Walter Lefler, Jr.

Walter Hue Lefler, Jr.

“Everyone’s Favorite Teacher”

Walt (Jr.) joyously entered the gates of Heaven early Monday morning, no longer bound by his tired, injured heart; welcomed by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

He was the fourth child of nineteen born to Walter Hue Lefler, Sr. and Lucille Lenor Weaver Lefler in Sioux City, Iowa.  He graduated from Bishop Heelan High School in 1962.  He soon enlisted in the US Air Force.  He had so many great adventures as a missile photographer at Vandenberg AFB, CA and on the Marshal Islands in the Pacific.  He was so proud to be a Vietnam Era Veteran.  He was the consummate story teller when he shared all of his exploits.

Walt graduated from Briar Cliff College, Sioux City in 1972 to be a high school history teacher, but that was not to be.  After surviving a heart attack at 33 years old, he went on to graduate from WSU, Ogden to become an elementary teacher.  Walt wore many hats during his lifetime: soldier, TV news photographer, TV news reporter, SAVON and 7-11 manager, and author; but teacher, father, grandfather and coach fit him best!

He taught fourth and fifth grades at Lewis Elementary, Horace Mann Elementary, and T.O. Smith Elementary from 1978 to 2007.  He coached baseball, basketball, and chess clubs, taking hundreds of students to the State Chess Tournaments.

Walt is survived by the most wonderful family: his best friend, confidant, teaching partner, travel companion, mother-figure to his children, eternally loving wife, Carole Lynn Thoza Lefler; his children, Rick (Stacee), Jim (Jolene), Jeff (Amber) Lefler, Shelly (Joe) Miera, Jesse (Tiffany), and Nick (Emilie) Nelson; 11 grandchildren: Brittany Smith, Janese (Chris) Canto, Candice Lefler, Logan (Brittany) Lefler, Renzo, Jochelle, and A.J. Miera, Jordan, Morgan, and Jamie Lefler; 6 great-grandchildren; brothers: Tom (Carol) Lefler, Joe (Candy) Lefler, Mick (Amy) Lefler, Patrick (Pam) Lefler, Tim (Julie) Lefler; sisters: Judy (Dick) Sams, Kaye (Larry) Bartscher, Janet ( John) Schrunk, Patricia (Larry) Sitzman, Linda (Larry) Wingert, Beth (Fred) Karpuk, Geri (Charlie) Noltze, Rose (Scott) Williams, Theresa (Steve) Grey, and Susie (Pat) Galvin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ricky and Johnny, and sister, Marty Jo.

“Celebration of Life” service will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Alpine Church Riverdale, 5050 South 1275 West.  We will also meet at 3:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Road in South Ogden for a Veteran’s Ceremony.

Flowers may be sent to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., or directly to Alpine Church, or donations may be sent to the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home, 1102 North 1200 West, Ogden 84404.

Walt’s legacy is and always will be his family and his family included ALL who knew him.