Last updated on October 29, 2021
Walter Edmon Birchfield, 94, of Heath, Texas, passed away in the home of his daughter in Rowlett, Texas on Sunday, October 24, 2021.
Walter was born on October 9, 1927 in Farris, Oklahoma, to Grills Harney (Pony) Birchfield and Francis (Fannie) Waugh Birchfield. Walter married Wilma Jean (Jeanie) Powell on October 17, 1952, in Dallas, Texas. They were married 59 years prior to Jeanie’s death in 2011. Walt worked most of his life as a master plumber.
After losing his father at the age of 12, Walt supported his mom and numerous siblings on the family farm. Walt joined the U.S. Army on October 16, 1950, and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Walt reached the rank of Corporal in the Army Infantry. He traveled throughout Europe playing softball while stationed in Germany and was the starting pitcher for the Army’s championship Fast Pitch Softball Team in 1952. Walt was very proud of his 110 Infantry service to his country and continued to support Veteran’s groups and other organizations honoring the U.S. military throughout his life.
Walt was known as “PawPaw” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. PawPaw thought the world of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, talked about them often, and always looked forward to their visits. One of the great memories that they will have of PawPaw was walking to the tank together, in his plaid shirts, to feed the fish.
Walt is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Carpenter and husband, Bill, of Rowlett, Texas; son, Michael Birchfield and wife, Patsy, of Boerne, Texas; grandchildren, Lauren Burns and husband, Michael, of Dallas, Texas, Clinton Carpenter and wife, Kelci, of Spokane, Washington, Meghan Calva and husband, Brandon, of Houston, Texas, and Ashley Leavell and husband, Chris, of Houston, Texas, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Walt is preceded in death by his wife, Jeanie, father and mother, and ten brothers and sisters.
Visitation will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at Rest Haven Funeral Home in Rockwall, Texas, immediately followed by a graveside service to celebrate Walt’s life at 1:00 PM. Pastor Greg Bradford of Lakepointe Church, Rockwall, Texas will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Walt’s name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at: https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout
Or call: 718-987-1931 to make a donation in memoriam by phone.
