Tacoma News Tribune - May 12, 2009
Stuart Ward Gleason
Stuart Ward Gleason, age 80, died peacefully at his daughter Michele's home in Tacoma, on Saturday, May 9. He was born in Orofino, ID on June 22, 1928 to the late Letha Lear and George Gleason.
He went to country schools around Orofino through his freshman year of high school, moved to Puyallup, WA in 1943, and attended and graduated from Puyallup HS in 1946. Stuart joined the U.S. Army in 1948; after basic training and schooling in the states, he went to Japan in 1949. He was with the 548th Engr. Btln, which was then changed to the 43rd Engr. Btln. In July 1950 they landed at Korea with the 1st Calvary Div. as the 14 Combat Engr. Btln. He shipped out of Korea in May 1951 to Ft. Lewis until 1952 when he was Honorably Discharged with the Japan occupation ribbon and the Korean Ribbon with five battle stars.
He spent three years working as a lumberjack in Orofino, returned to Puyallup and worked at Boeing for 31 years, retiring in April 1986. Stuart went through the ritual chairs at Daffodil Aerie #2308 F.O.E., was President 1983- 1984, and Treas. from 1996 to Sept. 3, 2008.
He was preceded in death by his sister Elberta, brothers Elbert, Vilas and George, Mother Letha Lear and Father George Gleason. He is survived by his sister, June Snyder, Orofino; daughters Peggy Buchanan and Michele Williams Mundell (Rich), grandsons Brian (Kate) and David Williams (Courtney) of Tacoma, and nieces and nephews.
Stuart will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A funeral service will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent, Thursday, May 14 at 11 a.m. with a memorial service, 1 p.m. at Puyallup Eagles, 202 5th St. NW. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Daffodil Aerie #2308 cancer and/or heart fund, PO Box 1358, Puyallup, WA 98371.
A special thank you to Courtney Thigpen and the Hospice staff for their help and loving support.
Transcribed by Jo Frederiksen, 2014