On Thursday November 19, 2020 Walter B. DeGrande passed away at the age of 96. Walter was born September 15, 1924 in Yuma, AZ but grew up on the Quechan reservation, as he was a proud member of the Quechan Indian Tribe.
At the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Seriously wounded in a mortar attack upon entering Aachen, Germany, he was hospitalized for 90 days in Southampton, England, then sent home to complete his convalescence. For the wounds he suffered in combat, he was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his heroic achievements.
After marrying Josephine Martinez they settled for a time in Wellton, Arizona and in Yuma for a couple of years before returning to the reservation. Their daughter Alice Irene was born in 1948, followed by Stephen in 1949, Christina in 1953, and Charles in 1963.
In 1955 he began working at the Yuma Test Station. The name was later changed to the Yuma Proving Grounds. He worked there for a total of 37 years of federal civil service. After retirement he worked for a short time at Ferrell Gas Company.
Our dad raised cows, pigs, goats, chickens and a very mean turkey! He loved his horses and went riding whenever he could. He often rode in the Silver Spur Rodeo Parade. In later years after the passing of our mom in 1985, he enjoyed traveling the country in his RV.
Family members preceding him in death were his parents Frank and Sara (Leroy) DeGrande; brothers Barney, John, Tony and Carlos; sisters Rosie Bustamante, Virginia Chavez, Amelia (Eckie) Ortiz, and Bertha (Dutchie) Sumner.
Surviving siblings are Georgia Estupinan, Mary (Earl) Bland, Frances Derma, Billy (Magdalena) De Grande, and Linda (Lorey) Cachona. There are 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.
"Sweet dreams Dad, we'll miss you."
