Walter Eichholtz of Hondo, age 83, passed away on Friday, July 13, 2007. Walter was born Nov. 25, 1923, in San Antonio, the youngest son of John Mata Eichholtz and Lucille (Dobbs) Eichholtz. He was the stepson of Emma (Britsch) Eichholtz. Although he grew up in San Antonio, he and his brothers worked for their father on the farm outside of Hondo. He graduated in 1940 and enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1941. After WWII, he worked in the petrochemical industry and moved his family to California in 1956 for better opportunities. He retired in 1983, moved back to Hondo and pursued a lifelong avocation of gunsmithing. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Maxine Jessie (Whitten) Eichholtz; daughter, Judy Dianne Devine; grandson, Christopher Lee Eccles; sister, Lucille Juanita Leinweber; and brother, John M. Eichholtz, Jr. Walter is survived by his son, Walter Eichholtz, Jr. and wife Jane of College Station; daughter, Mary Elaine Eccles and husband Richard of Hondo; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and brother, James H. Eichholtz of Midland. Funeral service was held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Tuesday, July 17, 2007, 10 a.m., with Rev. David Mayer officiating. Pallbearers were Steve O. Hernandez, Jason Christy, Walter Eichholtz Jr., Richard Eccles, Joseph Deuel and Karl Eichholtz. Burial was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.