1936-2024
On Oct. 29, 2024, the world became a little dimmer, or at least our world didwhenWalterAllenOwen (Pop) was called home. Pop was born on July 12, 1936, on the Cartwright Ranch outside Munday. He was the only and very cherished child of Johnnie and Lena Owen. My mother always said he was spoiled rotten.
Pop was kind, generous, loved his family, and fiercely loved the Lord. He was the epitomeofhowtobeaChristian man. He resided in an Assisted Living facility for the last four years of his life wherehewasawitnesstoall at the facility and touched many lives there. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Denton from 1973 to present and attended services every Sunday. He faithfullyreadhisBibleevery morninguntilhispassing. In his later years, he struggled to write clearly, so he did not make notations in his Bible. But, when I flipped through his Bible after he passed, I saw his handwriting at the very back of the Bible: Expiration Date – Never. Best if used before I die or untilJesusChristcomes. Pop witnesseduntiltheveryend.
Pop was a prankster and loved a good joke. If he told a“wacky”hewouldbequick totellyouitwastruebecause he was a retired Southern Baptistgovernmentemployee from Munday, Texas so it had to be the truth. He had nicknames for everyone he knew, and he was the go-to guy for our family. With patience, he taught all of us many things in life. His advice,encouragement,and steadfast love was always available. Family was his priority,andPopwasourbiggest cheerleader. He never gave up on the Cowboys. He loved catfish, fried okra, chickenfriedsteak,Mother’s chocolate sheet cake, and any kind of chocolate Dairy Queen Blizzard. He was a bingo champion, an avid golfer, and loved a good game of dominoes. He loved his annual camping trips to Colorado with Mother and made many friends there throughout the years. He enjoyed his postal buddies and meeting with the ROMEO (RetiredOldMenEating Out) club for lunch. I could keep going and brag on him all day long, but the most important thing about him washewasourPop.Wewere luckyenoughtohavehimall theseyears,andyet,itwasn’t long enough.
Pop spent his early years in Munday and attended Munday public schools. Upon high school graduation, heattendedDraughon’s Business College and then enlisted in the Army in 1959. In 1973, after many years with the Munday Post Office, he was transferred to Denton. He worked for the US Postal Service from 1966 to 2002.
In 1967, Walter married Betty Jo Darter and became an instant father to Larry, Dale, and Trayce. They were married for 51 years before Mother’s passing in 2018. LikethecountrysongbyBrad Paisley, Pop was The Dad He Didn’t Have to Be. There was never a “step” in his vocabulary. We three were his children. We could not have hand-picked a better dad.
Pop was a compassionate man. He always carried a $5 bill in his car to give to the homeless, he faithfully tithed, and he would give you all he had if you needed it. In his 80’s Pop volunteered for Meals on Wheels of Denton County and a food pantry for low-income seniors. He was proud to serve in these positions and was grateful to help those in need.
If you knew Pop, you lovedhim.Thatwasobvious bythenumberofpeoplewho came to love on him over the past days. Staff in his facility came in on their day off, stayed after their shifts, cried with us, and went out of their way to take care of us the past few days. It was overwhelming the amount of love and respect shown to him from people who knew him just a short time. Everyonewasshockedatthe number of lives he touched. People repeatedly told me they had never seen such an outpouring of love. Pop was the Ambassador of the facility, and we were so proud to hear how he had impacted the lives of so many. We, the family,alwaysknewPopwas special. It was such a tribute toknowthateverypersonhe touched thought the same thing. He was one of a kind andwearesoblessedtohave had him. We love you Pop!
Walter is survived by his childrenandgrandchildren: Larry Darter (Mindy/Keith and Brent/Natalie), Dale Darter (Tony and Chancy/ Clay), and Trayce Hudy and her husband Greg (Shannon/ Lee and Cole). He is also survived by six great grandchildrenandonegreatgreat grandchild.
A graveside service was held Friday, Nov. 1 in Munday. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Denton County Meals on Wheels or a charity of your choice.
Wewishtothankthestaff atVillageontheParkinDenton, TrioHospice,andMercy Staffing Continuous Care Services for the loving care they provided to Pop and for thecomfortandoverwhelming love shown to him at the end. God bless each of you!