Robert M DeWalt

Robert Maurice "Buddy" DeWalt, age 84, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of

Wednesday, August 28, 2024, surrounded by his three children. Born on September 22,

1939, Buddy was the second child of Robert DeWalt and Josephine (Maldonado)

DeWalt, with an older sister, Mary Francis. He was a proud graduate of St. Cecilia

Grade School ('53), Central Catholic High School ('57), and St. Mary's University ('62),

where he was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

Buddy met the love of his life, Carolyn Beth Strawn, during his time at Central Catholic

while she attended Providence High School, just across the street. Carolyn often said

she was drawn to Buddy because he could always make her laugh. They were married

on August 19, 1961, and shared 53 wonderful years together until Carolyn's passing on

March 26, 2015.

After college, Buddy and Carolyn moved to Frankfurt, Germany, where Buddy served as

a Captain in the U.S. Army. He cherished the years they spent in Germany, as it was

there that their two daughters were born.

Buddy was a salesman at heart, gifted with a natural charm for connecting with people.

Over the years, he held various jobs that shaped him into the person he became. His

career began by running jewelry for his uncle's business, Maldonado's Jewelers,

located downtown San Antonio across from the Alamo. He later sold flash bulbs and

cameras for Sylvania and Polaroid, which took him as far as Buffalo, New York. Buddy

made his way back to San Antonio working at Amols' Novelties for Julian Amols, who

introduced him to the Shriners. He then transitioned to a role as a Yellow Pages ad

salesman for Southwestern Bell, covering a vast territory across South Texas.

Eventually, Buddy and Carolyn ventured out on their own, opening Candy Cane

Children's Centers. Ultimately, Buddy returned to and retired from the cell phone

division of Southwestern Bell.

A dedicated Mason and Shriner, Buddy had a distinguished Masonic career. He was a

Past Master of both Alamo Lodge #44 and Albert Pike Lodge #1169, and a Noble of

Alzafar Shrine. Known as "Budro the Clown," Buddy was an active member of the

NUMNUF unit, known for bringing joy and fun to all. His enthusiasm as "Budro" was

unmatched. In 2019, Buddy was especially proud to serve as Chaplain and Poten-Pop

for the Shrine, alongside his son, who served as Potentate.

Buddy leaves behind a loving family and legacy in his two daughters, a son, and five

grandchildren: Daughter, Dr. Adrianne DeWalt Vaughn, married to Dr. Michael Patrick

Vaughn; Daughter, Anneliese Marie DeWalt; Son, Eric Allen DeWalt, married to

Suzanne Blair DeWalt; and Grandchildren, Moxine Alexandria DeWalt, Ryan DeWalt

Vaughn, Josephine Blair Barchetta DeWalt, Lillian Strawn Grace DeWalt, and Samuel

Jones Sawyer DeWalt.

Buddy often said, "I'm not the best husband, I'm not the best father, and I'm not the best

man, but I am trying to be." His family was his world, and he took great pride in the

accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Buddy did everything with a sense

of humor, and his friendships lasted a lifetime. He never went anywhere without running

into someone he knew, and he had an extraordinary memory for names. His warmth,

laughter and infectious personality will be deeply missed, but his stories and our

memories will live on.

When asked what he wanted his epitaph to say, Buddy simply replied, "What a ride."

A funeral service will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church located at 4603 Manitou Drive,

San Antonio, TX. 78228 on Saturday, September 21, 2024, with the Rosary at 9:30

a.m., followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will take place at the Alzafar

Shrine Auditorium located at 901 N. Loop 1604 W. San Antonio TX. 78232, from 1:00 to

5:00 p.m.

Interment will be held Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 10:30am at Fort Sam

Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX. 78209.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Children's

Hospitals Transportation Fund at Alzafar Shrine, 901 N Loop 1604 West, San Antonio,

TX 78232, a cause close to Buddy's heart.