Willie Walter Jordan Jr's Obituary
Willie Walter Jordan, Jr., 82, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, in Richardson, TX.
Walter was born on February 13, 1944, in Florien, Sabine Parish, Louisiana, to Lola Lourine Peterson and Willie Walter “Bill” Jordan.
He shared 62 loving years of marriage with his beloved wife, Cynthia “Cindy” Ator Jordan, whom he married on June 12, 1964, in the Mesa, AZ Temple. Together, they built a family rooted in love, strength, and lasting memories.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy, of Garland, TX; his son, Shannon Wayne Jordan (Asha), of Mesa, AZ; and his daughter, Tina Carol Evans (Robert) of Sachse, TX. Walter also leaves behind 10 cherished grandchildren: Ashley Faldmo (Chase), Kenna Mahathirath (Stephen), Elle, Alex (Kyla), Josh (Emily), Mary Ayers (Earl), Taylor, Trey Mecham, James Mecham, and Sadie Mecham and 10 treasured great-grandchildren: Reagan, Amanda, Collins, Ox, Mia, Madison, Mason, Sammy, Millie, and Peter, all of whom brought him great pride and joy. He is also survived by his sister Billie Jones of Salt Lake City, UT and nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Lola Lourine Peterson Jordan and Willie Walter “Bill” Jordan; sister, Augusta Lou Jordan Otte; brother-in-law, Alvin Otte; and brother-in-law, Glen Jones.
He graduated as Valedictorian from Odessa High School in 1962 and was voted “Mr. Most Courteous” each year. After high school he attended Odessa Junior College for one year before earning his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University in 1967.
Following graduation, Walter and family moved to Richardson, Texas, where he began his career with Texas Instruments. During his 10 years there, he designed specialized equipment for government products. In 1977, he joined Abbott Laboratories as a design engineer and manager, where he helped design groundbreaking medical diagnostic equipment, including work on the first machine used to detect AIDS in blood. Over the course of his career with Abbott, he earned eight patents for equipment he designed before retiring after 25 years of service.
Walter was an avid storyteller who spent several years participating in Toastmasters International, following in the footsteps of his mother, Lola, and sister, Billie. He earned first place honors for Most Humorous Speech at the regional level, a reflection of his quick wit, warmth, and ability to connect with others through stories. Following retirement, Walter spoke at senior centers throughout North Texas, sharing personal life experiences and encouraging others to preserve and share their own family stories for future generations.
Walter was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, & great-grandfather whose life was centered around faith, family, and hard work. Walter is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, joining the church at 12 years old. During his life he has served in various callings in the church including Bishop, high councilman, early morning seminary teacher, temple worker (assistant recorder), Gospel Doctrine teacher, Bishop’s Storehouse worker, and more. His service and love to others is far reaching and cannot truly be measured in this lifetime. His influence will be felt for generations to come.
Walter will be remembered for his example of strength, wisdom, and devotion to God, family, and friends. He is deeply missed by many but because of our Savior Jesus Christ, we know we will meet again.
Services will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2701 North Garland Avenue, Garland, TX 75040
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