Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, November 2, 1993 TAG: 9311020215
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
OBIT ALTMAN, WILLARD DELOS
ALTMAN, Willard Delos, 91, of Blacksburg, died Monday, November 1, 1993, at
Montgomery Regional Hospital. Mr. Altman was a native of West Unity, Ohio, a
son of the late Frank and Lydia Stipe Altman. He was a retired educator, coach
and artist. Mr. Altman was a longtime member of the Arts and Sciences faculty
at Virginia Tech. He retired in 1972, at the end of 37 years of coaching and
teaching. In the 1940's and early 1950's, he coached boxing, wrestling,
football and baseball at Tech. In 1949, he was honored by the Southern
Conference with its Sportsman of the Year Award. In the 1950's, he shifted his
emphasis from coaching to teaching, serving as a member of the University's
Health and Physical Education Staff until his retirement. In this capacity he
taught a number of health subjects, including the lifetime sports of swimming,
golf and tennis. Prior to joining the Tech staff in a permanent capacity in
1935, he had served on the faculty of Ohio State University and as Headmaster
of Augusta Military Academy in Ft. Defiance. He was a graduate of Ohio State
and did graduate work in Fine Arts at that institution. He had a multitude of
interests which were partially reflected in his community and civic activities
and honors. He served as a member of the Montgomery County Welfare Board for
14 years, including ten years as Board Chairman. He served for several years
as Chairman of the local chapter of the Virginia Tuberculosis Association. He
was honored by the Virginia Press Association several times in the 1970's for
sports and local interest columns he wrote for the Montgomery New Messenger.
He painted and sculpted for many years until failing eyesight made this no
longer possible. For several years he was President of the Blacksburg Art
Association. His works were exhibited locally and throughout Virginia. In
1958, he was honored by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which exhibited a
one man show of his art work. He was a member of the Acacia Fraternity and
Alpha Psi Omega Dramatic Fraternity. He was also listed in Who's Who. He was a
member of Blacksburg United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his
wife, Elizabeth Stanger Altman. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law,
G. Thomas and Brenda A. Altman of Smith Mountain Lake and W. D. and Judy
Altman of Oak Rige, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Scott Altman, Crissy Altman
and Jason Altman; a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Felicia Altman of
West Unity, Ohio. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday,
November 3, at Blacksburg United Methodist Church with the Rev. Herbert Hobbs
officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the
Montgomery County Christmas Store, or the Blacksburg Rescue Squad, 200
Progress Street, N.E., Blacksburg, VA 24060. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral
Home.
by CNB