Walter Allen Stein passed away at his home in Rio Medina on September 30, 2020 at the age of 76 years. He was born July 6, 1944, the youngest of three children of Walter and Tessie Stein.
Walter graduated from St. Louis Catholic High School in 1962. While there, he was an outstanding athlete, winning a State Championship in baseball in 1961. After high school, he attended St. Mary’s University where he received his BS degree in History and continued his sports career as a pitcher. He later attained his master’s degree in Education with Administrative certification at Texas A&I Kingsville.
Survivors include his wife, Jeannean; two daughters and their spouses, Deesa (Derek) Griggs of Castroville and Tricia (Hector) Hurtado of Rio Medina. He was a proud grandfather of seven grandchildren which include Bradley (Ashley), Zachary, Kamryn and Madisyn Griggs; Hannah, Haylee and Hunter Hurtado. He is also survived by his sister, Doris Keller of Rio Medina; sisters-in-law, Ida Stein and Marilyn Gladson as well as several nephews and a niece.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Tessie Stein; brother, Julius Stein and brothers-in-law, Glenn “Booty” Keller and Norman Gladson.
Walter dedicated most of his time in public education as a teacher, coach, athletic director, principal and superintendent. His career began at Sarah King Elementary in San Antonio. After taking his second job at East Central High School as a head baseball coach, Walter met the love of his life, Jeannean Gladson and shared fifty-one years of marriage. Walter continued to coach at John Marshall, Edgewood, Somerset, Lytle and Natalia High School. Coaching duties included head baseball, track, football, basketball and softball. His claim to fame is that he took the ball players he had and made winners out of them!
Some of Walter’s educational accomplishments include the following: Teacher of the Year at Lytle ISD (1980, 1981), Football Coach of the Year (1995), Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year (1995), Softball Coach of the Year and Southwest Area Softball Coach of the Year (1996).
After retirement, Walter’s last stint in education was a full-time substitute at D’Hanis ISD. Other hobbies included golfing and gardening. During the winter months, nothing beat seeing the world come to life early in the morning while in the deer stand. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed making sausage with family and friends. His most cherished pastime was traveling all over to watch his grandchildren play various sports.
Public Visitation was Monday, October 12, 2020 starting at 6:00 pm at St. Louis Catholic Church with the Mass of the Resurrection starting at 7:00 pm. The Rosary was held on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 10:00 am at St. Louis Catholic Church. Interment followed at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Castroville, Texas.
Please Note; the number of people allowed in church is limited. Face coverings are required and social distancing shall be practiced.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made in Walter’s memory to St. Louis Catholic School, the Medina Valley Education Foundation or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home.