Walter Oscar Grainger

Walter O. Grainger ("Papa"), 99, joined his "Bride" in heaven on Sunday, September 14, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family.

Born on July 21, 1926, in Bakersfield, California, Walter was one of six "Grainger boys" born to Rolla and Alice Grainger. He graduated from Kern County Union High School (now Bakersfield High School). In high school and at Bakersfield College, Walter was a standout athlete, setting many track records and was later inducted into the BC Track Hall of Fame.

Walter was a member of the First United Methodist Church his entire life. While in the youth group of the church, he met his "Bride", Joan Corease Spawn. They were married for 68 years. The couple happily welcomed one daughter, Kathleen Corease Grainger, and one granddaughter, Emily Joann Nicholas, into their tiny, yet loving family.

Walter served in the Navy in World War II from 1944 to 1946 where he served in the Philippines, Japan, China, and Korea as a Coxswain on the U.S.S. Crenshaw. When the war ended, he came home to Bakersfield to marry his high school sweetheart and best friend, Joan, a member of a Kern County pioneer family. While they were in high school, Joan worked at Dewar's. When asked what she would make for Walter, he always replied, "Anything I wanted."

After completing his teaching credential at San Jose State, Walter began his teaching career with the Kern High School District. He taught at BHS, Shafter High, and North High upon its opening in 1953. While at North High, he was the Chairman of the Industrial Arts Department and taught Careers and Driver's Education. For many years after "retiring" as a teacher, he was the Safety and Handicapped Access Consultant for the district.

"Retired" was a relative term to Walter, as those who loved him know. His commitment to his church, California Retired Teachers (CalRTA), the World War II Veterans, his family and friends, and the Bakersfield community at large kept him busy each day well beyond his official "retirement". His involvement in CalRTA included serving as chairman on many committees and enjoying the role of "House Manager" for monthly luncheons.

In 2013, Kern County Honor Flight #5 was a highlight of Walter's life. Together, alongside his daughter, granddaughter, and many Veterans and volunteers, he traveled to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials. He would later continue to enjoy the monthly Honor Flight breakfasts with his fellow Veterans.

Walter served on the board of the Kern County World War II Veterans Memorial from 2020 until its completion in 2022. The memorial itself was conceptualized and drawn in pencil from Walter's artistic inspiration. The impact of the War on the home front was especially important to his vision and close to his heart. The iconic bronze sculpture of a woman holding a telegram in one hand and her child in another was born from Walter's innovation. When asked about the memorial he would exclaim with pride, "It is one of a kind!" It certainly is, and would not have been possible had it not been for Walter's devotion and hard work.

Walter was known for his generosity, kindness, loyalty, incredible sense of humor, and wide, infectious smile. He loved gardening, beach vacations, music, theater, desserts, and above all, his family. He was also known for two very special phrases that many close to him have adopted as their own life affirmations. When asked, "How are you, Walter?" his response, was always, "Better every day!" Likewise, when the day would come to a close, he would express his gratitude to whomever was near by saying, "Thanks for another nice day." These two sentences embody the positivity and joy for life that Walter exuded to all who met him.

Walter is survived by his daughter, Kathleen and son-in-law Dan Schaffer; granddaughter Emily and grandson-in-law Joe Curnutte; great-granddaughter Charlie Joan; David and Jan Nicholas; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his "Bride", Joan; his brother-in-law T. Robert Spawn; his parents; and his brothers Edwin, Harold, William, George, and Roy.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to our church and choir families, Dr. Robert Laughlin and staff, Dr. Aggarwal, Dr. Anuj Chawla and staff, Hoffman Hospice and the Hoffman Home staff.

A "Celebration of Life" service will be held on Saturday, October 4, at 2pm at First United Methodist Church in Bakersfield. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Walter's memory to the First United Methodist Church (4600 Stockade Hwy; Bakersfield, CA, 93309) or to the Kern County WWII Veteran's Memorial (6077 Coffee Road, #4-192; Bakersfield, CA; 93308).