Walter and I were great friends in out youth growing up in Lafayette, Louisiana. We were particularly close during high school and he was a frequent visitor in our home. Walter was a clean-cut, all American boy with a wonderful personality, sense of humor and always fun to be around.
He attended Lafayette Senior High School in Lafayette, LA and I believe he graduated in 1963. Walter was a tall kid, a little of six feet with a solid build. I know that he played football during high school and I believe he competed in track & Field events as well. Walter had dark, wavy hair and wore big glasses, like the ones Buddy Holley wore. He had a great sense of humor and was always joking and kidding around.
Back in those days 1958 - 1063, practically everyone smoked, except Walter. However, if you ever asked Walter if he had a match, his favorite response was always, "A match? Yeah, I gotta match...my a** and your face!" And, then he'd break out in laughter. I don't smoke anymore...haven't smoked in over 40-years, but i frequently think of Walter's line.
I don't remember Walter being connected with any one girl but he was immensely popular and dating was never a problem. Walter's mama was a sweet lady and doted over him. She very much approved of our friendship and was always tender in speaking with me.
When Walter died, I was living away with my wife and daughter. His death was hard. I could not attend his funeral and I do not remember the circumstances surrounding his death. That's the reason I'm connected to his family here in hopes that I'll learn more. When Walter died, there was only one other friend of mine who had died young and that was Duane Allman. Duane and I had formed a rock band, "The Misfits" during high school. Anyway losing old friends was uncommon then. My heart ached for Walter and I missed him. I still do and it's why I leave these few words about him.
He was a warm, friendly, sincere individual whose countenance was always happy and smiling. He was a good friend and if he had lived I like to believe that we'd still be friends to this day..RIP Walter.
Alan Shaw
July 2018
He attended Lafayette Senior High School in Lafayette, LA and I believe he graduated in 1963. Walter was a tall kid, a little of six feet with a solid build. I know that he played football during high school and I believe he competed in track & Field events as well. Walter had dark, wavy hair and wore big glasses, like the ones Buddy Holley wore. He had a great sense of humor and was always joking and kidding around.
Back in those days 1958 - 1063, practically everyone smoked, except Walter. However, if you ever asked Walter if he had a match, his favorite response was always, "A match? Yeah, I gotta match...my a** and your face!" And, then he'd break out in laughter. I don't smoke anymore...haven't smoked in over 40-years, but i frequently think of Walter's line.
I don't remember Walter being connected with any one girl but he was immensely popular and dating was never a problem. Walter's mama was a sweet lady and doted over him. She very much approved of our friendship and was always tender in speaking with me.
When Walter died, I was living away with my wife and daughter. His death was hard. I could not attend his funeral and I do not remember the circumstances surrounding his death. That's the reason I'm connected to his family here in hopes that I'll learn more. When Walter died, there was only one other friend of mine who had died young and that was Duane Allman. Duane and I had formed a rock band, "The Misfits" during high school. Anyway losing old friends was uncommon then. My heart ached for Walter and I missed him. I still do and it's why I leave these few words about him.
He was a warm, friendly, sincere individual whose countenance was always happy and smiling. He was a good friend and if he had lived I like to believe that we'd still be friends to this day..RIP Walter.
Alan Shaw
July 2018
