Walter John Stringham

Walter John Stringham, Sr., 93, of Battle Creek died peacefully at Evergreen Manor on Saturday, August 1, 2015.

Walt was born August 24, 1921 in Bellevue, Michigan to Earl John and Maneta (Marriott) Stringham. He lived in Barry County most of his life, where he attended school; and then served with the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was one of the original crew members of the U.S.S. Indiana, served in the Asiatic Pacific and was awarded two Silver Stars and one Bronze Star. Walt was employed as a machinist for 31 years at Post Cereals Division of Kraft / General Foods, retiring in 1983.

Walter was united in marriage to the former Betty L. Cook on August 5, 1946 in Battle Creek. He was preceded in death by Betty, his wife of 65+ years on February 17, 2012. Surviving are two daughters, Diana L. (Donald) La Fon of West Lafayette, IN, Walleen M. Stringham of Battle Creek; six grandchildren, Sherry (Bob) Washburn, Glenn (Laura) Nelson, Deb (Steve) Johnson, Alexis Stringham, Todd, Stringham, Lisa Schmalhurst; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Harold (Jackie) Stringham of Kalamazoo; and several nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his wife, Walt was also preceded in death by a son, Walter John Stringham, Jr. in 2010; and by two sisters, Virginia Strasser and Helen Lacy.

Walt was a member of the Post 25 Year Club. He was an avid fisherman, fished year round, made some of his own lures, and used to go North on fishing trips with his friends and fellow fishermen.

Friends will be received 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where, funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2015. Military honors and interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Walt may be made to Great Lakes Hospice. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.