The Builder
1934 to 2020
He’s gone, but his talents remain on display throughout the state of Oklahoma,
which he loved. His skills included building bridges and roads with the Oklahoma State
Highway Department and U.S. Corp of Engineers. Other projects included the Blue Rib-
bon Downs race track, the first in Oklahoma. He designed and built their home, as well
as apartment houses, a restaurant and nursing homes. Walt served on the board for
the Methodist Children’s Home in Tahlequah and helped wire the barns at the Methodist
Boys’ Ranch located at Tenkiller Lake. He served as a trustee of the First United Meth-
odist Church, Anadarko. He supported projects for the Verden United Methodist
Church. He was also known to have the ability to repair most anything mechanical.
Some of the bridges he built were metaphorical in nature: allowing others to cross them
through education and guidance assisting them to improve their current situation.
Even though he spoke with wisdom, knowledge and lots of teasing, some of his often
used words contained four letters; much to the delight of his friends and to the conster-
nation of the ladies.
His work ethic was indisputable by evidence of locally owning or managing a drug
store, a ranch, Williams’ Tire, The Linen Chest, Paint Bucket, The Broker, and the Plant
Hollar. He served as administrator for five of the OK Nursing Homes, Inc. as well as
Friendship Manor. As a licensed pesticide applicator, he oversaw insect and rodent con-
trol at Golden Peanut. He worked tractor pulls and was an avid FFA booster and former
member.
Walter sang in statewide church choirs and cantatas wherever they lived and did staging
for many. With Diane as the pianist, the rest of the family would sing four part harmony,
adding to his deep bass voice.
He loved hosting gatherings such as wiener roasts and witch hunting with his grandchil-
dren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed grilling steaks as an excuse to have parties
on the porch. He believed we should take care of our environmental resources and con-
tinued to plant trees, feed the birds and made sure the bees and deer were watered.
His interests included preserving and sharing artifacts and the history of Anadarko, Cad-
do County and Oklahoma.
Walter served as First Sergeant, 95th Division, Basic Combat Training Unit, U.S. Army
Reserves and as an undercover Caddo County Deputy Sheriff for a time.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Patricia and two daughters, Debbie Riddle (Jim)
and Diane Gantt. The family includes three grandchildren and seven great-grandchil-
dren. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Masked friends are wel-
come to call at the family home any afternoon this week.
When asked what he would do if he could do anything in the world he replied, “Build a
soup kitchen.” Therefore, honorariums to Monday Meals of the Anadarko United Meth-
odist Church would honor him.”
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