Walter Francis Hannon, Jr., age 77, died Dec. 4 at Retsil Veterans Hospital.

He was born in Avoca, Penn., in 1924. He later moved to Belleville, N.J., where he attended Catholic grade school and high school.

In 1942, he left school to join the Marine Corp. After basic training he was sent go Guadalcanal and New Georgia Island with the Edson Raiders. He was wounded and flown to New Zealand, where Admiral Halsey awarded him the Purple Heart and Presidential Award.

He came to Fort Ward to recuperate, and in 1950 was called up again to be a training officer at Pendleton, San Diego, during the Korean War.

He worked at Wyckoff Co. at Creosote for 25 years and was president of their union for several terms. He was most proud of his little league players, whom he coached for several years.

He is survived by his former wife Rhea Hannon of Bainbridge; daughter Cathy Hannon; sons James, Mark, Walter and David; and seven grandchildren.

Catholic graveside services are 1 p.m. Dec. 10 at Port Blakely Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Kass Funeral Home.