Owens Wren Waller, 92, passed peacefully from this earthly life to his eternal home in Heaven on May 25, 2025, after a lengthy illness. He was comforted by his family who had lovingly cared for him with compassion and devotion.

Born July 18, 1932, in the Oxford community of Amite County, Mississippi, Wren was the second of four children born to Delos Clinton Waller and Minnie Cola Pugh Waller. He spent his entire life in Amite County, where he first attended Oxford School.  Beginning his education in a primer class for six-year-olds and wearing new overalls and shoes, young Wren rode to school in a homemade bus built from a truck bed.  He continued at Oxford through the 7th grade, then transferred to Gloster Attendance Center for 8th and 9th grades, before returning to Oxford to graduate high school with a class of just seven students. While Wren was not especially fond of being inside a classroom, he found joy in playing basketball, where his speed and skill earned him a spot on the Oxford starting team. Later he enjoyed roller skating in the same old gym and cooling off with friends at the Bates Bridge swimming hole after long summer days working in the nearby fields.

In 1949 at the age of 18, Wren wanted to join the Navy, but a physical exam revealed a previously unknown heart murmur, and he was deemed ineligible. Instead, he pursued a variety of jobs that showcased his work ethic and gave him diverse job experiences. He drove a newer Oxford School bus, operated a printing press, worked for the National Forest Service and in the Gulf oil fields, and helped build prefabricated homes. For several years, he delivered gasoline to rural grocery stores and later opened his own store and gas station on Highway 33. In the 1970's, Wren eventually partnered with his older and younger brothers to purchase the former Steve O's Café in Gloster, converting it into a full-service station where customers were greeted with a smile, and had their gas pumped, fluids and tires checked, and windshields cleaned— all complimentary services—no matter how much gas they had purchased.

Wren was introduced by a mutual friend to Evelyn Wroten of the Smithdale community and on December 23, 1960, they were married. The couple chose a simple, heartfelt ceremony held in the home of Rev. Delos Cassels and witnessed by Wren's younger sister and Mrs. Cassels. Their 64 years of marriage were marked by love, partnership, and a deep sense of family. Together, they raised one daughter, Debra Anne, and created a warm and welcoming home.  In later years, they and Debra owned and operated The Hitchin' Post Café in Gloster.  It was well known for serving delicious lunch buffets and tasty Southern-fried catfish. They were longtime members of Woodland Methodist Church and in recent years were members of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.

Wren was also widely known for his musical talents. A gifted left-handed musician, he played many instruments upside down with ease. While he enjoyed playing the fiddle, guitar, and banjo, the dobro was his true favorite. Along with his younger brother and other talented friends, Wren's love of singing and playing gospel and country music brought joy to countless gatherings.  Friends and family also often met at the Waller home to enjoy an evening of fellowship and friendly competition around the pool table.  His kind Christian heart and loyal friendship were blessings to many.

Owens Wren Waller was preceded in death by his parents, Delos and Cola Waller; his older brother, Emmit Earl Waller; sister-in-law, Lena Butler Waller; and younger brother, Edward Jerry Waller. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Evelyn Wroten Waller; his devoted daughter, Debra Anne Waller; his sister, Jean Waller McIntyre, brother-in-law, Donald McIntyre; sister-in-law Deborah Waller; and Rhonda Smith, a cherished friend who was like a second daughter. He is also fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Special thanks are expressed to the staff of Accent Home Health and Deaconness Hospice who cared for him so kindly. The family appreciates Brown Funeral Home who was entrusted with funeral arrangements held in their chapel the afternoon of May 28, 2025. We sincerely thank all who attended the service and paid tribute to a wonderful man whom we all loved.  We especially thank Bro. Blaine Stafford and Bro. Ellis Hollingsworth and those who served on the program.  Interment was at Roseland Cemetery in Gloster.  Though our hearts grieve the absence of Wren Waller, our sad loss is Heaven's glorious gain.