Gordon Ray Walls, a 60-year-old man from Texarkana, Texas, tragically passed away on October 24, 2021. He was born on November 18, 1960, in Ceres, California, and spent most of his life in the Valliant area of Oklahoma. Gordon was known for his work as a tree planter and brush control contractor for Weyerhauser. He was also an avid walker and enjoyed fishing.
Gordon's death was the result of a double shooting incident that occurred on October 24, 2021, behind a home on Horseshoe Loop in
Bowie County, Texas. According to the Bowie County Sheriff's Office, Thomas Wayne Lawson Sr., 51, was charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the shooting. Gordon was one of the two victims shot by Lawson, who was found still armed with a rifle at the scene. Gordon was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries but unfortunately succumbed to his wounds early the next morning.
Lawson was arrested at the scene and charged with murder and aggravated assault. The aggravated assault charge was later upgraded to murder after Gordon's death. Lawson was also found to be in possession of a small amount of suspected methamphetamine and was charged with possession of a controlled substance under 1 gram. He remains in custody at the Bi-State Detention Center, with a bond set at $1,000,000 for the initial murder charge and an additional $5,000 for the possession charge.
The investigation into Gordon Ray Walls' death revealed that Lawson admitted to shooting both victims. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing gunshots and speaking with Lawson, who claimed responsibility for the shootings. The Bowie County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the case, and Lawson's bond for the secondary murder charge has not yet been set.
Gordon Ray Walls is survived by his mother, Mary Walls, his son Kyle Ray Walls, his daughter Maura Green, and several other family members and friends. He was laid to rest at Valliant Cemetery in Valliant, Oklahoma.
This tragic incident has deeply affected the community, and the ongoing legal proceedings seek to bring justice for Gordon Ray Walls and his family.
