Obituary of Walter Via

Graveside services for Walter E. Via, 82, of Abernathy TX, were held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 30, 2006 in the Happy Cemetery, Happy, TX, with Rev. David Menefee and Rev. Paul Burwash officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Abell Funeral Home of Abernathy, TX. Mr. Via died at his residence in Abernathy Thursday, September 28, 2006. He was born November 13, 1923 in Abilene, TX and attended Morton High School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II with 782nd Tank Batallion. He married Gui Fay Harrison on June 10, 1945 in Canyon, TX, and moved to Abernathy from Happy in 1976 to manage ranches in Texas and New Mexico for J.C. Mills. He farmed in the Arney community west of Happy for 30 years and in 1982 he opened Walt's Boot & Shoe Repair serving the Tulia, Floydada and Abernathy areas. He retired in 1989 and worked part time at Security Bank. He enjoyed painting, wood carving and gardening. He is survived by his wife Gui Via of Abernathy; his children Ronnie Via and his wife Sheila of Tulia, TX, Gary Via and his wife Jo of Plano, TX, Joe Bob Via and his wife Kathy of Canyon, TX, Becky Rainer and her husband Joe of Floydada, TX Via and Guy Walt Via and his wife Jan of Muleshoe, TX, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchidren, 2 sisters, Juanita Sparks of Magalia, CA and Floritta Vaughn of Holly Lake Ranch, TX. Abell Funeral Home