Othell "Slim" Werner

Preston Othell Werner (aka Slim, Herm the Worm, George, P.O.) left our world on October 13, 2021.

For 66 years, he was married to his “Billo”, Billie LaRue Weightman (deceased 10-01-2020). While in school, he met Billie, a cute girl from school and around town. The Werner and Weightman families had known each other and some of their siblings were friends. Othell was smitten with Billie from early on. They went to each other’s high school dances together, dated and enjoyed watching movies at the Palace Theater in Childress, Texas. They would spend time together at the airport just watching the jets take off and land. What a nice way to spend the day with each other. His love didn’t cost them anything.

While he attended schools in Kirkland, Texas (Class of 1951, Kirkland Eagles), he was the “High School King” and he was a member of Kirkland’s basketball and baseball teams. He also worked on the family’s farms until he joined the U.S. Army. He was, also, in the Boy Scouts of America for several years.

Being called to the Korean War, he asked Billie to marry him. He told the story that he didn’t want her to get away while he was gone. Of course, she said ‘Yes’. They married before she finished high school and, before he boarded the ship.

While in the Army, he was assigned as a plumber. Once he was discharged, he continued with plumbing and worked for United Plumbing Company of Amarillo (UPCOA). An opportunity was presented to him to move to the Houston area to start a branch. Upcoa Plumbing in Pasadena was established in 1967. He bought and successfully ran the plumbing company until he retired. He was well respected by builders, supply companies, homeowners, and everyone who had the pleasure to work with him.

That respect carried on at home. Othell doted on Billie with pure tenderness and affection. He tended to her every need when she had health issues, and a broken hip. The feeling was mutual with the doting, with Billie commenting that “she did everything for him except breathe”. Othell and Billie complemented each other’s strengths and weaknesses. To be married 66 years as they were, took no apparent effort, with mutual respect, kindness and consideration, and like ways of thinking and goals. One of their long time friends commented they had never seen a happier couple! His love didn’t cost them anything.

Othell was born on November 23, 1932 in Royse City, Texas to Garland Daniel Werner and Annie Velma McCord. He was the 4th of 6 children, with three of his siblings having passed before him (Juanita Kirby, Weldon Werner and Helen Carson). Brother Travis Werner (wife Betty) and sister Lottie O’Neal would call him just to check in. He wasn’t much of a talker on the phone, but he could sure listen and uh-huh a lot. In person, he could hold his own in a conversation, but liked listening to others.

Othell leaves two adult children, Steven Othell Werner and Judy Elaine Werner Sanders (husband David Sanders), both living in Deer Park, Texas. Love started costing him then, but we believe he was proud of his kids. He had helped raise them to be good people, like himself.

He was most proud of his two granddaughters, Kayla Denise Sanders of Deer Park and Katlyn Delaney Sanders (fiancée Justin Morton) of Helotes, Texas, and he had his own unique relationship with each of them. He was a great-grandfather to J.J. Lester and always had a $2.00 bill or 3 quarters waiting for him.

One of the things he had planned for years was to help both granddaughters with their education. He and Billie were very generous and encouraged them all the way. They had already started a college account for JJ’s education.

A very wonderful man, who made a lasting impression on everyone he met. Especially when he flashed his deep dimples at them!