Celebrating the Life of James "Skipper" Lyndon Walts

October 16, 1939 — May 22, 2026

James "Skipper" Lyndon Walts, a lifelong resident of Mart and a pillar of the farming community, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Born on October 16, 1939, to John and Lena Walts, Skipper grew up with the grit and spirit that defined his generation. A proud graduate of Mart High School, he carried the "Panther Pride" with him throughout his life, having played as a member of one of the school’s legendary State Championship football teams.

Following high school, Skipper honorably served his country in the Army Reserves. He was a man who understood the value of an honest day's work, spending years delivering fuel for CC Jones and working for General Tire. However, his true calling was written in the soil. Skipper was a dedicated farmer at heart; he found his greatest professional joy in the rhythm of the seasons, with cotton always being his crop of choice.

On August 24, 1963, Skipper married the love of his life, Betty Jean Steinke. Together, they built a life centered on devotion and tradition, celebrating 62 beautiful years of marriage.

Skipper was a man of simple, profound pleasures. He was an avid fisherman and a master of the BBQ pit, always happiest when feeding his family. On Sundays, you could find him cheering on his beloved Dallas Cowboys, rarely—if ever—missing a kickoff. In his later years, he found great comfort and companionship in his dog, Nick, who remained his constant guardian and friend.

Skipper was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lena Walts; his sister, Betty Lou Freeman and her husband, Gerald; and his sister, Carol Sue Walts.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty Jean Walts; his sons, Brad Walts and Kirk Walts, along with Kirk’s wife, Amy; and his sister, Linda Katner and her husband, Kenneth. His legacy lives on through his cherished grandchildren: Noah, Brooklynn, Brynleigh, and Pepper Walts and numerous nephews and nieces.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Kristy and Colby and the staff of Hospice for their compassionate care and support during Skipper’s final days, as well as Gerard A. Marroquien, MD and Adam W. Ylitalo DO for their life long care and support of the family.

The family will receive friends and neighbors for a visitation on Wednesday, May 27, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Littlepage Funeral Home in Mart, Texas. A funeral service celebrating Skipper’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 28, at the First Baptist Church of Mart, with burial to follow at Meier Settlement Church Cemetery.