Walter Anthony Kotara, 73, beloved husband and father, was peacefully called to his eternal resting place on August 16, 2020 at his residence in Kyle Texas.
He entered this world on July 18, 1947 in Floresville, Texas born to Emma Louise Rapstine and Leonard Kotara. He was the oldest of eight children. He attended school in Falls City, Texas and graduated from Falls City High School in 1965. Shortly after, he entered the Air Force Reserve where he was stationed in Florida as a mechanic for several years.
Around 1970, Walter met Gloria Ann Vick at a dance at St. Hedwig. They were married on June 5th, 1971 in San Antonio. They settled into Walter’s hometown of Falls City, but shortly after, Walter was transferred by his company, Lone Star Gas, to work at their affiliate, Nipak, in Corsicana, Tx. After Nipak, he worked for Guardian Glass as a commercial mechanic, and they remained in Corsicana for 28 years where he was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a proud Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
In 1998, Walter and Gloria moved to Kyle to be closer to their then college aged daughters Gail and Grace and to his beloved family in Falls City. For 22 years, Walter made himself a part of the community at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda as a part of the Knights of Columbus and Sacred Heart Men’s Club. He also became a good neighbor and beloved friend at his new home in Kyle. He was proud to continue the legacy of his parents working in the newspaper business by working for his local newspaper, the Austin American Statesman for 10 years.
Walter was a great family man who devoted his spare time to the Church and to his family. He started his service to the church at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Falls city as an altar boy. He loved to fix things, to share his knowledge, to fish, and to grow his many rosebushes. He loved to laugh and never stopped being proud of his Polish heritage. He enjoyed anytime he could get together with his brothers and sisters and his children and grandchildren. His sense of humor, his beautiful smile, and his ability to always find the positive side of things will be greatly missed. Even when he struggled, he reminded all of us to always “Go with God” as he knew God was was watching over him and he wanted us to know the same.
Walter is survived by his wife Gloria of Kyle, Texas and daughters Gail Albers of New Braunfels and Grace Havens and husband Ken of Cedar Creek, Tx. He leaves behind his grandchildren Derek and Ryan Albers, and Issac and Alanna Havens. He is survived by his brothers, Francis Kotara and wife Pam of Adkins, TX, Donnon Kotara of Falls City, TX, Randy Kotara of Falls City, TX and Sheldon Kotara and wife Angela of Floresville, TX. He is also survived by sisters Mary Wiatrek and husband Greg of Gilet, TX, Sharalyn Shelton and husband Cliff of San Antonio Tx,, Norleen Newberry of Kenedy, TX, Other survivors include many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Emma Kotara.
Family and friends gathered at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle for visitation & Rosary last Thursday August 27th from 6:00-8:00. Funeral mass was held on Friday, August 28th 10:00 am at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda. He was laid to rest at Live Oak Cemetery in Manchaca following Funeral Mass. Recordings of these proceedings can be viewed on the Harrell Funeral Homes Facebook page under Videos.
Pall bearers will include grandson Derek Albers and nephews Duane Kotara, Cason Newberry, Kevin Kotara, Luke Kotara and Charles Shelton.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations may be made to your local church or parish as he was an avid supporter of his local church.
