Dates
Walter M. Templin, Walt, peacefully left this world for heaven on May 11, 2026, at home at the age of 86.
Walt was born April 19,1940 in Coleman Texas to Walter and Lillian Templin. He grew up in San Angelo and graduated from San Angelo High School in the class of 1958. A friend arranged for him to go to a school sock- hop after a football game with Carolyn Swaringin. After many opportunities to dance or bowl or go to the drive-in movie together, they fell in love and were married on September 3, 1960.
Walt began a career in the food industry at Luby’s cafeteria. He went on to work with the Army/Air Force exchange in food services. After returning to San Angelo, he owned/ managed several restaurants including The Ranch House and The Twin Mountain Steak House.
Along with a successful career, Walt participated in community organizations such as the Texas Restaurant Association and served as president 2 years, a member of Hoolihan inc., a member of San Angelo Ramrods, and a member of the Norton Lion’s Club. He had a love for hunting, fishing and ranching, which he shared with his family. He raised horses, cattle and even emus. He loved to host cookouts for family and friends, and they seemed to always include a game of horseshoes.
Over the years, his faith in Jesus was his hope and he always reminded others, “The Lord is good.”
He is survived by the love of his life of 65 years, his wife Carolyn, a son, Rocky Templin and wife Pam of San Angelo, a daughter Shari Horne and husband Paul of Boerne and a daughter Karen Whitlock of San Angelo. He is Poppa to his grandchildren; Rocky Templin and wife Shannon of San Angelo, Paul Templin of San Angelo, Emily Whitlock and Lou Blake of Ballinger, Kristin Moore and husband Robby of Austin, Zane Whitlock of San Angelo, KaraLin Root and husband Jacob of Boerne, and great grandchildren Alexis Templin, Shelby Templin, McKenzie Templin, Rocky (Tripp) Templin, Abel Moore, Piper Moore, Evie Moore, Dryden Root, Coleman Root and Lettie Root. Other family; a brother, Troy Templin and wife Gwen of Roundrock and a sister Linda Landers of San Angelo, brother and sister in-law Howard and SueAnn Swaringin of Mertzon and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Walt was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Lillian Templin, his mother and father-in-law Roland and Laura Swaringin, a son-in-law Curtis J. Whitlock, a sister Reda Echols and many dear friends.
Walt’s life will be celebrated at a Family Visitation Thursday, May 14, 2026, 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Harper Funeral Home and with a Memorial Service, Friday, May 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Harper Funeral home in San Angelo. Interment will be at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens immediately after the service. The family would like to thank Pastor Walt Landers (Walt’s nephew) who will officiate and pallbearers; Rocky Templin, Paul Templin, Robby Moore, Jacob Root, Zane Whitlock and Tripp Templin, as well as CenterWell Home Health.