Walter L. Haass was born in Knippa, Texas on September 3, 1923 to Charles F. and Essie Ludwig Haass. He went to be with the Lord on March 9, 2010, at the age of 86. Walter became a child of God through Holy Baptism on February 3, 1924 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Knippa. He was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hondo on October 24, 1937, where he remained an active member for the remainder of his life. Walter is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rosa May "Pye" Haass, daughter Sharon and her husband Bob Autrey of Hondo, and son Gary Haass and wife Amy of Van Alstyne, TX. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Charles Henson of Del Rio, TX; nephews, Charles Mussman of Voca, TX and Alan Henson of Houston, TX; and niece, Margie Jordan. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Margaret Friday, Alyne Harrison, Lorine Mussman and Amanda Stringer; and brothers: Ernest, Elmer and Milton Haass. Walter's family moved to Hondo when he was nine years old. He graduated from Hondo High School, Class of 1941, and later volunteered for the U.S. Navy in 1942. He was assigned to the 11th Special C.B. Battalion, took Marine combat training in Rhode Island, and was later attached to the First Marine Division in the South Pacific during World War II. Walter served overseas eighteen months before being injured on duty. He was discharged as a Petty Officer, 1 st Class in 1945. In 1949, he became a member of the National Guard where he received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. Later, he transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves. Walter and his wife Pye lived in the Hondo area since their marriage on November 14, 1945. They were blessed with two children, Sharon and Gary. Walter was the service manager of several car dealerships in Hondo for many years prior to his working at Universal Rundle, from which he retired in 1989. In addition, he enjoyed farming and would work his fields after hours. When he wasn't farming, he enjoyed deer hunting, camping trips with his family and gardening. Over the years Walter was an active member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, as well as st. Paul Lutheran Church. The injury that Walter sustained during World War II worsened over the years and the Veteran's Administration placed him on Disabled World War II Veteran status. He passed away at the Audie Murphy V.A. Extended Care and Therapy Center in San Antonio on March 9, 2010. Visitation was Friday, Mar. 12, 5 to 7 p.m. at Guinn-Horger Funeral Home. Funeral service was Saturday, Mar. 13, 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hondo. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.