Walter Govan Kilby

Obituary Walter G. Kilby 8/1/1924 ~ 4/18/2013 Walter G. Kilby, age 88, was born in Seattle, Washington on August 1, 1924 to Grace and Richard Kilby. Walter passed away on April 18, 2013 in Tacoma, Washington. All of Walter's childhood years were spent growing up in Tacoma. His summers were spent in Sequim with cousins, at his Uncle Ray's dairy farm. On November 7, 1940, at the age of 16, he joined the Marine Corp and headed to Camp Pendleton by train. After boot camp, he was assigned to Company B, 5th Marine Division and was assigned to Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked and his division was assigned to help evacuate the men of the Arizona and other ships in the harbor. At the age of 17, the division was sent back to San Diego for an unknown assignment. The 5th Marine Division landed on Iwo Jima where the American Flag was raised. Walter was wounded and returned to Camp Adare, Oregon where he was hospitalized for one year. Walter received the Purple Heart and three Acts of Congress Medals. On February 19, 1945, Walter was honorably discharged from the Marine Corp. Walter returned to Tacoma to marry his childhood sweetheart, Gladys Hanson, on September 13, 1947. Walter retired after many years working as a longshoreman for ILWU Local 23. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Gladys; son, Kenneth (Pat); daughters, Karen (John) and Kristie; grandsons, Jared and Josh; and great-grandson, Sylas Walter. He is preceded in death by his son, Kevin. Walter helped to raise his two grandsons and was proud to see that they had become the kind and compassionate men that they are today. Everyone that met Walter was a friend. His humor and easygoing disposition was known to all. Walter touched many lives and continued to be a loving and caring soul mate until his last day. The Kilby family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support during the last year of his life. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 11:00am at Calvary Cemetery Chapel followed by graveside services with full military honors. A reception will follow at the VFW Hall, 3510 McKinley Ave E., Tacoma, WA 98404. "If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines" The Marines' Hymn Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003. A Life Celebration® Home.