John Virgil Walter

John, our beloved "wildcatter", went to rest with the Lord on October 29, 2022. John was born on September 15, 1931, in Muenster, Texas, to Alois (Shorty) and Marie Catherine Hartman Walter. He was also raised in Muenster, Texas, and attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and graduated high school from St. Mary's Catholic School in Gainesville, Texas.

John is survived by his wife, Sammie Walter; John's sons, Doug (Wendy) Walter, Brian (Karen) Walter, Craig (Tracy) Walter, Blake (Taunya) Walter; and daughter, Laura Walter Becker; 15 grandchildren; sister, Jeanette Karr; brothers, Eugene Walter, Claude (Nancy) Walter.

John was preceded in death by his first wife, Agnes Marie Hodges Walter; his parents, Alois and Marie Walter; sisters, Dolores Swirczynski and Sandra Corcoran.

A special recognition to Mayala Quintanilla, Laura Asay and Irene Mata for their devotion and care for John in his later years.

John lived a full and complete life that could only be described as "extraordinary". He graduated and obtained his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M, in College Station, for his first degree. John's graduation from A&M as an officer in the United States Army paved the way for his service in the Korean Conflict where he served in "Intelligence". John would never say more about his Korean service than just "intelligence"'.

Returning from Korea, John subsequently entered Texas Tech University where he obtained his second degree in Petroleum Engineering. Always a leader and business success in the oil field, John also was inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame for Petroleum Engineers. Reflecting his adult concept to always give back more than he took, John established and contributed the Walter Petroleum Lab at Texas Tech University. When asked about his generosity, John's reply was that "A&M made him ready for Korea, but Texas Tech taught him how to make money".

After many years in the oil industry working for others, John formed his own very successful exploration company known as Walter Exploration Company, which he operated for many years before his death. As a reflection of John's business success and character, he again "gave back" by also being a substantial contributor to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. John's designated interest was to fund special equipment for childhood patients with cancer.

In addition to his industry success reflected as a member of the Dallas Petroleum Club, John was also an international hunter and member of several conservation organizations, including the Dallas Safari Club and the Dallas Gun Club. He also made special contributions to the Texas Bighorn Society and made affirmative steps to advance the re-establishment of the Desert Bighorn Sheep in Texas. John will be remembered by many for his extensive African Safaris, and the fellowship and his participation in bird shooting in England for many years.

Throughout his life, John felt his greatest gift was an inquisitive mind and "PMA" . . . Positive Mental Attitude.

A Rosary and Memorial Service for John Virgil Walter of Dallas, Texas, is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Friday, November 18, 2022, with Monsignor Donald Zimmerman officiating at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home located at 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas. In John's memory, you can make a contribution to St. Jude's, or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Walter family.