Exner

LEXINGTON—Funeral services for Walter “W.O.” Exner, 97, of Lexington were held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at St. James Lutheran Church in Lexington with Rev. Jonathan Meyer officiating. Burial followed at St. James Lutheran Cemetery in Lexington.

Walter Oscar Exner, better known as W.O., was born on Aug. 13, 1926, in Lincoln to Emil Exner and Agnes (Lehman) Exner.

He was baptized on Aug. 28, 1926, and confirmed on May 17, 1940, at St. John Lutheran Church in Lincoln.

He graduated from Giddings High School.

W.O. served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged on Nov. 30, 1946.

W.O. was united in marriage to Norma Toepper on May 30, 1953, at St. John Lutheran Church in Lincoln. They were blessed with three sons.

W.O. was a very dedicated and hard worker. While working at Alcoa, he became the first licensed HVAC technician in the state of Texas.

He was very good with his cattle, so much so that he could tell you down to the day when they were going to calve.

He enjoyed tinkering, going to his place in Moab and coming up with projects for his family to work on.

Throughout the years, he served in many capacities in the Lexington community, including mayor, president of the Chamber of Commerce, organizer of Lexington Community Enterprises, and a member of the Lions Club and Lexington Volunteer Fire Department.

W.O. passed away the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 19, at Bec’s Blessing in Giddings.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Agnes Exner; his wife, Norma Exner; his son, Tim Exner; and three brothers, Monroe Exner, Martin Exner and Clarence Exner.

W.O. is survived by his sons, Rodney and wife Becky Exner of Lexington, Mickey and wife Robin Exner of Lexington; his daughter-in-law, Lisa Exner of Manheim; six grandchildren, Brandon and Heather Exner of Lexington, Dustin Exner of Lexington, Ashley and Ryan Priem of Llano, Matthew Exner of Lexington, Kyle and Kelly Exner of Sugar Land, Sloan and Brooke Exner of Giddings; eight great-grandchildren, Bailey Exner of Pflugerville, Braden Exner of San Marcos, Karley Schulz of Lexington, Addison Priem, Jett Priem and Jagger Priem, all of Llano, Sadie Exner of Sugar Land and Baby Girl Exner arriving in Giddings spring 2024; one brother, Elton “Sonny” and wife Janice Exner of Houston; and a sister-inlaw, Dorothy Exner of Giddings; as well as, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Pallbearers were W.O.’s grandsons, Bradon Exner, Dustin Exner, Sloan Exner, Kyle Exner, Matthew Exner and Ryan Priem.

Honorary pallbearers were B.J. Spencer, Mickey DeHart, Kenny Mostyn, Alan Retzlaff, Stan Spell, Jerry Corbin, Charlie Frazier, Wess Stanley, Frank Newkerk and Rev. Rick Spencer.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings.