Walter A. Roth

Walter A. Roth, of Baton Rouge, died Monday, May 10, 2010, on return from a 91st birthday trip to visit family in Florida. The family welcomes friends at a visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., Tuesday, May 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A service of celebration for Walter's life will be at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, 12954 Joor Road, Wednesday, May 19, at 10 a.m. followed by burial at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont, Texas, at 4 p.m. that day. Walter was the only child of Frank A. Roth and Edna North Roth, who were of Philadelphia. A chemist by trade, he earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree from LSU. While at LSU, he met and married Ada Lillie Adkisson Roth, and the two lived the remainder of their adult lives in Baton Rouge, where they raised three sons and Walter worked for Exxon. With his wife, Walter was a founding member of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, where he was very active for more than 55 years. Walter was a forward-looking person and a continuous learner. He served as a leader of Boy Scout Troop 31, did volunteer tax preparation through AARP, purchased one of the first available hybrid cars, attended the Baton Rouge Symphony, stayed in touch with friends and family via e-mail, and maintained a home garden. He traveled extensively, including an adventure to Australia and New Zealand at age 87 and trips with Bell Tours. A dedicated LSU fan, Walter also enjoyed football season tickets for the past 50 years. Walter will be remembered for his lifelong love of learning and his quiet generosity; his steadfast presence among family and friends will be missed until we meet again. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ada Lillie Adkisson Roth; and great-grandson, Jacob Burnette. Surviving him are sons, Frank and wife Beverly, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., William, of Atlanta, and Henry and wife Alison, of Tampa, Fla.; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and dear friends. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 78123, Baton Rouge, LA 70837.