Obituaries

Harold Wallace (Wally) Totten Jr., 88, lifelong resident of Sherman, Texas passed away August 30.2024 in his home with family. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 10th at Dannel Funeral Home Chapel. Leland Samuelson will lead the service.

Wally was born September 9, 1935 in Sherman to Harold Wallace Totten Sr. and Thelma Fergeson Totten. He graduated from Sherman High School in 1954 and attended the University of Texas in Austin until he entered the United States Army in 1957. Wally was selected for the Honor Guard and was stationed in Washington DC. He worked at Arlington National Cemetery and was even invited to try out to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but due to a slight tilt of the head, he didn’t get chosen. In 1958, Wally was chosen for the 3rd Infantry regiment of the Army. Wally then discharged from the Army in 1959.

While in the army he began dating long time friend from Sherman, Joan Barrett. Joan was a Stewardess on American Airlines and Wally would fly on her flights. In 1959 Wally and Joan married and began their lives together. Wally grew up working in the family business, Washington Iron Work Inc. and after he left the army, he began the business full-time. In 1969, Wally became President and Chairman of the board. Wally represented the fifth generation of his family to have owned and operated Washington Iron Works. The business was sold in 2015. He also owned and operated Washington Air and Day Packaging.

Wally was active on many boards. He served as Senior Trustee on the Austin College Board for many years. Wally also served on the Wilson N Jones Board for 12 years as a Vice Chairman and then became Chairman in 1996. He was the Finance Chairman of the Southern Gas Compression Conference and served on the State National Bank of Denison Board.

Wally had a love for so many things’ cars, swimming, traveling, history, working in the yard and spending time with his furry friends. Wally’s main passion was always spending time with his family. He loved being a husband, father, brother, uncle, Grandad and a Great Grandad.

Wally is preceded in death by his father, Harold Wallace Totten Sr., mother , Thelma Ferguson Totten, wife, Joan Barrett Totten, son, Scott Wallace Totten, son Stephen Hughes Totten and nephew Joe Davin Rayl.
Wally is survived by his daughter, Susanne Totten Hogue and husband Rance of Wichita Falls, Tx, Granddaughter’s, Heather Fulton and husband Zach of Weatherford, Tx., Hayley Turnquist and husband Cameron of Wichita Falls, His sister, Jane Rayl of Bolivar, Missouri, Niece Jane Ann Marray and husband Alan of Bolivar, Missouri, Great Grandsons Hayes Fulton, Slade Turnquist, Grant Fulton and Hutton Turnquist, great nephews Matthew Murray, Oliver Murray and families.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Humane Society of North Texas, Sherman Preservation League, Heart to Heart Hospice of Sherman or Camp Fire North Texas, Wichita Falls.

Special thanks goes to Heavenscent Caregivers, especially Margene of 2 years, Robin, Dela, Heather and Kim, and another special Thank You to Heart to Heart Hospice of Sherman for taking such good care of Wally.