| Wallace "Wally" William Backus, 81, of Accokeek, Maryland passed away October 12, 2010 after a prolonged illness at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C.
He was born February 1, 1929 in Widen, W.Va. during the booming coal mining industry. Wally was one of seven children born to the late Orbit and Opel Hewitt Backus. After his parents' death, he lived as a foster child for a time and often related his memories of hopping freight trains to travel to different places in W.Va. He graduated from Clay County High School in 1948 and was married to Madlyn Smith December 21, 1951 at Ed Hunt's home in Valley Fork, W.Va.
Wally is survived by his wife, Madlyn, who was always supportive and encouraging during their 59 years of marriage. They shared a common bond by taking care of animals that were abandoned and needing special care. He is also survived by his three sisters, Jacqueline Burkhammer of Cedar Grove, W.Va., Nancy Bail of Summersville, W.Va. and Imogene Backus of California. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, George, Robert and Charles Backus. Wally is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Wally served as an Army Sergeant in the Korean War from 1949 to 1952, with the 2nd Infantry Div. In 1952, he went to West Virginia Institute of Technology to study journalism but shortly thereafter, he and Madlyn moved to New haven, Conn. to pursue his passion in commercial art at Paier College of Art. Finding it most challenging to make a living, he looked for other opportunities with the government and eventually worked as a Post Office employee in Wallingford, Conn.
During this time Wally was able to continue his study of visual art and development of his artistic talent as a hobby. His artistic inclination and talent eventually enabled him to secure a position with the Department of Defense (1962-1989) as an illustrator of top secret military equipment and projects that he "could not talk about" due to the top secret nature. His assignment at Stump Neck, Indian Head, Md. earned him many accolades and acknowledgements from colleagues upon his retirement in 1989, and he was extremely proud of his contributions to his country.
Wally had a passion for painting and drawing throughout his life and he continued to paint for family and friends after his retirement. His final unfinished painting was an oil well rig that was close to his foster home in West Virginia. His sense of humor and laughter was always refreshing in his conversations about life and politics with others.
Funeral services will held at the Uler Memorial Church, Uler Road, Newton, W.Va. on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a graveside memorial in the Smith Cemetery. Rev. John B. Smith will conduct the services.
Family and friends will gather at the Smith-Backus Farm on Blowntimber Road for a dinner reception following the services. Memorial donations may be made to the individual's preference of charity or to the Smith Cemetery, c/o Clay County Bank, P.O. Box 239, Clay, W.Va., 25043-0239.
Condolences may be expressed online at taylorfuneralhomeinc.com
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