Walt was a native son of Texas, where he lived his entire life except for his time at Princeton and serving in the Army. He graduated from Lamar High School in Houston, where he was on the swim and debate teams. At Princeton, he rowed on lightweight crew, was in ROTC, and was a member of Quadrangle Club. Senior year he roomed with Larry Brennan, John Cooper, Pete Finch, and Alan MacKenzie, with whom he remained close lifelong friends and enjoyed frequent mini-reunions.
After law school at the University of Texas and Army service, he joined the venerable Houston firm of Baker Botts, where he rose to lead the Houston trial department and was a member of the firm’s executive committee. Always open to new experiences, Walt traveled the world to such places as Africa, South America, and the Yukon, often combining excursions with his passion for hunting.
Walt is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy, who was his high school sweetheart; two children, Jennifer and Paul ’91; and three grandchildren.