Obituaries

Walter Loder went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on March 4, 2022. He died peacefully at Texoma Medical Center with loved ones at his side.

Walter grew up in New Jersey, graduating from Rahway High School. He fought in the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Specialist 4th Class in the United States Army. He married the love of his life, Laureen (Ashby) Loder in 1968.

Walter was loyal to the Catholic faith, which he fully embraced in 1992. He was an active member of both St. Mary Catholic Church in Sherman and St. Patrick Catholic Church in Denison, where he dressed up as St. Nicholas during Advent, blessing many families and children for 14 years until he could no longer physically attend church. He prayed over many throughout his life, even praying over one of his nurses just days before he passed away!

He drove a “rolling shrine” to his faith, which was seen by many in Grayson County and surrounding areas. To anyone who asked how he was doing, he would respond: “I’m crazy in love with Jesus!” He was the ultimate “Jesus freak”, and had a special devotion to Our Lord and His blessed mother Mary. Walter believed that his greatest accomplishment in this life was becoming Catholic!

He was a talented woodworker as well. He built and presented 33 baby rocking cradles over the years to many families.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Laureen, his parents, Walter and Elizabeth, and his sister Bette Motzing. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” 2Timothy 4:7

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held for Walter on Friday, March 11, 2022, at St. Anne Catholic Church in Sherman at 10:00 AM. Father Martin Castaneda will celebrate the mass. Father Randall Fogle will concelebrate, and Deacon Jim Adlof will assist. Interment will follow the mass at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Sherman. Rosary will be held on Thursday, March 10, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Denison.

Pallbearers will be Chip Piazza, Gerry Brundage, Philip Melton, Dean Bosse, Paul Tully, and Joe Bindel. Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Krawietz, Danny Reichert, and Trey Krauss.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Walter’s name to St. Mary and/or St. Patrick Parishes.

You may sign the online guestbook at www.Dannelfuneralhome.com.