Eugene Joseph Walter

Eugene Joseph Walter, 88 of Muenster, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. He was born November 18, 1936, in Muenster, Texas, the son of Alois “Shorty” Walter and Marie (Hartman) Walter. A proud native of Muenster, Eugene graduated from Muenster High School in 1954 and then attended Texas A&M College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1959. His career took him across the country, beginning as a resident engineer working throughout the South for the Federal Aviation Agency. He later transitioned into nuclear research, joining Los Alamos Labs in Albuquerque, NM before moving to Las Vegas to work on “Project Rover,” an ambitious program aimed at developing a nuclear-powered rocket for space travel. While in Las Vegas, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Maraney, and they married in 1965. In 1970 Eugene joined Westinghouse in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania later settled in Richland, Washington to work at the Hanford Site where he contributed to nuclear projects, including SP-100, a space-based nuclear power system. He retired in 1996 and moved back to his beloved hometown of Muenster, Texas until his death. Gene loved gardening, farming, and thoughtfully documenting life experiences in journals. Eugene is survived by: son, Shawn and wife, Lola Walter and children, Natalie, Carissa, Arianna and Arielle of Muenster, TX; daughter, Dawn Walter Pingor of Muenster, TX and children, Ashley Veltre of Pittsburgh, PA; Michael Karas of Lemoore, CA; Joshua Karas of Denton, TX; Zachary Karas and Jessika Pingor of York, PA; and son, Chad and wife, Shani Walter and children, Grant, McKenna, Drew, Connor, Sam, Peter, Zelie and Asher of The Woodlands, TX; Great grandchildren: Vincent and Kye Michelotti, Pittsburgh, PA; Valerie Karas, Lemoore, CA; Haizley Karas, Denton, TX; Sister Jeanette Karr of Temple, TX; Brother, Claude and wife Nancy Walter of Muenster, TX. Eugene was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, his parents Alois “Shorty” and Marie; brother John Virgil Walter; sisters, Dolores Swirczynski, and Sandra Corcoran; and grandson Nathan Walter. The Vigil will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. A memorial Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a graveside service and lunch at the KC Hall, all are invited.

Eugene Joseph Walter

November 18, 1936 - May 28, 2025