Walker B. “Wally” Elder, age 84, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2009 in Lynnwood.

Wally was born on June 26, 1924 in Cabbell County, W. Va. to Louise and Walker Elder. At the age of 17 he joined the Navy and served during World War II and the Korean War.

Wally met his future wife, Edna, in Seattle and they were married on July 11, 1949. After serving in the Navy for 21 years, he retired and he and his family moved to Whidbey, where his wife had been raised.

After working on a fishing boat, at Boeing and on the tugs, he settled into working at Whidbey General Hospital until his second retirement in 1987.

In 2006, Wally and Edna moved to the “mainland” to be closer to their daughter. After having heart surgery in March 2007, they moved into Chateau Pacific, a retirement community in Lynnwood where his wife continues to live.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, his son Steve, his sister Frances and his brother Kennedy. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Edna; his daughter Sandra (Jim) and two granddaughters Shannon Steffenson (David) and Teresa Wahl.

In keeping with Wally’s wishes, no services will be held.