Walt Glass

Walt Glass, age 72, passed away on February 21, 2016, in Phoenix, Arizona, after a two year battle with multiple myeloma. He was born in San Antonio, Texas to John and Allene Glass. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, friend, extraordinary potter, badminton and tennis enthusiast, avid hiker and proud Army veteran. He will be dearly missed.

Walt grew up in San Antonio and, after serving in the Army, graduated from The University of the Incarnate Word where he later received an Outstanding Alumnus Award. He married Cynthia Vela, also a UIW graduate, in 1975, and they enjoyed 40 years together. After finding his artistic passion in creating beautiful, handmade, one of a kind pottery, Walt and Cynthia opened their shop, Village Gallery, in San Antonio’s historic La Villita and a production studio in McQueeney, Texas. He and Cynthia loved participating in craft fairs around the country with a special fondness for the “Starving Artists Show” along the San Antonio River Walk and La Villita.

They enjoyed a successful artistic venture for over forty years and their pottery has been appreciated across the globe. His unique pottery was collected by dignitaries from around the world, including the Queen of England, Ronald Reagan, and other notables, as well as being featured by San Antonio’s sister city in Japan.

As a master potter, Walt enjoyed mentoring professional potters from around the world, sharing his technique and skill. Later in his career, he loved teaching Ceramics at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas where he contributed both in and out of the classroom. With the help of TLU students and faculty, he introduced the “Empty Bowls Project” to the Seguin area, raising funds to help feed the hungry.

Walt is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Christopher Glass.

He is survived by his wife Cynthia Glass, son Aaron Glass; daughters, Crystal Glass, Veronica Glass Garrett and son-in-law Graham Garrett; his beloved granddaughter, Annabelle DuFrene; brother, Gary Glass (Carol); sister, Pam Herberger (Roy); his nieces, nephews, grandniece and grandnephews; and cousin, Hank White.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 27th, 2016 with a visitation an hour prior at 1:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, 1701 Austin Hwy., San Antonio, TX 78218. Interment will continue at Sunset Memorial Park.

In appreciation of the efforts being made in cancer treatment research, contributions may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In addition, contributions are welcomed for the Little Church of La Villita.