Larry Joel Walters, 78, of Cumby, Texas, passed away peacefully in his wife’s arms on April 24, 2025. He was born on May 8, 1946, in Houston, Texas, to Charles and Marie Walters.
Larry grew up in Houston and graduated from Jeff Davis High School in 1964, where he proudly served in ROTC all four years.
Early in life, he enjoyed many adventures with his parents, fishing and crabbing in Galveston and visiting extended family in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where they would fish and hunt squirrel and rabbit.
Larry married his high school sweetheart, Elva Riley, on July 3, 1965.
They shared a lifetime of love and partnership, and this July would have marked their 60th wedding anniversary. Together they raised their son, Greg Roy Walters, who later married Debbie Alguire. Larry took great joy in spending time with his grandchildren, Ashley, Riley and Evan Walters. He also shared a
close relationship with his sister, Lynette Permenter.
Larry began his career as an apprentice stationary engineer at the Houston Astrodome, a job he loved and took great pride in. He later spent nearly 20 years driving for Trailways Bus Company, achieving a remarkable record of 2 million safe driving miles. Larry had a passion for the open road and an incredible ability to give
spot-on directions — a skill that stayed with him even as he grew older. He later continued his career as an over-the-road truck driver for General Aluminum.
At age 46, Larry suffered a major stroke that affected his eyesight and forced an early retirement. Despite this challenge, he stayed active, caring for his cows and cutting hay. Larry had a deep passion for anything mechanical. Whether working with his hands fixing broken equipment, raising stocker cows on his 46 acres in Cumby, or tinkering with hot rods and model trains, he could figure out how to fix anything if he put his mind to it. In his free time, he also worked alongside his best friend, Frank Walls, in a wrecking yard and bailing hay — a true testament to their lifelong friendship.
An advanced-licensed ham radio operator, with call sign WB5TLM, Larry taught himself Morse code and became highly proficient in both sending and receiving messages. He played an important role in relaying emergency communications during natural disasters, connecting people across the world — often working the airwaves late into the night.
Larry and Elva loved traveling together, especially spending winters in Yuma, Arizona, in their RV — a tradition they kept for 26 years. He was a lifelong member of the Tannehill Masonic Lodge in Dallas, Texas, holding membership for 46 years, and a proud member of Mt. Zion Fellowship Church in Cumby, Texas.
Affectionately known to some as “Grumpy Lumpy,” Larry was famously grumpy but had a big heart, a quick wit, and a smart remark always ready. He loved to laugh, cut up, and bring humor to every situation. One of his favorite stories was about his beloved Great Dane named Timex — so named because Larry said he
always wanted a “cheap watchdog.” Another Great Dane, Sambo, was also a cherished part of the family.
Larry was also a talented cook, with yeast rolls being his specialty — a treat that family and friends looked forward to whenever he baked.
A special thanks to his caregiver and friend during his last days at the nursing home, Juanita, for her kindness, compassion, and the care she gave Larry when he needed it most.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children in Dallas, Texas, in Larry’s memory.
WB5TLM Final Transmission Silent Key
