Walter Dewey Estep's Obituary
Walter Dewey Estep, most recently of West Tawakoni, TX, passed away peacefully on Sunday,
November 27th at his home on the lake that he never wanted to leave. For nearly 78 years, he
lived a life filled with love of family, cool cars, and sharing pictures and stories to anyone who
would listen. He will always be remembered for his roles as a loving husband, wonderful father,
grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, and beloved friend to many. Throughout his long life though,
he was also an Army Veteran, mechanic, truck driver, carpenter, salesman, rancher, rodeo
cowboy (which was very short lived), retiree, and most importantly, a proud Paw Paw. Son of
Walter Blanton (Daddy) and Paula (momma) Estep, “Walt” was born in Big Spring, TX, but lived
in many places from Texas to California to Colorado, Dallas, and finally West Tawakoni in a
beautiful house on the lake. Walt grew up with his brother Jimmy and sisters Ella, Jodie, Bea,
and later, Gidget. As a young adult, he met his first wife Nancy and had a wonderful son, Walter
Scott Estep who later married Tricia Del Dotto and welcomed Walt’s first two grandchildren,
Maddie and Justin. After their separation, Walt enlisted in the Army and was sent to Fort Carson
before shipping off for Vietnam. As a trusted brother-in-arms, Walt led many brave men into
battle and into local watering holes on R&R. The stories from his time there could fill a book and
scare his son’s friends. After finishing his second tour, he was sent back state-side and met his
loving wife Julie. Settling back in Texas, the young family settled in East Dallas and raised two
sons, Mitchell and Spencer. After a long career with DTS that later became DART, he and Julie
retired to their final home on Lake Tawakoni and were able to keep friends who became
neighbors for nearly twenty more years. There they celebrated the birth of 2 more
grandchildren, Charlie and Keegan until Julie’s passing. Shortly after, Walt’s 5th and final
grandchild, Genevieve, was born, completing his family. Walt is survived by a large, loving
family, sister Gidget, sons Mitchell and his wife Aimee, and Spencer and his wife Amy,
Daughter-in-Law Tricia, grandchildren Madeleine, Justin (and wife Melissa), Charlie, Keegan,
and Genevieve and countless nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Scott
and his mother Nancy, his brother Jimmy, and sisters Ella, Jodie, and Bea. A visitation will be
held Monday, December 5, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Restland Funeral Home and
Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75243 at the Wildwood Chapel, directly followed by
his burial with Military Honors at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be
made in Walt’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project
Funeral arrangements for Walter Dewey Estep have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.
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