Walter Neil Harrah, age 66, passed away peacefully on Sept. 1, 2023, while visiting three of his sons in Indio, Calif. Walter was born in Winslow on Oct. 5, 1956, to Neil and Bobbie Harrah, who preceded him in death. He leaves behind his beloved and cherished wife, Wendy Harrah; two sisters, Dee Marquez (Mark) and Donna (Ron) Payne. He was also preceded in death by his oldest son, Robert Harrah and infant daughter, Stephanie Harrah. He is survived by his sons, Brian Harrah, of Twin Falls, Idaho, Paul Harrah (Dion) of Sydney, Mich., Brice Harrah of San Diego, Calif., Cody Harrah (Shayla) of Brookings, Ore., Chase Harrah (Tara) of Bakersfield, Calif., and Ethan Harrah of Bakersfield, Calif; and daughter, Amber Rittle (Todd) of Burley, Idaho; He also leaves many grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and a grandchild arriving soon. He also leaves many cousins; his aunt, Lynn Reber (Dennis) of St. George, Utah; his uncle, Ray Howard (Sandra) of Eagar; his constant companion and service dog, Oreo and many dear and treasured friends. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, James Andros (Tamara) of Mt. Vernon, Ill. Father and mother-in-law, Nick Andros and Hazel of Benton, Ill.; many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Walt retired from White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico in 2022, where he was a heavy equipment operator for the US Army. He is a US Navy veteran who has also worked as a cable lineman, a heavy equipment instructor at Northland Pioneer College in Springerville. His favorite jobs were being a fulltime cowboy, and guide and outfitter. He was an extra in the movie “Starman” with Jeff Bridges. He was an extremely talented artist and musician (all self-taught). He developed a love for cooking and is the author of three cookbooks entitled “I Ain’t no Chef” volumes one, two and three. His love of history took him to many places. He was also active in his church callings and in family history and always ready to serve others, friends, family and strangers. His charismatic personality, humbleness, his sense of humor and storytelling will all be missed. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (on Venus Street) in Las Cruces, N.M., with a dinner following at his home at 5176 Inspiration Lane, Las Cruces, N.M. Everyone is welcome. He will be laid to rest at The National Cemetery (Jefferson Barracks) in St. Louis, Mo.
