Walter John Funk (Brown)

Walter John Funk (Brown), "John-John" to his family, and Walter to his friends.

He died on Tuesday May 27th, 2025, the morning after his 61st birthday at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo, TX. The specific cause of death is yet to be discovered.

Rather than a formal memorial service, John would have preferred the community and his friends gather to support one another in smaller groups as they grieve his loss. In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider giving the gift of kindness to others in need, the way he would have.

John’s long time partner Mara Franklin (Otto) preceded him in death Aug 6th, 2014. Together they raised Mara’s two sons who John called his own; Ron Kifer and Jonathan Kifer, currently living in California. He leaves behind his grandchildren: Kylie Connor, Jasmin Arnett-Delk, Lucas Kifer, Skyla Kifer, Jonathan Kifer Jr., and Angel Burris. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Sabrina Connor, Christopher Connor, Alexandria Arnett-Delk, Zariah Arnett-Delk, Leiloni Arnett-Delk, Nova Dwire, Lynnzie Dwire, Harlee Dwire, and Piper Dwire.

He had one daughter. He sadly lost touch with her while overseas and regretfully her name is unknown.

“John-John” was preceded in death by his two sisters, Deborah Jean Brown, and Sarah Jane Brown. He is survived by his brother Patrick Wood, and his sister Theresa "Terrye" Larson, both of Colorado. "John is also survived by three nieces: Meagan Larson, Deborah Funk, and Christina Skinner; one great-niece, Callista Carlin; and one great-great-niece, Lunella Carlin.". Additionally, John would've said he had a “boat load” of cousins (plus many “adopted” family members)!

John was born May 26th, 1964 in Ballinger, TX, and according to his mother, he came out 10 pounds and "built like a truck driver". His siblings remember him being the typical annoying, yet charismatic and charming brother. His sister remembers vividly going together to the first showing of the Star Wars movie in theaters, in 1977, they were forever hooked on Sci-Fi afterwards. He eventually graduated high school in Abilene, TX and joined the Navy in 1983. He was stationed in Guam and the Philippines before returning to the States with an honorable discharge and completed his terms of service in June 1989.

He then adventure traveled throughout the United States, visiting family and working various jobs. He wore many hats such as caregiver, cook, mechanic, and even a treehouse builder, along the way. He fancied himself a "nomad" but returned to Ballinger to care for his mom, Patsy Wood, and continued to call Ballinger home after her death in 2011. Soft-hearted and compassionate, he endlessly did his best to care for others, even stray animals. John showed remarkable resilience, despite battling his own injury, illness and pain issues. He always made time for loved ones.

Peacefully resting now, he will be forever remembered with love.