|
Virnau, EN3 Walter Arthur Jr (1932-2013)
Virnau, Walter Arthur Jr.
Obituary
2013
Bellville Times
Funeral Services for Walter Virnau, Jr. were held on Monday, Sept. 30, 2013 at 10 a.m. from the First Baptist Church of Sealy with Rev. Merle Blado and Dr. Charles Owen officiating. Interment was in the Sealy Cemetery. Pallbearers were Weldon Bollinger, Larry Pavalu, John Hovas, Tony Ramos, Erich Lessing and Dennis Williams. Honorary Pallbearers were Jack Craig, Fred Oberhelman, Dennis Holder, Jack Carlin, Erwin Boyle, Darrell Hollis, Max Noles, Lawrence Sopchak and David Miller. Walter Arthur Virnau, Jr. died in his home with his wife, Kathryn, by his side on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013. He was born on July 23, 1932, in Alexandria, La. He was the fourth of five sons born to Walter and Juanita Virnau. The family moved to Sealy in 1944, and Walter graduated from Sealy High School five years later. He then went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston. Walter was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1955, where his college experience aided him in his responsibilities as a mechanic in the engineering department aboard the USS Tortuga. He returned to Sealy in 1957, where he joined his brother, Harry, and their father, Walter Sr., helping with the family rice farm, which is still in production today. Also, in 1958, Walter and his friend Leroy Brast started the Virnau Machine Shop, maintaining the farm’s equipment in a hut behind the Virnaus’ home. In 1961, Walter Sr, Walter Jr, and Harry opened a Massey Ferguson dealership under the name W.A. Virnau and Sons. In 1973, the dealership was relocated to the 14 acres off of Highway 36 it stands on today. In 1997, Walter purchased Sealy Tractor & Implement from Edward Krchnak, merging the company into what it is known as today, W.A. Virnau and Sons, Sealy Tractor Inc. Walter met his wife, Kathryn Wiggins, on a January Sunday night at First Baptist Church of Sealy, and the couple married in July of 1960. They recently celebrated 53 years of marriage. Walter had many passions in life. Among them were his love for antiques and collectables, particularly antique automobiles. His favorite car was his yellow, 1931 Ford Model ATouring Car. His love of photography and travel went hand-in-hand. Walter, Kathryn, their family, and often friends of their family, enjoyed many fabulous trips together. Another passion of Walter’s throughout his life was his rice farm. It brought his great enjoyment, especially in his later years. Walter was not only a leader in his family, but his church and community as well. He touched many lives, and will be dearly missed by all. Walter is survived by his wife, Kathryn, his eldest son Dwayne, his son Stephen and wife Kim, his son Jeff and wife Melissa, his daughter Karen Virnau King, 10 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, his brother Bill and wife Verlin, and five nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Sr. and Juanita, and three brothers, Richard, Harry, and Donald. Knesek Funeral Home in Sealy in charge of arrangements. www.knesekfuneralhome.com Posted by Joy Neely |
|
Virnau
Walter Arthur Jr.
43808
|