Walter Louis Farmer

Walter Louis Farmer, age 79, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, adventure, and unwavering love for his family. 

Born on June 21, 1947, Walt grew up in Dallas, Texas. His life really took off was when he met the love of his life Deborah Manly, at Abilene Christian University. This marked the beginning of a beautiful love story that would span 57 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. Their marriage began in the Vietnam era when Walt answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States military. He faithfully served over seas in Germany as a Morse Interceptor in the Security Agency and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Sharpshooter Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal in recognition of his honorable service. After leaving Germany, they returned to the states and completed their college degrees at the University of New Mexico.

 Walt faithfully served his church family in countless ways throughout his life. Whether serving as a deacon, driving the Joy Bus, or lifting his voice in song, he found great joy in serving the Lord and others. He loved the old hymns and was often found singing them with heartfelt conviction. Walt believed that faith was meant to be lived out daily through serving others. 

Walt never met a road he didn't want to travel or an adventure he wasn't willing to pursue. Whether riding his motorcycle down an open highway, or skiing down a mountain in Colorado, he loved exploring new places with those he loved. His greatest joy was his family. He treasured being "Papa" to his grandchildren and delighted in driving them to national parks and stopping at every McDonalds along the way. If you told Walt he couldn't do something, he often heard it as a challenge. When his three oldest grandsons were just 13, 12, and 11 years old, their parents explicitly told him not to take them hiking up Half Dome. Naturally, he took them anyway. His four grandsons and 2 grand daughters brought immeasurable joy to his life, and his love for them will continue to shape their lives for years to come. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Deborah Farmer; his son, Stephen Farmer, and his wife, Shellie Farmer; his daughter, Rebecca Berry, and her husband, Chad Berry; his grandchildren, Hayden and Brittany Farmer, Micah Farmer, Hudson Farmer, Mia Farmer, Carter Berry and his wife, Zoie Berry, and Carrigan Berry; and his great-grandchildren, Millie Mae Berry and Everett James Farmer. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Claudia and Greg Anixter, nieces and nephews other extended family members.

He was joyfully welcomed into heaven by his parents, Walter and Valeria Farmer, and his parents-in-law, Dennis and Eva Mae Manly. 

A celebration of his life will be held on July 23, at Gateway Church, North Richland Hills campus at 10:00am. A burial service with military honors will follow at The Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, at a later date, where we will give thanks for a life well lived and commend him into the loving arms of his Savior. 

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23