Walter Louis Richter, 86, of Austin was welcomed home to the waiting arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday afternoon, August 20, 2012 with his family at his side. Born April 5, 1926 in Fedor, Texas to Richard A."Lee"and Anna (Vogel) Richter, Walter was baptized into the Christian faith and confirmed that faith at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fedor. He was united in marriage with the love of his life, Lillie Mae Smith on August 7, 1948 at Christ Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas. During his youth, he and his siblings helped on the family farm raising peanuts and cotton. He worked at Ted Osthoff Hardware in Giddings, Texas before moving to Austin where he was employed by W. H. Richardson Wholesale Hardware as a clerk and truck driver for 43 years until his retirement. He will be remembered as a God fearing man, devoted to his family, enjoying a good game of dominoes, "42" and canasta, playing his guitar, dancing and listening to polka music, and celebrating his Wendish heritage at family reunions. He was a member of the SPJST in Elgin, Texas and Austin Saengerrunde. A life-long member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, Walter served his Lord in many capacities. At the time of his death, he was a member of St Paul Lutheran Church, where he served as assistant head usher and assistant to the treasurer for 34 years before becoming head usher. One of his favorite duties was ringing the church bell for Sunday worship services. He was also a member of the Lutheran Laymen's League, served as Deacon, and volunteer grounds keeper for a time. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; and four sisters and brothers-in-law, Frieda and Hugo Hartmann, Ella and AJ "Louie" Blazek Sr, Lydia and Werner Dube, and Ruth and Howard Kieschnick. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Lillie Mae; daughter, Carolyn of Austin; brother and sister-in-law, Clarence "Champ" and Venettrice Richter of Warda, Texas; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be Friday, August 24, 2012, with the family present from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A prayer service is planned for 7:00 p.m. at Cook Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, Texas. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 25, 2012 at St Paul Lutheran Church, 3501 Red River St, Austin, Texas 78705, with internment following at Austin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Walter's memory to the St Paul Lutheran Church Building Fund for Handicapped Accessibility Improvements or the charity of ones choice.