Walter Gray Casner Jr. passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Redbud Village in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 83.
He was born on September 4, 1935 in Fort Worth, Texas to the late Walter Gray Casner, Sr. and Mildred Pierce (Branhan) Casner. Walter grew up and attended school in Fort Worth, Texas, graduating from a high school in Fort Worth.
After graduation, he entered the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Hancock. Upon discharge he started working as an over-the-road truck driver traveling all over the country. Walter loved to eat and could tell you the best places to dine anywhere he had traveled.
On September 18, 1981, Walter was united in marriage to Kay E. Pekarek in a log cabin in Fraser, Colorado. Together they enjoyed traveling in their RV. During their time in Colorado, annual trips were taken to scenic Moab, Utah for weeks at a time in order to enjoy camping and 4-wheeling. After retirement, Rockport, Texas became a favorite hangout for 3 to 4 months each year, where they enjoyed watching the cargo ships coming in and out of the busy Port Aransas shipping lanes.
In his younger years, Walter loved to hunt and fish. He was a pilot and would fly his buddies to Wyoming for fishing trips. He was avid about old vehicles and campers and spent hours tinkering and working on them. He enjoyed buying and shooting guns. He could often be found at the LaSada Shooting Club in Russell, Kansas testing his skills at shooting sporting clays. Walter liked listening to music by the Beach Boys, Big Band and 50’s music, and old Country favorites as he traveled down the road.
Walter is survived by his best friends, Mike and Catherine Klein of Plainville; brothers-in-law, Rodney Pekarek of Summerville, Florida and John Pekarek and wife Ann of Atlanta, Georgia; sister-in-law, Paula Pollart and husband Jerry of Castle Rock, Colorado; and “adopted” grandchildren, M. J. Klein (Kristina) and family, Matt Klein (Brandi Keller) and family, Jameson Klein (Omelia Thomas), and Michelle Weiser (Nolan) and Jordy.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay Casner and his parents Walter, Sr. and Mildred Casner.
Walter was a genuine nice guy who loved people and enjoyed life. He never knew a stranger and enjoyed talking to and helping everyone. Walter had a heart full of love for everyone, and he loved his family and wife Kay dearly. His life, his love, and his legacy will live in our hearts forever.
A funeral service is planned for 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton, Kansas with burial to follow in Stockton Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, January 14, 2019 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society-High Plains of Hays or Sacred Heart School-Plainville and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First, Stockton, Kansas 67669.