Kenneth Walser

Kenneth Walser

Mesa, AZ/Formerly of Manti

Kenneth Walser, age 93, died Friday afternoon, July 6, 2018, with his loving wife of 63 years, Susie Johnson Walser, at his side. The couple had relocated to Mesa, Arizona to be closer to their children 3 years ago. Prior, they were living in Sanpete County, Utah for more than 30 years.

Kenneth was born in El Paso, Texas on April 14, 1925, preceding his twin sister by 4 minutes. He was the fourth child of Alma Walter and Aseneth Skousen Walser. He had three older brothers and five younger sisters.

Kenneth spent his younger years in El Paso. He was active in the LDS Church and sports. At Stephen F. Austin High School he won numerous awards for swimming and diving, as well as playing on the football team. He also participated in swimming, track, and football at the University of Texas Austin and swimming at the University of Denver.

Kenneth served the Army Air Force at the tail end of WWII and in the Air Force in Korea where he flew 51 B-26 missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Seven Clusters and the Purple Heart. After his combat duty, Kenneth was among a number of Veteran USAF pilots selected to tour Air Force ROTC units. After leaving the Air Force, Kenneth spent most of the rest of his professional life as a commercial airline pilot.

Kenneth and Susie were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 2, 1956. They were blessed with five children: Jon Kenneth, David Kimball, Neal Johnson, Alice Renee Glidewell and Catherine Jane Kellner. They have lived in Utah, Washington, Alaska, California, Utah (again) and Arizona. As a father, he excelled. He was a wonderful example to his boys of how to conduct themselves and a loving protector and leader for his girls. Kenneth has faithfully served in many capacities in the LDS Church including bishop, missionary, high councilor and temple sealer.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Susie Johnson Walser; all five of his children as well as 21 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren; brother, Roy; and sisters: Helen Wells and Melba Allan. He is preceded in death by his parents and five of his eight siblings: Walter, Stansel, Aseneth Davis, Betty Olsen, and Lucille Brown.

A viewing will be held at Bunker’s Family Funeral Home at 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ, Friday, July 13, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The funeral services will be held in Manti, Utah where Kenneth and Susie spent most of their retirement years. The services will be Saturday, July 21, 10:00 am at the Manti Tabernacle, 90 S Main St, Manti, UT. There will be a viewing held prior to services from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Manti City Cemetery with Military Honors. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

As a family we thank all those who have loved and served our husband, father, brother and son. He was and is an example of kindness, integrity and courage. We will miss him but look forward to seeing him again someday.