Walter Fred Strangmeyer, Jr.

June 29, 1941 – January 24, 2025

Walter Fred Strangmeyer, Jr. went to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the age of 83. A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Adams Funeral Home in Marlin, Texas, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral Services, officiated by Roger Nutt, will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Adams Funeral Home in Marlin, Texas, at 11:00 am.

Walter was born June 29, 1941, at the family homestead in the Spunky Flatt area of Marlin, Texas to Walter Fred Strangmeyer, Sr. and Billie Jo Courtney Strangmeyer. The eldest of five children, Walter grew up with a strong work ethic, tirelessly working the family farm as well as delivering ice for the local icehouse before graduating from Marlin High School in 1959.

In 1962, Walter married his devoted wife, Rachel Ann Merryman Strangmeyer. Together, they built a loving home, shared 62 wonderful years of marriage, and created a life filled with faith, joy, and countless cherished moments. Walter was a proud and devoted father to Gerald, Angela, and twins Prissy and Missy, instilling in them his values of strength, hard work and dedication to family. Walter loved his family more than anything else in the world and each one of them knew they were so loved and he was so proud. Known as “PaPa” to the true joys of his life, his grandchildren remember him as just a good ole PaPa who loved to tell them stories when you sat with him alone, share his stash of sweets and give the tightest squeeze.

A lifelong follower of God, Walter attended McClanahan Baptist Church in Marlin, Texas, where he was confirmed as a believer and married his wife. He was later baptized at Ward Street Church of Christ and eventually became a long-term member of East Side Church of Christ in Marlin, Texas. His faith remained a cornerstone throughout his life.

As a young professional, Walter was a highly respected and skilled butcher, cherished by the community for his exceptional craftsmanship and trusted by locals. A devoted and hardworking man, Walter took great pride in his craft and built a business of his own. After retiring, he returned to his roots, settling on a peaceful 10-acre property where he enjoyed spending time with his family and various farm animals (aka pets).

Walter’s fierce love, fiery personality, and unmatched dry sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Billie Strangmeyer and parents-in-law, Rosell and Clara Merryman.

Walter is survived by his beloved wife, Rachel; son Gerald Strangmeyer and wife Rhonda; daughter Angela Bryant and husband JD; daughter Prissy Brown and husband David; daughter Missy Stein and husband Donnie; eleven grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his four siblings - brother William Strangmeyer and wife Gayle; sister Jo Ann Zerkle and husband Jack; brother Scott Strangmeyer; and sister Joyce Ryder and husband Scott.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are comforted by the knowledge that Walter’s love, laughter, and light will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was truly one of a kind, and the world is a better place for having had him in it.

Pallbearers honoring Walter’s life are grandsons John and Josh Bryant, D.J. Stein, Taylor and Zach Brown, and David Strangmeyer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in his memory to Eastside Church of Christ, Marlin, Texas.

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