Walter Henry Bauer Jr.

Walter Henry Bauer, Jr., went to be with Jesus on June 2, 2026, while at home in San Antonio. He was born to Walter Henry Bauer, Sr. and Viola Hilda Adolphina Jentsch on June 9, 1953, in Amarillo, Texas.

Walter is a descendant of pioneer Germans who settled in New Braunfels and the Comal County area in the mid-1850s. Walter attended New Braunfels High School and graduated in January 1971.

Walter enlisted in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps in November 1974 and was stationed at Fort Sam Houston with the 52^nd MP Company. In June 1976 Walter was transferred to Germany and was temporarily assigned to Baumholder, Germany with the 5/6 ADA Battalion. It was here that he gave his life to Jesus Christ and began a lifelong journey of following the Lord. Walter transferred to Giessen, Germany with the 2/2 ADA Battalion and spent the remainder of his enlistment working as a Chaplain’s assistant at the main chapel. He returned to New Braunfels in October 1977 and was released from active duty at the end of November. Using the GI Bill, Walter obtained his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Southwest Texas State University in December 1979 and began his career in December 1980 with the Department of Veterans Affairs Police, Houston, Texas. He went up the ranks from officer to Sergeant, Lieutenant and, finally, Captain. In July 1999 Walter brought his family to San Antonio when he was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police with the South Texas Veterans Healthcare System.

Walter continued his education at the University of Texas at San Antonio earning a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Policy and graduated in December 2005 cum laude. He had his tuition covered by the Hazelwood Act, where people who enlisted into the military in Texas received another 150 hours of fee exemptions at Texas public colleges.

Walter was preceded in death by his father and mother, his aunt and sister, Helen. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Diane and their son, Joshua along with his wife, Heidi and their children- Anthony, Christian, Robbie, Noella and Jack, and his sisters Pam and Carol Ann as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Walter was an avid genealogist and found he was related to many of the families who immigrated to Texas in the mid-1850s from Germany.

A Celebration of Life service for Walter will be on Tuesday, June 9^th at 11:00 AM at Lux Funeral Home located at 1254 N. Business IH 35 in New Braunfels, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, Walter wishes any donations go to the charity of your choice.