July 1, 1943 – May 30, 2023

Walter was born July 1, 1943 in Parker County, TX in the city of Weatherford. He was the son of Walter

Giles Deel and Johnnie Doris (Thompson) Deel. Walter spent a good part of his childhood in

Weatherford, TX. where he spent a good deal of time growing and playing with his siblings and the pet

bull. Many stories have been told about this bull.

Eventually, it was time the family home moved to Palestine, TX. Walter spent much time with his family

here and then enlisted in the Army National Guard of Texas. Walter served his time admirably as a

marksman at Fort Sills, OK. After honorably being discharged, Walter returned home to Palestine, TX.

It wasn’t long after his return home that he found the love of his life, Barbara. Walter and Barbara

married and started a family of their own. Walter and Barbara had three sons, David, Jerry (deceased),

and Samuel. They lived together as a family in a few different places but made Tyler their forever home.

They had been married for 56 years, almost 57 years.

Walter worked several jobs in his lifetime. He worked as a delivery driver for Kelpen’s ice cream out of

Terrell and Schepp’s Dairy out of Dallas. Walter worked for Tyler Pipe in Tyler and Farmer’s Electric Co-

op out of Sulphur Springs. Walter enjoyed the jobs he also worked with Bro. Mike Louis Daniels. Boy,

did he tell some stories about the furniture shop back in the day.

Walter was a lifetime member of Landmark Baptist Church. He loved the work he was involved in with

Bro. Mike. Their many trips to Mexico to help with the church there, vacation bible study, picking up

and dropping members off at church/home, accounting duties on Sundays, and of course, anything else

Bro. Mike called on Walter to do. Church was a main focus and purpose in his life.

Walter loved his family more than life itself. He admired the life choices his sons made as they grew and

became adults. He was always a support in all their endeavors. He spent many hours with his

grandchildren working beside them and/or teaching them life skills. He worked hard trying to instill

work values in Jordan with many funny stories to tell. He admired Brittany for her duty to serve our

country and they shared many moments talking about Walter’s experiences and what he hoped she

would gain by serving in the Navy. He was so proud of Brian for making his career as an electrician and

stepping into a father-like role for Rowan almost immediately after he married his sweetheart. He

enjoyed the antics and silly things Ryan would do to make him laugh or feel so much love that only a

little boy can make one feel.

Walter is preceded in death by his parents; brothers; Walter Lee (Sonny) Deel, Bobby Charles Deel,

Samuel Marson (Buddy) Deel, sister; Mildred Elaine (Deel) Curry, infant son; Jerry Lee Deel.

Walter is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; son, David Eugene Deel; son Samuel Lee Deel (Aprylle);

grandchildren Brian Austin Miller (Cheyenne); Brittany Eileen Carroll (Jason); Jordan Dean Bradam

(Kaylie); honorary grandson, Ryan Seng; great-grandchildren, Glenn Anthony Carroll, Gwendolynn

(Winnie) Mae Carroll, Adam Benjamin Carroll, Luke Indigo Carroll and Rowan Levi White, Sister, Barbara

Ann (Deel) Schmid; and brother James Gerald Deel. Also, a whole host of nieces, nephews, other family

members, and dear friends.