Walter Hoel Patras

Funeral services for Walter H. Patras age 88 of Clearwater, Ne were 10:30 am, Monday, May 11, 2015 at Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Clearwater with Pastor Bruce Phillips, Officiating music was provided by Carol Thiele and Steve Johnson. Pallbearers were Jon Patras, Tim Patras, Anthony Patras, Shawn Patras, Jeff Hankla, Jeremy Hankla, Kevin Patras, Mike Patras, Bradley Patras, and Matthew Patras. Burial was in Clearwater Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by U.S. Marine Corp. and Clearwater American Legion Post #267. Visitation was Sunday, May 10, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Clearwater. Walt passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2015, in Omaha. Arrangements are being conducted by Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Clearwater. Walter Hoel Patras was born on March 11, 1927 in Clearwater, Ne to Edrie (Hoffman) and Walter E. Patras. He attended school in Clearwater and graduated with the Class of 1945. He entered into the Marine Corp at seventeen years of age on February 12, 1945. He completed his Basic Training at Paris Island, SC. Soon after his basic training he was shipped to Japan. From Japan he went to China, then stationed at Long Beach, CA. During his time in California, he met Roberta Anderson. On February 13, 1949 they were united in marriage. Walt was active in the Marine Corp for 20 Years. During his years with the Corp he was stationed in Japan, China, Korea, South Carolina, Okinawa, and California. He was in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He was discharge from active duty on August 30, 1964 from El Toro, Ca. He remained in the service on the inactive list for another ten years. While on inactive duty, he moved his family again to his home town of Clearwater. The year was 1964. He worked for Chevy Garage, here in Clearwater, ran a T.V. repair shop later on, and for fifteen years worked for the Omaha World Herald. He retired in 1989. Walt was very active in the community. Many a cold fall night found Walt and his wife sitting in the "crows nest" announcing football games. He restored the French Town Cemetery, served of the Clearwater cemetery board, wrote "the history of Clearwater" for their centennial celebration and served his community many other ways. His most passionate work came from working with the American Legion. He was a member of Post #267 for 68 years. Many of those spent as post commander, along with many other duties. While post commander he volunteered his time to help train the firing squads, color guards and lead most Memorial Day services. Walt was also a member of the China Marine Association, 40/8, Marine Corps Disbursing Association. He is survived by his wife, Roberta of Clearwater, Ne. Children: Kathleen (Steve) Patras of Clearwater, Ne, Donald (Nancy) Patras of Columbus, Ne, Linda (Steven) Hankla of Clearwater, Ne, Walter (Rosie) Patras of Tilden, Ne, and Richard (Jeannie) Patras of Mason City, Ia. 17 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandson. Sister, Virginia (Keith) Carnes of Columbus, Ne. Niece, LeAnn Sklark of San Diego, Ca and nephew, Kevin Carnes of Columbus, Ne. Preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Eugene Patras.