Reverend Walter W. Esch, long time resident of Alpine,TX passed away on December 24, 2017 at Ennis Regional Medical Center in Ennis, TX. He was 93.
He was born on January 25, 1924 to Henry and Florence Esch near Coppell, TX. He was the fourth of eight children. He graduated from Grapevine High School in 1942. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on April 23, 1943. He proudly served his country in World War II as a radio operator including overseas duty in the Philippines where he received numerous decorations.
Visitation for Rev. Esch was held on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Alpine Memorial Funeral Home Gesslin Chapel. Funeral Services for Rev. Esch was held on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at Alpine First Assembly of God with Rev. Glenn R. Beaver West Texas Assemblies of God Superintendent and Rev. Clark Nussbaum, Pastor of Alpine First Assembly of God, with a military graveside service following.
Following his honorable discharge on March 18, 1946, Walter attended college at Southwestern bible Institute in Waxahachie, TX. There he met Alene Hair, whom he would later marry on January 24 in 1949. He graduated from Southwestern Bible Institute in 1951.
Upon his graduation, Walter and Alene moved to Alpine, TX where he felt the calling of God to establish an Assembly of God Church. The church was finally established in 1954. They pastored the church until their retirement from full-time ministry in 1979.
In addition to being a full-time minister, Walter, taught school at Fabens and Balmorhea, TX. He later worked for the United States Postal Service where he retired after 27 years of faithful service.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Fred Esch and Ramon Esch, and sisters Effie Esch and Dorothy Robison and his wife of 64 years Alene H. Esch.
He is survived by brother Richard Esch and sister Alice McDaniel and husband Houston McDaniel; four children: Rosetta Douthitt (daughter) and husband Tom, Thomas Esch(son), Gary Esch(son) and wife Nicole, and Rhonda Martin(daughter), five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Walter will be remembered as a kind, faithful, generous, dedicated servant of God. He loved people and mission work held a special place in his heart. He will be missed tremendously by everyone who knew him.

Submitted by Edward Lynn Williams