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ENID, Okla. - Walter Tappan, 76, of Burkburnett, Texas, passed away Monday, Jan. 27, 2014.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at Lighthouse Church of Burkburnett, with Brother Bobby Scott and Brother Gary Hibbs officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home of Burkburnett.
Walter was born April 19, 1937, in Enid, Okla., to Francis and Marie Tappan.
He served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Vietnam and Korean wars, retiring after 22 years.
On Dec. 19, 1959, he married Frances Wanzer.
Walter was a talented musician who could play nearly any instrument, including the guitar, bass, keyboard, harmonica and even the ukulele. He was a singer/songwriter and loved country and gospel music.
He was a public servant who became a police officer after retiring from the Army. He served as the chief of police in Grandfield, Okla., and Yale, Okla. He also served as the chief of security for the Tulsa Zoo, which he loved.
Walter loved NASCAR, the Dallas Cowboys and OU football. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, camp and play golf. Walter could always be counted on for a joke, some of them being pretty bad, and had an amazing sense of humor.
Walter gave his life to the Lord Jesus in September 2012 and was baptized at Evergreen Nursing Center on Sept. 24, 2012. He loved sharing his faith with the other residents and staff of Evergreen.
He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Angela Hayes.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Tappan of Burkburnett; daughter, Sabrina Hayes and husband Tim of Randlett, Okla.; two sons, Timothy Tappan of Burkburnett, and Frank Tappan of St. Augustine, Fla.; two brothers, Philip Tappan and wife Marlene, and Dewey Tappan and wife Wanda, all of Enid, Okla.; five granddaughters, Aron Harden and husband Rusty of Randlett, Okla., Shawna Daugherty and husband Josh of St. Augustine, Fla., Chelsea Tappan of Burkburnett, Ashley Tappan of St. Augustine, Fla., and Katie Tappan of Wichita Falls; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
For those desiring, memorials may be made to Hands To Hands, P.O. Box 4641, Wichita Falls, TX 76308.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensand brumley.com.
(Submitted by family)
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