Patrick Osa Walls

Patrick Osa Walls, 88, passed away at his home in Murphy, Texas, on October 16, 2026. He was born in St. Maries, Idaho, on September 19, 1938, to Osa Walls and Eraine (Whalen) Walls.

Pat grew up in Spokane Valley, Washington, where he attended St. Paschal Catholic School, Trentwood Grade School, and West Valley High School. Spokane Valley was also where he met Linda, his wife of 64 years.

Pat loved electronics and figuring out how things worked. An amateur radio enthusiast known by the call sign K7PW, he built his own radios and always installed one in the family car. His career in telecommunications equipment sales took the family to many new homes over the years. At each one, putting up a ham radio tower was among his first orders of business, much to the chagrin of his wife and the new neighbors.

In the late 1970s, long before home computers were common, Pat built his first computer from scratch. Over the years, he built computers for his family and many friends. His interests also took him into the air. He completed his first solo flight on March 28, 1974, and went on to earn his pilot’s license.

In 1986, Pat and Linda settled in Texas to be near their children and grandchildren. Pat enjoyed having Dallas Cowboys season tickets, with his kids and grandkids taking turns joining him for tailgating and games at Texas Stadium. But his favorite place to spend a Saturday night, March through October, was Devil’s Bowl Speedway. There, he watched and filmed his sons racing stock cars — Mike in #38 and Pat Jr. in #39. He also maintained the Walls Racing website, putting his film editing and computer skills to work for the family’s racing team.

Music was another important part of Pat’s life. Without ever taking a lesson, he taught himself to play piano and guitar by ear. He loved country and western music and especially enjoyed listening to his grandsons play music, a shared love that connected the generations.

Pat always insisted the family didn’t need another cat or dog, but he was usually the first to befriend the newest arrival. Before long, they’d be hanging out with him in his radio room.

At family gatherings, Pat could be counted on for a story about the past—mostly true—and a good laugh. For decades, he and Linda welcomed people into their home, and many became part of the family. Their many lifelong friendships say a great deal about the way they made people feel welcome.

Pat is survived by Linda, his wife of 64 years; his son Patrick Jr. and wife Sue; his daughter Karen and husband Kevin; his son Michael; his daughter Laura; and his bonus daughter Nicki, who first met him at age five and followed him around the house saying “Mr. Walls” over and over again. He is also survived by his grandsons Kyle, Kade, Kirk (and his wife, Erica), Eric, Adam, and Andrew.

The family will hold a graveside service at St. Joseph Cemetery in Spokane at a later date.