Walter L. “Walt” Coon, 86, died Feb. 28, 2012, at his home in Coeur d’Alene. He was born Dec. 28, 1925, in New Orleans, La., to Edward and Alma Coon.

Walt grew up in the New Orleans area and at age 16 entered the United States Navy. He served as Baker 3rd Class in the South Pacific Theatre and received an Honorable Discharge in 1946.

Upon his discharge, Walt returned to New Orleans where he met his future wife, Harriet Rose, on a streetcar named “Desire.” Yes, just like the name of the movie! Harriet was still in the U.S. Navy at the time. On March 8, 1947, in New Orleans, Walt and Harriet were married.

After moving several times, they eventually made their home in Azusa, Calif., where they lived for 49 years. Walt was employed by Yellow Freight as a truck driver until his retirement in 1987. During those years, Walt enjoyed taking his sons backpacking in the high Sierra’s where they fished, hunted and camped.

Upon his retirement, Walt and Harriet traveled all over the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Alaska. In 2006, he and Harriet moved to Coeur d’Alene where they have resided since. In 2008 they moved to Legends Park Assisted Living, relocating last month to Bristol Heights Assisted Living. The family is very grateful to the staff at both facilities for their loving care.

Walt is survived by his wife, Harriet; sons Larry (Cassandra) of Chino Hills, Calif., and Marty (Chelly) of Hayden; brother Edward (Josie) of New Orleans; sister-in-law Clara Levitas of Woodland Hills, Calif.; grandchildren Jarod (Alex) Coon of Hayden and Bonnie (Ben) Fairfield of Coeur d’Alene; great-grandchildren Paige, Noah and Jacob; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at Foundation Baptist Church in Coeur d’Alene burial to follow with full Military Honors in Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens.

Memorials are preferred to Mission Barnabas at P.O. Box 3089, Hayden, ID 83835.

Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit Walt’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book.