Walter "Tex" Roger Smith

Walter Roger Smith passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 5, 2023 in Burleson, TX. He was born on Jan 8, 1931 in Wichita Falls TX to Ruth Dunnington Smith and G. B. Franklin Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Stanley Eugene and beloved wife, Jean Donelson Smith. He is survived by his son Jeffrey L. Smith and daughter-in-law, Lori King Smith of Granbury, TX and daughter, Peggy Reed and son-in-law Patrick Reed, of Charlottesville, VA. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and never ended a phone call with his daughter without saying ‘give those kids a squeeze and tell them I love them’. Those grandchildren and great-grandchildren include – Karen Snyder and husband Doug and their sons - Barrett and Maximus of Troy, VA; Morgan Hultman and her sons – Joe Hultman and Weylon Llewelyn of Troy, VA; Samantha Smith of Dallas, TX; Bryan Smith and wife Georgeanna of Arlington, TX; Heather Bingler and husband Chad and their daughters Makayla and Kinsey Bingler of Ruckersville, VA and Galen Reed of Charlottesville, VA. Walter enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1951. While on a weekend furlough to Washington, DC he met Marjorie Jean Donelson on the steps of the Capitol building and a lifelong love story began. They married in March in 1952 and lived at Camp Lejeune. During this time, he proudly served in the Korean War and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. At the time of his discharge, he had earned the rank of Master Sergeant. Upon his discharge, they returned to Wichita Falls for a several years, eventually making their way to Annada, Missouri. He worked at Hercules Chemical Plant in Louisiana as a pipefitter. The family moved to Warrenton, where he worked for Missouri Edison. After 6 years, he transferred to Louisiana, still with Missouri Edison/Union Electric/Ameren – where he worked until he retired. Active in the community they loved, Jean and Tex (as Walter was affectionately known) owned Esterbrook’s Florist. Tex was a member of the First Baptist Church in Louisiana and was involved in many community projects. Together Jean and Tex, joined a group of fellow business people and created the First ColorFest in October 1985 and served on the board for many years. Tex was proud to be a member of the Masonic Lodge and was a 33rd Degree Master Mason – the highest degree given to members of the Fellowship and only given for service to the community and the membership. He served as Worthy Master 3 times at the Lodge in Louisiana and enjoyed his time spent in the company of his fellow Masons. A fisherman and outdoorsman, Tex could frequently be found in his boat on the Mississippi River – wetting a line and hoping for a catfish. He had lots of fishing stories, but a favorite one was about a trip on his boat – with 3 of the granddaughters, where he couldn’t bait the hooks as fast as he heard ‘I got’s another one Grampa!” After retiring, he and Jean traveled extensively – all over the United States – making friends and having adventures everywhere they went. These adventures gave him great stories to tell – like the one about being invited to travel with a motorcycle gang on their way to a rally in Sturgis, so long as he would cook breakfast for them. Or the time where a trip for coffee resulted in a job working security at the Miss USA Pageant. Then there was the trip where he led volunteers to rebuild an orphanage in Mexico, and all the tools and supplies were stolen from the trucks. When the area locals learned what the tools and supplies were for, they miraculously reappeared. They visited all 50 states – sometimes in an RV; sometimes flying; and even cruised to Alaska. For several years, they stayed in McAllen, TX – making trips across the border to Mexico, singing in music jams, square dancing and enjoying life. They eventually settled in TX near their son. Tex and Jean lived quietly until Jean’s death in 2020. Tex played bingo and dominoes and sang until he was called home to be with his beloved Jean. Visitation will be at the Collier Funeral home in Louisiana, MO from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 14th, with a graveside service following at 1:00 P.M. at the Elsberry Cemetery in Elsberry, MO.

Walter "Tex" Roger Smith

January 8, 1931 - October 5, 2023