Walter Eugene Ritchie, Sr. of Seguin, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, at the age of 78.  He was surrounded by his devoted family.  He was born in Eagle Pass on August 7, 1947, to John and Della (Livo) Ritchie.  He attended Eagle Pass High School, St. Edward's University in Austin and the former Texas A&I University in Kingsville.

Walter married Joyce Svoboda on August 29, 1970, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellinger.  They settled in Laredo in 1972, raising their 4 boys before moving to Seguin in 1998.

While in Laredo, he was a small business owner, running Dina Oil Company until 1986.  He was then the Terminal Manager for Transportes Azteca until 1998.  He was an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and KC Council #17991 until moving to Seguin in 1998.

While in Seguin as a Third Degree Knight, Walter was very active in the Knights of Columbus Monsignor Bruno Hubertus Council 3412.  He then earned the Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus Monroe J. Engbrock Assembly 2055.  He was also an active parishioner at St. James Catholic Church.  He was a member of the McQueeney Lions Club and a past member of the Seguin Rotary.  He served on the Board of Directors at TRDI for 18 years.

Walter was happiest outdoors—working on the farm, tending the livestock, hunting, or fishing—and found true joy sharing those moments with loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, John Edward Ritchie, Sr. and Michael James Ritchie, Sr.

He is survived by: his loving wife of 55 years, Joyce; sons Walter, Jr. and wife, Sally, of Plano, Dwayne and wife, Kim, of Anderson, Jeremy and wife, Lizzette, of Seguin and Darryl and wife, Tera, of Kyle; grandchildren Katy McSwiggan and husband, Pierce, Walter, III (Trey) and wife, Lara, Elizabeth and Emily Ritchie, Zachary and Jonathan Ritchie, Ethan and Malania Ritchie; great grandchild Asher McSwiggan; half-sisters, Zulema Fernandez and Blanca Soto Ritchie; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and family members.

In Walter's passing, he was able to give the gift of life through tissue donation.  It brings us comfort to know that a part of him is helping others live.

Walter's family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin for their exceptional care, compassion, and steadfast support in his final days.

Visitation will begin on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 11:30 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m.  A reception will follow with information provided at the Mass.

Private interment will follow at a later date in St. James Catholic Cemetery Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to K C Council #3412 General Fund, 1015 S. Austin St., Seguin, TX 78155 https://kofc3412.org/ or to the McQueeney Lions Club, ref Walter Ritchie, 3211 FM 78, McQueeney, TX 78123.