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Shibata -- Walter D. Shibata passed away on September 10, 2001 in Albuquerque, NM following a long illness. He was 86. Cremation has taken place. Walter was born on July 8, 1915 to Ushijiro (Roy) and Yei Shibata. He attended schools in Gallup, NM and Walsenburg, CO. Prior to World War II, he worked as a mechanic for Navajo Chevrolet. During the War, he served as a Corporal in the United States Army with the famous 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He was captured by enemy forces and taken prisoner of war on June 26, 1944 near Suvereto, Italy. He was awarded the Bronze Star. After the War, Walter was employed as a mechanic for Central Motor Company, which later became Gurley Motors, until his retirement in 1979. Following his retirement, he enjoyed fishing with his friends and gardening with his wife. He is survived by Anne, his wife of 54 years; his sons, Ronald and Randolph; Ron's wife Lisa, and grandchildren, Lara and Jason; his brother, Tom, all of Albuquerque, NM and sister, Mary Shigenaka of Lake Forest, IL. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 415 East Green Ave. in Gallup, New Mexico at 10:00 a.m., September 15, 2001, with Father Jim Walker, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Gallup. A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Risen Savior, 7701 Wyoming NE at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2001. Mass to be celebrated by Father Richard Olona and Father Douglas Mitchell. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Gallup Catholic Schools, 405 Park Ave, Gallup, NM 87301 or the Alzheimer's Association of New Mexico, 1330 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. Albuquerque. 505-343-8008
        Published on: Thu September 13, 2001