Wayne Joseph Orchard

Wayne died Thursday, December 9, 2010 at the Crossings, Hospice Family Care Center in Prescott. He was born December 23, 1924 in Burley, Idaho; the son of Earl and Iris (Peck) OrchardWayne, a native of southern Idaho, enlisted in the United States Navy at age 17 and became one of the youngest Naval Aviators in World War II. He flew F4U Corsair fighters off an aircraft carrier at the age of 19. He served his country as a career naval officer for 30 years; performing duties as a pilot and test pilot. Upon retirement from the Navy in August 1971, he was involved with a development of various business enterprises in northern New Mexico. Upon full retirement, he and his wife moved to Prescott to be with lifelong friends, the Nebeker family. He loved Prescott and all the wonderful friends they made here. Wayne served as a volunteer at the VA hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico for 25 years and at the VA hospital in Prescott, Arizona for 5 years. Wayne is survived by his wife of 66 years, Aletha Orchard, daughter Merlene Soldaty and son Monte Orchard, brother Bill Orchard and sister Cheryl Holloway, 4 grandsons and 3 great-grandchildren. The family requests contributions to their favorite charity in Waynes name in lieu of flowers. Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home assisted the family with final arrangements.A Celebration of Waynes Life will be held at the VA hospital chapel with full military honors on December 17, 2010 at 1:00 pm.