Dates
Don was born on August 8, 1944, to James Moore “Jelly” Walter and Gertrude Irene Holliman Walter.
Don graduated from Central High School in 1962. He continued his education at San Angelo Junior College before attending the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1968.
Don began his career with Chicago Bridge & Iron, where he worked from 1968 to 1971. He later returned home to San Angelo and worked for the City of San Angelo Water Department. Eventually, he ventured out on his own and established Don Walter Water Systems, an irrigation and sprinkler systems business that became an important part of his life’s work. Through his business, Don’s work can be found throughout the state of Texas, leaving a lasting legacy of the career he built. He retired in 2012 and sold the business to his honorary son, Bubba Ellison.
Don loved life. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, and spending time with family and friends. He had a strong work ethic and took his responsibilities seriously, but outside of work, he embraced fun, adventure, and laughter.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Irene Walter, with whom he shared a beautiful life filled with love, travel, and treasured memories.
He is also survived by his daughter, Terena (Teri) Carol Walter of San Angelo; his stepdaughters, Kim Watson of San Angelo and Brooke Watson of Little Elm, Texas. Papa Don so loved his granddaughters, Gracie McDaniel of Lubbock, Lauryn Temples, Vivien Edwards, Valen Edwards of San Angelo, and Bella Irie Watson of Little Elm, Texas. Don also had a special place in his heart for Reagan Larsen and Travis Mackey.
Don also leaves behind his nephews, David Hale and his wife, Carol, of San Angelo, and their son, Michael Hale, of Houston; James Marvin Hale of The Woodlands, Texas; his niece, Theralyn Soule and her husband, Dan, of Harlingen, Texas; and his nephew, Danny Joplin of Abilene, Texas; along with many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sue Hale; his brother, Billy Joe Walter; and his sister, Jimmy Lei Oglesby.
The family would especially like to recognize Don’s special friend, Amby Richards; his wine-tasting friends from In Vino Veritas; and his morning coffee buddies, whose friendship and companionship brought him so much enjoyment.
Sixteen years ago, Don received the extraordinary gift of a lung transplant—a gift that gave him many more years with the people and experiences he loved. His family will forever be grateful to the transplant team at University Hospital in San Antonio for the care that made those additional years possible.
The family also extends a heartfelt thank-you to Hospice of San Angelo for the exceptional and compassionate care they provided Don during the final chapter of his life.