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Walter Caughran '42 October 6, 2017 12:51 PM updated: October 6, 2017 12:52 PM

Published in Dallas Morning News on Jan. 24, 2004

Walter Brown Caughran
CAUGHRAN, WALTER BROWN, passed away January 22, 2004, at age 83. He was born March 26, 1920, in Rockwall, TX, to Walter and Bess Brown Caughran. He was a descendant of pioneer Rockwall County families. He joined the Methodist Church, attended Rockwall public schools, played football for the Rockwall Yellowjackets, and graduated in 1937. He attended John Tartleton College, was a member of the ROTC Drill Team and a member of the "Silver Keys." He graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in engineering. He was called to active duty on June 15, 1941. During his Army career Major Caughran attended the Infantry School, Command and General Staff School and the Parachute School. He was an original member of the 82nd Airborne Division. Served three years overseas with the division in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, England, D-Day France, Belgium, Holland and Berlin. Returned to New York in December 1945 for a Victory Parade down Broadway on January 12, 1946. He was authorized the Glider Badge, Parachutists Badge, Bronze Star Medal, American Defense Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, European-Africa-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 6 Campaign Stars, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, Belgium Fourragere, and Dutch Citation Militaire Willems Orde. Following a knee operation in an Army hospital he was discharged from active service in August 1946, and served 10 years in the Army Reserve. He worked for Humble Oil and Refinery Company, which later became Exxon. He retired from Exxon after 34 years of service. After his retirement, he and his wife Jane returned to Rockwall and built a new home. He was a Vice-President of the Rockwall County Homeowners Association. He was appointed to the Rockwall County Library Board and served 5 years as Board Chairman. He and the board worked to improve the old library on Fannin Street. They then worked with the County and City to get a new location, design, construct, and open the new library on Rusk Street. He worked with the Board, Friends of the Library, and other citizens to raise funds to help pay part of the cost of the new library. He collected art and antiques, worked with bevel and stained glass, read history and action novels, with Tom Clancy being his favorite author. He and his wife Jane loved to travel in all parts of the U.S. and Canada. They made many trips to Europe and the U.K. and two extended trips to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and Tokyo. They also visited Bermuda and made many trips to Hawaii. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jane Caughran of Rockwall, TX; son, Kerry Brown Caughran; granddaughter, Megan K. Caughran of New York City, NY; and granddaughter and grandson, Bess and David Caughran of Waco, TX. Funeral services will be held 2:00pm, Sunday, January 25, 2004, at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Chapel with Dr. Keith P. Boone officiating. Interment will follow in Rockwall Memorial Cemetery, Rockwall, TX. The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00pm. The family requests memorial contributions to the Rockwall County Library, 105 S. First St., Rockwall, TX, 75087. Rest Haven Rockwall Chapel Rockwall 972-771-8641 Owned by the Cain Family www.resthavenfuneral.com


Funeral Home
Rest Haven Funeral Homes - Rockwall
2500 State Highway 66 East Rockwall, TX 75087
(972) 771-8641


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