Funeral for Walter C. Vassar Sr., 89, of Decatur will be today, Jan. 20, 2007, at 1 p.m. at Ridout''s Brown Service Funeral Home with John Bain officiating. Burial will be in Limestone Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be today from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Vassar, who died Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007, at Summerford Nursing Home, was born Sept. 14, 1917, in Limestone County to Claude R. and Ida Johnson Vassar. He was a member of Oak Park Baptist Church. A World War II veteran, he was a forward observer for the 997th field artillery battalion. He received the Bronze Star Medal. Also, he received the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with five battle stars recognizing participation in all five major battles within the European Theatre. After the war, he and his brother operated Vassar Bakery and Cafe in Decatur. Later, he became a tool and die maker and was employed by Chemstrand. He retired after 25 years of service with Monsanto. Over the years, he was a member of the American Legion, VFW and the DAV. He was a member of and very active in Lodge No. 213 Loyal Order of the Moose and later attaining the Pilgrim Degree. He loved playing his guitar and played well into his eighties. In the late fifties, he and his brother, Leland, formed a dance band called the Rythym Rockets. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Bernice Hannah Vassar; sisters, Mary Turner, Ann Swaner and Lois McBay; brother, Leland E. Vassar; and grandson, Christopher Bailey. Survivors include sons, Walter C. "Bo" Vassar Jr. (Linda) of Hartselle and John K. Vassar (Kathy) of Decatur; grandchildren, Lisa Vassar of Falkville, Joey L. Vassar (Terri) and Cheri Evans, both of Hartselle, and Brandon Vassar, and Scott Vassar (Jessica), both of Decatur; eight grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild. Pallbearers will be grandsons, a great-grandson, and special friend, Danny Patterson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity or to Hospice of the Valley.