Walter Thomas Mabry

On December 30, 2021, Walter Mabry died of a broken heart. His beloved wife, Edith, passed away four weeks earlier on their 72nd wedding anniversary, and he just couldn’t go on without her. He was 98 years old and had lived a long and interesting life.

Walter Thomas Mabry was born on June 29, 1923, to Harry Parker Mabry and Edith Woods Mabry in Yakima, Washington. Walter’s family ties to the area ran deep, as previous generations on his paternal side were pioneers in the Yakima Valley and his maternal grandparents built and operated a sawmill in Goldendale. Walt grew up on a ranch in Englewood Heights. The youngest of three siblings, he told stories about wild adventures that he and his brother initiated, including gathering apples on the top of the hill and throwing them at cars being driven on the road below, and some hair-raising wagon rides down the steep hill. He recalled that his chores on the ranch included tending the large vegetable garden when he was young and working in the fruit orchards as he grew older. He attended Castlevale School, Franklin Jr. High, and Old Yakima High School, graduating in 1941.

Walter served in the Army Air Force during World War II, from 1943 through 1946. He was stationed in Florida, California, Utah, and Hawaii. Following discharge from military service, he attended the School of Horology in Denver, Colorado, where he learned the art of watch repair and graduated in June of 1950. While living in Denver, Walter and his roommate saw a notice in the newspaper that St. Paul’s Lutheran Church was hosting a Singles Potluck on Valentine’s Day in 1949. Although he was just looking for a free meal, Walter was captivated by a pretty young woman from Kansas who he met at the party. He turned on his charm, a courtship ensued, and Walter Mabry and Edith Mai were married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in WaKeeney, KS, on December 3, 1949.

On July 4th, 1950, the young couple arrived in Yakima and settled into married life. After a few years, Walter built a home on N. 33rd Avenue next to his brother Alfred and family on land that, according to family legend, was won in a poker game by their father. Walter purchased the Alden Davis Jewelry Store at 22 N. 1st Street in 1953, and this later became Plaza Jewelers when he went into partnership with Jack Meyer. Cle Hagar joined the partnership and Bestway Pawn Corp. was formed in 1971 at 22 S. 1st Street. Bestway is the oldest family-owned pawn shop in Yakima. Walter was also one of the charter members of the Collateral Loan Association of Washington, now known as the Washington State Pawnbrokers Association.

Walt and Edith had three children: Lizabeth Anne (Beth), Timothy Parker, and Kevin William. Walter had a generous heart and a creative flair for giving gifts, including a live monkey for the kids one year for Christmas, a pony for their backyard, and a pearl-handled pistol as a Mother’s Day present for Edith. One summer, upon her return from a trip to Kansas with the kids, Edith was surprised to find all her flower beds filled with decorative white pebbles; in another attempt to spruce up the landscaping, he painted the curbs of their driveway pink. Walt loved and spoiled his pets and grandpets. The family enjoyed the companionship of their basset hound, Hilda, learning after a few years that—unbeknownst to them—she waddled across Summitview Avenue every morning to get treats from the Dairy Queen. Walt loved to take the family fishing and camping in their pickup camper in Washington and Canada. They also spent many enjoyable hours at Grandma Mabry’s cabin on the Bumping River near Goose Prairie.

Walter and Edith were longtime members of Central Lutheran Church in Yakima. Walt served as Head Usher and on the Church Council. They were members of the Fireside Group for young couples at the church, which led to many close lifelong friendships.

Walt and Edith retired in 1988 and began a new phase of their lives as travelers throughout the United States in their motorhome. They downsized to a condominium on Cherry Park Court in Yakima. They enjoyed the “snowbird” life with winters in the warm South so much that they purchased a park model home at a resort in Mesa, Arizona, where they enjoyed socializing and participating in the many activities available there. They liked to dance and were so smooth on the dance floor. As they grew older and their health began to decline, they settled back into their condo in Yakima for several years and then moved to The Ponderosa assisted living facility in the fall of 2019. Following Edith’s death, Walter lived at Landmark Care Center for a few weeks until his passing there.

Walter was passionate about restoring and driving Model A Fords and was a charter member of the Apple Valley Model A Club. He loved attending swap meets and driving his Model A sedans on tours and in parades. During his later years, he could take almost any subject of conversation and relate it to the Model A Ford, thus steering the conversation to talking about his favorite subject. He tried to hide from Edith that he was renting three storage units, not one, for working on his vehicles. (Of course, she knew.) He was a craftsman and enjoyed woodworking and carving, and he made many beautiful hiking sticks and canes that he enjoyed giving away to friends and relatives. He loved tinkering in his workshop and trips to the hardware store to buy PC-11.

Walt enjoyed telling stories, especially ones in which he was invariably the hero, and he operated under the principle that one should never let facts get in the way of a good story. He also loved negotiating deals and feeling that he got a bargain—and even when he didn’t, he always seemed to land on his feet. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He liked Western books, TV shows, and movies. He loved Edith’s huckleberry pie! We attribute the longevity of Walter and Edith partly to their daily happy hour, sitting back with a Scotch and water on the rocks every afternoon.

Walter will be missed by his children: Beth Farrell & Jeff Kokita and Tim & Dianne Mabry of Yakima, and Kevin & Kathy Mabry of Fort Collins, CO; grandchildren: Amelia Farrell & Todd Irving, Abigail & Eric Rhoads, Jae Farrell & LaDawn Olney of Yakima, Jon Farrell of Cheney, WA, Julie & Chad Bremerman and Brandon & Meleah Mabry of Yakima, Callie Mabry of Holden Village, WA, and Cortney Mabry & Ben Stevens of Denver, CO; and great-grandchildren: Haley & Tyler Baxter and Gracie, Avery, and Ryan Rhoads, SiJin Farrell, Hannah and Emma Bremerman, and Kierra and Jace Mabry, all of Yakima. He is also survived by Edith’s brother, Howard & Charlotte Mai and daughter Janet of Denver, CO, and sister-in-law Betty Mai of Topeka, KS, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Frances & Ralph Barton and Alfred & Inez Mabry; and infant granddaughter Kate Waller Mabry.

A private family graveside service with military rites is planned. In memory of Walter, raise a glass of Scotch, tell a good story, or make a great deal!