Walter A. Peterson

The Austin American-Statesman, 12/5/2008

It is with great sadness that the family of Walter A. Peterson announces his passing on December 2, 2008 at the age of 78.

Walter was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather as well as a friend to everyone he met. Walter was the youngest of six children of Luther and Rosie Peterson of Round Rock.

He was born in Round Rock, Texas and graduated from Round Rock High School. He attended University of Texas and graduated from Southwestern University. Afterward he served in the army at Ft. Sam Houston.

In 1953, Walter signed a pro contract with the Milwaukee Braves after being scouted by 13 of the 16 major leagues teams. In 1954, he made the roster for the Braves; however an injury curtailed him from continuing a baseball career at the highest level. This allowed another young rookie to take his place on the roster for the Braves team by the name of Henry Aaron. Walter continued to play semi pro baseball for the Plymouth Oilers of Sinton Texas.

In 1954, he married Verna Martin of Gatesville. They lived in Angleton, Seguin, and Georgetown while raising their two children, Rob and Shari until 1974.

Walter was a baseball and football coach at Angleton and Seguin. He was the principal and assistant Superintendent for the Georgetown ISD. He later established a successful career in insurance and real estate.

He met the current sparkle of his eye Lois Pagel in 1980. Together, they returned to Round Rock in 1982 and he pursued his first love of working with students as a Principal at Westwood High School in Round Rock ISD and retired in 1995.

In retirement, Walter enjoyed spending time at the farm with his brother and sister, watching his grandchildren play sports and raise them to become fine young men and women. His hobbies included fishing, hunting and keeping us laughing with the latest jokes.

Walt had a sense of humor known to few men and was admired as a kind, gentle, giving friend and family member.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Hulda, and brother George Peterson. His mother-in-law Allene Pagel.

In addition to his wife, Lois, Walter is survived by his son, Walter A. "Rob" Peterson of Austin, his wife Lou Ann Peterson, their sons, Walt and Will; daughter, Shari Peterson of Houston and husband Fred Amajdi; brothers, August Peterson of Conroe, Adolf Peterson; and sister, Pauline Peterson of Round Rock; father-in-law, Alton Pagel; sister-in-law, Geneva Ellis and husband Jim; stepson, Richard Nolte, (Debbie), children, Clifford, Tasha, Miranda, Taylor Jane; stepdaughter, Virginia Sullivan, (Ray), children Vickie, (Aaron) , Jacqualynn, Ally, Timothy; stepdaughter, Carmen Mendez, (Aldalfo), children Desiree, Mecaiah, Brandon.

The family will receive visitors Friday, December 5 at Beck Funeral Home in Round Rock, Texas from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at Palm Valley Lutheran Church in Round Rock, Texas at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December, 6 with burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Walter A. Peterson may be made to Palm Valley Lutheran Church.