Walter Franklin Hay, 88, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at Mt. Vernon Assisted Living in Idaho Falls. Walter was born August 20,1921 in Menan, Idaho to Aaron Shepard Hay and Myrtie Olivia Johnson Hay. He grew up in Menan, graduating with high honors from Rigby High School.


On May 24, 1941 he married Hazel Louise Muir in Rexburg. They had two children and were divorced in 1947. Walter served in the US Army in World War II in Austria and Germany from August 1944 to April 1946. He was a decorated soldier, receiving the bronze star as well as other awards. He stayed after peace was declared in Germany, serving in the 29th regiment in Frankfort with Eisenhower's Honor guard. He was recruited to play in the Army Band where he played trumpet.

In 1964 he met Dorothy Reynolds in Annapolis, Maryland. They were married later that year and spent the remainder of their lives in that area. Walter was active in his later years in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served as a temple worker as well as in stake and ward callings.

Dorothy preceded him in death in 2007. In January of 2009 he came back to Idaho where he resided first at Homestead Assisted Living in Rexburg and most recently at Mt. Vernon Assisted Living in Idaho Falls.

He is survived by his children from his first marriage, Leland Weatherston of Lewiston, Utah and Barbara Bell of Rexburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Leland Hay and Jim Hay and his sisters; Afton Current and Elaine Morgan.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery with military rites by the Madison County veterans team.