Walter I. Stocksdale

Walter I. Stocksdale, age 90, of New Philadelphia, died Monday, May 2, 2011 at Union Hospital in Dover after a period of declining health. A lifetime resident of New Philadelphia, Walter was born July 31, 1920 to the late Ivan and Edna (Knecht) Stocksdale. He was a 1938 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and attended Western Reserve University in Cleveland until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in December of 1942. He served as a flight navigator on a B-17 during WWII.Following his service, Walter worked at Gilgen’s Slaughter House and Yaggi Cheese Factory. In the early 1950’s Walter was a co-owner along with his brother-in-law, Ed Englehart, of East Front Street Market in Dover. Later he was a salesman for Nickels Bakery retiring in 1982. He was a 62 year member of the First United Church of Christ. Walter was a sports fan having played football in high school, college, and the Air Force. He played for the legendary coaches Woody Hayes and Bear Bryant. Walter was a life member of the Elks Lodge BPOE 510 where he was an avid card player, the F & AM Lodge 177, and the VFW Post 1445, all in New Philadelphia.On September 25, 1948 Walter married Clara Yaggi and together they had 3 children. Walter is survived by Clara, his wife of 62 years; his children Susan French of Suwanee, GA, James Stocksdale and Cathy Stocksdale, both of Columbus, OH; and 5 grandchildren Brian and Amy French, and Alyson, Dain, and Jesse Stocksdale as well as numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Mary Jane Stocksdale; a sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Edward Englehart; and a son-in-law, Gary French.The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Friday, May 6, 2011, from 10:00 â?? 11:00 AM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Reverend Jeff Gerber will lead a memorial service celebrating Walter’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Friday at 11:00 AM. Following the service the family wishes to invite guests to join them in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home, where a meal and fellowship will be shared.Memorial contributions in Walter’s name may be directed to the First United Church of Christ, PO Box 422, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.