Wasden, pioneer educator, resident for 74 years, dies at 90

Tuesday, Sept. 28, 1999 | 9:53 a.m.

Clark County School District pioneer Howard A. Wasden, a retired principal who opened a Las Vegas elementary school that was later named after him, died Tuesday at a local hospice. He was 90.

A soft spoken and artistic man, Wasden is remembered as the innovative designer and first principal of West Charleston Elementary School, now named Wasden Elementary.

Wasden's career in education spans 38 years, beginning in 1931 when he began teaching in a one-room school in Lincoln County to a student body of 12.

Born July 6, 1909, in Scipio, Utah, Wasden moved to Las Vegas in 1925 with his family. His father was a railroad worker.

The 16-year-old Wasden attended Las Vegas High School where he was class president and active on the football and track teams. In his senior year Wasden was elected to the National Honor Society.

He received a Normal School Certificate from the University of Nevada in Reno, where his entire first year of college was paid by a $500 grant by the Rotary Club.

After teaching one year in Lincoln County, Wasden came to Las Vegas to teach at Westside Elementary School where he was later appointed principal.

In 1942 he was drafted by the Army and served three years in the Pacific. When he returned to the valley he was appointed principal of Bonanza Elementary School.

In 1946 he and musician Vaughn Hughes Harris opened one of the valley's first music stores, Harris-Wasden Music Co.

In 1953 Wasden helped design West Charleston Elementary, one of the first elementary schools with a full library and librarian, said Jim Larson, a former teacher and principal who knew Wasden for 41 years.

The school also included a wood shop for students to use when they would act out in class, a full gymnasium and a multipurpose room with a theater. The classrooms were individual buildings cooled by swamp coolers.

"We were just starting to grow." Larson said. And to steer the school in the right direction Wasden was active in the PTA and served on many groups and committees in charge of bringing new programs to the school district.

Wasden was the school's principal for 11 years. He then opened Ruth Fyfe Elementary where he stayed until retirement.

A hard-working and innovative man, Wasden was admired by his staff.

"A lot of teachers stayed with him for years and years," Larson said. "Back then schools were more individualized. It was a big family."

During his career Wasden continued his education by attending summer school. He received his bachelor of arts degree at Brigham Young University and his master's at UNR.

During his 30-year retirement Wasden rarely failed to return to the Wasden Elementary on Nevada Day where he was recognized by students and faculty.

"He did a great many things for the school district," his wife, Wanda, said. "There were a lot of students and teachers who kept in touch with him."

During retirement Wasden traveled extensively with his wife, golfed avidly and until one year ago worked out at health clubs regularly.

He was a member of the Nevada Retired Teachers Association and met with retired principals and administrators the third Monday of each month.

He was a member of the Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, VFW, Elks Lodge, chairman of the Community Affairs Committee and past president of Nevada Teachers Association.

In addition to his wife, Wasden is survived by one son, Michael Wasden of Boise, Idaho; two daughters, Alyce Wasden of Salt Lake City, and Melody Smith of Las Vegas; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers, Raymond Wasden of Hemet, Calif., Evan Wasden of Woodland Hills, Calif., and Bill Wasden of Sun City, Ariz.; and one sister, Edith Chase of Las Vegas.

A visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Bunkers Mortuary. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the LDS Chapel at 1735 Palora Ave.

Donations may be sent to Nathan Adelson Hospice or Wasden Elementary School.