Wilburn Walla

Wilburn George Walla, 82, of McDade passed away on Tuesday morning, August 8, 2017. Wilburn was the first born to George and Vlasta Walla on October 5, 1934, in Plum, Texas. Wilburn grew up and attended schools in Smithville, Texas. After school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served his country from 1953 until 1962 .

In 1955, while on leave from the Navy, Wilburn’s shipmate, Raymond, who was Edith’s cousin, introduced him to his bride. The two instantly fell in love and were united in Holy Matrimony on January 26, 1956. The newlywed couple has travelled from coast to coast; touching Hawaii, Texas, and California during Wilburn’s enlistment. While stationed in Corpus Christi, she gave birth to their first child, Richard. Once discharged from the Navy, they moved back to Texas, where they had another child, Lori, while living in Houston. From Houston, the four moved to Elgin, Texas. In 1967, the family moved to McDade, where their family grew to five with the birth of Howard.

Wilburn was an icon for the community of McDade, extending throughout the county and state.

Waiting in Heaven for Wilburn are his wife of 62 years, Edith Walla; both his parents, and his brother Frank Walla .

Wilburn leaves in God’s Hands to cherish his memories are his three children, Richard Walla and wife, Christine of McDade; Lori and husband, Darrell Stifflemire of Blue; and Robert Howard Walla and wife, Nicole of Thrall; his sister, Vivian and her husband, Chuck Deavers of Georgetown; his six grandchildren, Gavin Walla, Holly Davis, Derek Stifflemire, Heather Stifflemire, Shelby Walla, and Alex Walla; and his six great-grandchildren, Kobie, Kenlie, Kelsie, Cadence, Bentlee, and Kimber Lynn, and a host of other relatives and numerous friends, including the community of McDade.