Bigham

Walter Merle Bigham, 76, of Slippery Rock, flew his final flight west on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.

Born on March 16, 1947, in Connellsville, Pa., Fayette County, and raised in Normalville Pa., Wally attended Connellsville High School. Upon graduating in 1965 he went on to earn a degree in education at California University of Pennsylvania, where he taught history and coached football.

Wally’s passion for the outdoors stemmed from his early childhood growing up in the Appalachian Mountains where he was an avid fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman.

Serving his beloved country in the U.S. Air Force, Wally’s devotion to the skies led him to a lifelong career as a fighter and commercial airline pilot, flying F-4 Phantoms, and later continuing on with Allegheny Airlines, USAir, and retiring as captain, flying internationally with US Airways after 35 years. “I love to fly, but my greatest joy is my wife and children.”

Survivors are his wife of 39 years, Shari L. (Cartwright) Bigham; daughter, Nicole D., of Arizona; son, Troy W., of Pittsburgh; stepdaughter, Michele L. (Shawn) Monnolly; and three granddaughters, Aviana, Evelyn and Olivia, of Ohio.

BIGHAM — All who knew Walter Merle Bigham, who died Wednesday, July 26, 2023, are invited to attend a celebration of life gathering at 1 p.m. Aug. 19 at his family residence in Slippery Rock.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Slippery Rock.

In lieu of flowers, and to support Wally’s love for his countrymen, please donate to your local veteran’s association.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.