Walter grew up with his parents and two sisters, in Llano, Texas and graduated from Llano High School in 1951. He attended Southwest Texas State Teacher’s College and received his bachelors degree in Agricultural Education in 1955. He was drafted by the US Navy and served in San Diego, California for 2 years.

Walter met and married his lifelong sweetheart, Mary Ruth Sultemeier, in 1961, after being introduced by her

brothers. The couple were married in her hometown of Johnson City, Texas. Walter attended Trinity University in San Antonio to earn his Masters degree in Education Administration.

His first teaching job was in San Antonio, Texas as a high school agriculture teacher.

The young married couple moved to Eldorado, Texas in 1967 with their two sons, Mark and Wade. Walter continued his career in education as an elementary principal, while also enjoying his love of cattle ranching. He was a faithful member and deacon at First Baptist Church of Eldorado. He also was a member and President of the Lions Club and enjoyed following his two sons in their high school sports and activities. He was ever “the friendly ticket taker” at local sports events.

In 1987, the couple moved to Llano, Texas to their family ranch where Walter continued to teach at Llano Junior High and drive the school bus. He also managed his cattle, emu and goat herds, as well as the deer hunting lease.

In 1995, he retired from the classroom, but continued to drive the bus until 2013. He loved his students and would wake at 4:00 am to drive this long rural bus route to maintain his connection with the students and teachers.

Walter was a faithful member at First Baptist Church of Llano, Texas.

Walter and Mary Ruth moved to Longview, Texas in 2018, to be close to their sons and families. They joined Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview, Texas. He faithfully served as a door greeter for the children, where his contagious smile welcomed many families to worship each week.

After experiencing a fall and subsequent head trauma, he moved to Buckner Westminster Place Assisted Living facility and finally to Heritage Healthcare Center, where he passed away peacefully on Christmas morning, 2024.

Walter is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Ruth (Sultemeier) Wallis and his two sons, Mark Stewart Wallis (m. Traci) and Wade Franklin Wallis (m. Kimberly), as well as his two sisters, Betty May and Reba Sandell.

His proudest accomplishment was his 6 grandchildren, Luke Wallis (m. Kasi), Logan Wallis (m. Hannah), Lydia Beaver (m. Austin), Katherine Wallis, James Wallis and Matthew Wallis, as well as his 4 great-grandchildren, Roman Wallis, Beau Wallis, Canaan Wallis and Ruth Beaver, with one more great-grandchild “on-theway” in January 2025.

A graveside gathering will be held at the Llano City Cemetery on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 1:00 pm.

Memorials are welcomed at the Llano First Baptist Church, 107 W. Luce St., Llano, Texas 78643.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new”… Revelation 21:4-5