BORN

1920

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Goetz Funeral Home

713 North Austin Street

Seguin, Texas

Walter Andrus, Jr. Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 17, 2015.

Andrus, Walter H. Jr.
Walter H. Andrus Jr. of Seguin Texas peacefully passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 in Cibolo Texas at the age of 94. He was born December 12, 1920 to the late Walter Harrison Andrus Sr. and Emma (Tholl) Andrus in Des Moines, Iowa. He had been a resident of Seguin since 1975 when he brought his family to Seguin to become the quality control manager of the new Motorola facility. Walter was the founder of the Mutual UFO Network, "the world's oldest and largest UFO phenomenon investigative body," known as Mufon.

Friends and family are invited to a time of visitation on Sunday, September 20 from 5 to 8 pm at Goetz Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 21, 2015 at 10:00 AM in the chapel at Goetz Funeral Home 713 North Austin Street with interment following at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park 2951 Hwy 46 S. New Braunfels, Texas.

Walter was an intelligent athletic and inquisitive man. He was a gymnast in high school and was still able to do handstands well into his 60's. He served in the US Navy during WWII, stationed first in the Great Lakes, later becoming an electronics instructor, teaching electronics in the Navy and to the Woman's Army Corps in Kansas City. He married Genevieve Pirtle on October 31, 1942 in Kansas City and together they raised their family. Genevieve passed away September 20, 2000. Walter earned a degree in electronics and became an electronics engineer. His dedicated work moved him to become the assistant plant manager at the Motorola plant in Quincy, Illinois where all new car radios were made, transferring to Seguin in 1975 as quality control manager for Motorola. After witnessing a UFO event with his son Donald, Walter began investigating the phenomenon. He attracted prominent researchers from around the world as well as officials from the US Air Force project Blue Book to his search for answers. He remained the International director of Mufon.

He is survived by his wife of ten years Ruth Andrus, his son Donald Andrus and his wife Mary Lynn, his granddaughters Chelsea Guillen and her husband Chris; Natalie Andrus and her husband Haywood Kelly. His memory will also be cherished by his great grandchildren Derek, Miles, Campbell, Finnegan, and Genevieve.

Please visit Walter's on-line guest book at www.GoetzFuneral.com to leave a memory or condolence for his family.

Funeral Assistance by Goetz Funeral Home 713 N. Austin Street, Seguin, Texas 78155

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Andrus, Jr.

What is your first memory of Walter?

Share a favorite memory you have of Walter.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Walter.

Describe a time when Walter made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Walter?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Walter.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Walter.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Walter.

What is something you learned from Walter?

Not sure what to say?

April 3, 2016

David Daniel

My father was a good friend of Walt. His work through MUFON was always inspiring. My father, Fay Daniel, and I learned a lot from him. He planted a lot of seeds.

October 21, 2015

Robert & Pamela Andrus

Uncle Walt: You truly knew how to inspire people. You, my father Bob, and Uncle Bill; Thank you for your military service to this country. Thank you for helping me to become the man, father, and grandfather that I am today. Salutations Sir.

October 20, 2015

Elfie McMurren

I had the privilege of working with Walt as one of the typesetters for MUFON. He was a VERY colorful man, full of stories & spunk. It was a great honor working with him.

September 30, 2015

Pete and Mary Peterson

We will miss Walt and may he rest in peace. We were friends for several years after meeting him through his in-laws, Pirt and Jewel Pirtle. He was always very entertaining with stories about UFO's. Good times and good memories we shared then. God bless him in his new home.

September 27, 2015

Have real confidence in God's promises. Genesis 2:15-17

September 27, 2015

Michael Schuyler

In the UFO world, which is unfortunately full of deception and lies, Walt Andrus stands out as a beacon of integrity and a champion of the scientific method. He did more in his life to legitimize the study of UFOs than anyone else--ever.

September 27, 2015

james oberg

In my dealings with him [and we rarely agreed] I found him to be sincere, dedicated, highly-intelligent person, and an inspiration to generations of MUFON members and associates. The assiduous collection of report files continues and I have always expressed gratitude to the volunteers who perform these tasks in their contribution to a data base that contains valuable raw material for a future understanding of this fascinating phenomenon.

September 23, 2015

Thank you for giving us MUFON. R.I.P. <3

September 21, 2015

Judy & Jerry Kulka

It was a honor to have known Walt.
We touched base at many MUFON symposia.
He truly had vision in establishing MUFON, and gathering together so many with interest in or experiences with UFO phenomena.
In his souls' continuing travel, he may encounter the truth to it all--------- the whole picture.
With caring thoughts as you continue your journey, Walt.

September 21, 2015

Don J. Long

I first met Walt when I joined MUFON at the MUFON West Coast Symposium in San Francisco, California, in 1979. He was a man of honesty, integrity and faith in Christ. Like me, he also believed that we have been visited by extraterrestrial intelligent beings from outer space, in spaceships with highly advanced technology, for perhaps thousands of years.

Walt was kind, a brilliant mind, intelligent, generous, and very personable and friendly. He knew many high-level people in NASA, the Air Force, and the U.S. Government over the years.
SInce my Mom and her husband, Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Meyer, lived here in Seguin, who knew him, I would visit with Walt every time I came to visit, and then after I moved here, would often get together with him for discussions and a cup of tea.
He will be missed.

September 21, 2015

Danny Fowler

I first met Walt when he was living in Seguin assisted living, with his wife. I spoke with him about the possibility of UFO's. He was a very interesting to talk with, and a devoted christian. All that new him will miss him.

Danny Fowlet

September 21, 2015

Carol and Pat Evans

Those we hold closest to our hearts never really leave us. They live on in the kindness they have shared and the love they have brought into our lives. Our family send you our condolences at this time.

We also want to express our thanks for all of Walters successful efforts with Mufon. Because of Walter we all know we are not alone in our experience's with unexplained UFO sightings and we are not alone in this universe.

God bless your family.

September 21, 2015

Annette Roecker

Walt was one of my favorite stops, when I did outside sales for Steelman Office Products in the 90's. Even if he did not need office supplies we had stories to share and "things" to discuss. He never treated me as a young person, always as an equal. That is one reason I always admired and respected him.

September 20, 2015

Rob Swiatek

Walt Andrus succeeded in the big things of life: As a husband, a father, an engineer, a friend, and, yes, as a leader in UFO research. It was an honor to work with him pursuing the UFO enigma for lo those many years. He was missed after he stepped down from MUFON in 2000 and he's missed to this day. May God be with Walt and his family. My condolences to his loved ones.

September 20, 2015

Mary

I met Walt and his wife Ruth in 2008, very nice & kind people. Rest in Peace Walt Love you!

September 18, 2015

Mike DeGroff

Walt was a long-time friend and colleague. During my time as MUFON State Section Director, here in Austin, he attended several Austin MUFON Christmas parties and spoke to the attendees about his experiences and rewards during his time as MUFON International Director. We will all surely miss Walt and remember him fondly. I'd like to think of his soul as a warm point of light, embarking on a journey through space and time, to eventually become a "star seed" on a distant planet, in a distant galaxy, and continue on and on. My heartfelt condolences to Walt's family.

September 18, 2015

John Ventre

"I met Walt at my first Symposium in 1999. He was a pioneer!"

September 18, 2015

Walt will be truly missed by many...may he now know the true answer to UFO's.
Condolences to to the family.
Gary Richards

September 18, 2015

Roger Daniel

We used to visit with him yearly at the MUFON Symposiums. Although it was a busy time for him he was always available to talk with us. He was always friendly and a mother lode of UFO information.

Thanks Walt for the wonderful legacy you left behind in MUFON. Through you we all know more about the universe we live in. And we're all better for having known you.

September 18, 2015

Diane Phipps

He was a sweet and gentle man who led us for so many years in the search for the unknown (UFO research).
God Bless him. Diane Phipps, Live Oak TX

September 18, 2015

Al Schuette

God gives His Peace and Comfort to the
Andrus family. Thank you Walt for being
a friend ,a mentor, ,and a pioneering leader in the field of UFO research.

September 18, 2015

David Drown

I met him once at a MUFON meeting. A nice man. RIP Mr Andrus.

September 18, 2015

debbie

Great service to mankind thanks. Condolences to the family

September 18, 2015

JoAnn Drown

I worked at Motorola when Walt was there, a very nice man. My son and his friends would attend the Mufon meetings. May he rest in peace.

September 18, 2015

Ellen Stuart

Walt was always a dear friend and mentor to Monte and me. We wish you Godspeed to a beautiful new life, Walt, and thank you for your many years of service to the UFO community.

Ellen Stuart, Former MUFON Texas State Director

September 18, 2015

Robert Powell

May God bless Walt and his family. I first met Walt in person a few years ago and he was very humble, thoughtful, and kind. A great man. Thank you Walt for all that you have given while gracing this world.

September 18, 2015

May you find comfort from God

September 18, 2015

Renee Haga

September 18, 2015

JUSTLOOKUP SAMUFON

Walter my friend, you fought the good fight, you kept Mufon alive, and in your Honor, I Salute You as the Stars shine brighter! From your UFO Mufon home, San Antonio Texas, Renee', San Antonio Mufon.

September 17, 2015

Rick Andrus

Posted by Rick Andrus

September 17, 2015

Teresa Turner

Texas MUFON officers , Investigators, and members were especially proud to call Walt "one of our own". He made MUFON what it is today and will be missed. God Speed, Walt and prayers to your friends and family.

Teresa Turner, State Director of MUFON-Texas

September 17, 2015

Rick & Kathy Andrus

Uncle Walt was a great man and will be missed by many. We cherish many special memories and he will always live in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy to his entire family.

September 17, 2015

Rich Hoffman

I am so sorry to hear this news. I joined MUFON and the reason I did so was largely because of Walt. He encouraged and inspired me in my study of the phenomena. I still treasure my time with him and will miss him dearly. My sincerest condolences to the family at this difficult time.

September 17, 2015

Nicholas Roesler

I was blessed to have known Walt for close to two decades.

It was an honor and a privilege to have called him a friend and colleague.

Deepest sympathies to the family at this difficult time.

Nick Roesler, MUFON Benefactor

September 17, 2015

James Clarkson

I thank Walt Andrus for the vision and courage it took to start MUFON. I wish him Godspeed on his new journey and I pray for peace and understanding for the people he leaves behind. I remember in 1987 he sent a handwritten postcard encouraging me to keep working on the Westport UFO Crash case. I never forgot his encouragement.

September 17, 2015

Edward Biebel

You were always the heart & soul of MUFON. Sorry to see you move on old friend.

September 17, 2015

David MacDonald

Great Fellow!
He will be missed.
David MacDonald
Sharon McGee
MUFON

September 17, 2015

Jan Harzan

You are a great man Walt. Thank you for your vision and courage to start the world's oldest and largest non-profit dedicated to the Scientific Study of UFOs for the Benefit of Humanity. Because of you, this important subject is gaining respect and attention worldwide. May God continue to bless you in your new journey just beginning. You will be sadly missed here on earth. God Bless

September 17, 2015

steve hudgeons

It is a sad day for all of us....My heart goes out to the family.

Steve Hudgeons...MUFON Director of Investigations

Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results

Make a Donation
in Walter Andrus, Jr.'s name

Memorial Events
for Walter Andrus, Jr.

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Goetz Funeral Home

713 North Austin Street, Seguin, TX 78155

How to support Walter's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Walter Andrus, Jr.'s life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more