Roll Call Tribute

Fred R. Wauters 

November 21, 1931 - September 12, 2024 

Fred R. Wauters of Poth, Texas passed into his eternal rest on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the age of 92. He was born on November 21, 1931, to Josephine & Emil Wauters of San Antonio, Texas. Fred grew up on his family’s vegetable farm along the Salado Creek, with his brother and sister.

Fred met the love of his life, Hilda, at a Belgian American dance at the Pearl Brewery in 1951, and the rest is history. Fred was in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University Class of '53. Right after his graduation, he married Hilda on June 11, 1953. They celebrated 71 years of marriage in June 2024.

Over the next 17 years, they had 2 girls and 5 boys. They put all 7 of their children through college and each of the 7 secured a bachelor’s degree. Over the years, their family grew to 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Fred worked as an electrical engineer for various companies, such as City Public Service in San Antonio for 11 years, and as general manager of Floresville Electric Light & Power for 26 years, retiring in 1996.

Fred had things he was particularly fond of, such as spending time with his grandkids, building fires in his fireplace, and frying bacon and eggs for large family breakfasts. Over the years, Fred and Hilda attended the majority of the sports and activities of their children and grandchildren, and he sometimes served as the sports announcer for Poth Pirate high school football games.

Fred and Hilda also enjoyed traveling to new places, and did so often.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Josephine Wauters; brother, John (Clara) Wauters; sister, Emily Wauters Moeller (Jim) and granddaughter, Rebecca Wauters.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Hilda V. Wauters; children, Diane (Tom) Purdy, Keith Wauters, Jerry (Sheila) Wauters, Larry (Laurie) Wauters, Kevin (Jeanean) Wauters, Randy (Ursula) Wauters, Melissa (George) Stavinoha; grandchildren, Dustin Sultenfuss, Brandon Wauters, Andrea Speaker, Paul Michael Wauters, Justin Wauters, Zachary Wauters, Amanda Wauters, Danielle Wauters, Jacob Wauters, Ethan Wauters, Kayleigh Zidek, Lexi Zaiontz, Amber, Alyssa, Addison and Aiden Stavinoha; 13 great-grandchildren and numerous family and friends.

Fred and Hilda have been faithful parishioners of Blessed Sacrament Church for 51 years.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Poth, Texas. A Rosary will be recited there beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held at Blessed Sacrament Cemetery in Poth, Texas. Father Damian Jaje will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church or Texas A&M Association of Former Students.