September 7, 2015 in Pueblo, Colorado. He and his identical twin brother, William “Bill” Curtis Bedlien were born July 1, 1926 at LaSalle, Colorado, to George Thomas and Flora Elizabeth (LaPan) Bedlien. His parents and brother preceded him in death. Walter grew up in LaSalle, the grandson of William Curtis and Frances (Graham) Bedlien who owned the White Ash Coal Mine ca 1918. William was descended from Jacob and Mary Ann (Smith) Bedillion/Bedlion. Walter attended grade school in LaSalle and completed 11th grade at Central High School in Pueblo while he worked at Crews-Beggs Department store at the SE corner of 4th and Main Street. Walter and his brother, Bill, served in the U.S. Navy from May 1, 1944 to June 2, 1946 and were WWII Veterans. When he and Bill signed up at the Navy Recruiting office, they enjoyed confusing the officers when they couldn’t tell them apart. Walter was awarded the Purple Heart after he was wounded October 25 1944, while serving aboard the escort carrier U.S.S. Suwannee CVE27, that was under Japanese Kamikaze attack in Leyte Gulf. During his Navy service, Walter was also awarded the World War II Victory medal, American area medal, and the Philippine Liberation medal (2 Stars). Walter was a Certified Pilot and early in their marriage he flew Lue Frances in a bi-plane in Baca County, Colorado. Hopping the plane over cattle ranches fences was a challenge and a delight for Walter, however not so much for Lue Frances. Walter is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Lue Frances Bedlien whom he married August 22 1950 in Clayton, New Mexico. He is also survived by their two loving children Walter Edward (Nancy) Bedlien of Pueblo, and Linda Cheryl (Joe) Rupp of Ness city, Kansas; four grandchildren; Chad, Tami, Jayson and Geoffrey; twelve great-grandchildren and numerous in-laws, family, and friends. After 30 years, Walter retired from Colorado Fuel & Iron Steel Mill in 1979. He continued to meet with the CF&I guys for breakfast once a month and country Buffet. He owned and operated Bedlien Tree Service for 40 years. Walter enjoyed hunting elk with his son, Eddie, and friends in the Rocky Mountains near sergeants, Colorado. For hears Walter and Lue Frances were active members of “Bell’s Fort Free Trappers and Muzzle Loaders” with their son, Eddie who with his wife, Nancy, continue to host the Shooting Range on their property by Fountain Creek. When asked what she’d like friends and family to know about Walter, Lue Frances said, “He and his brother never met a stranger.” Memorial service and viewing were Monday September 14, 2015 at Imperial Memorial Gardens.