Search by Name

Search by Name

Walter Thurmond Obituary

Walter Belden Thurmond Long-time Houston resident Walter Belden Thurmond, a great dad, beloved husband, accomplished tax attorney and lover of life, died May 3 of a sudden heart attack. He was 57.
Walter was born in Greenville, South Carolina, but he spent much of his youth in Weslaco, Texas, and on the beaches of South Padre Island. He was affectionately known as "Wat" to family and many friends.
At Baylor University, he started his list of academic credentials with a B.B.A. in accounting. He also met Kathryn Narum, who became his wife and co-Baylor Bear fan for the next 35 years. Without fail they attended games every year in support of their alma mater. The two brightest lights of his life were his children, Elissa Thurmond Arnold and Timothy Gould Thurmond.
When Elissa began violin lessons, it didn't suffice to simply drop her off with the instructor. He bought a violin of his own and took lessons along-side her in support of their shared passion for music. He immersed himself in classical music and would become the Houston Youth Symphony President, a job that included chaperoning the orchestra to New York City's Carnegie Hall.
When his children took up sports, he simultaneously coached both teams. He was described as the "most fun coach" for his novel and involved efforts in the dugout and on the field. His vocal, inspiring and persistent style led both his children's teams to numerous championships.
Always present and a joy to have around during the holidays, Walter's gift-giving prowess was unmatched in creativity and hilarity. It was in his nature to deny the stressors of the holidays and create cherished memories his family will always remember him by.
Walter also was a long-time member of Houston's First Baptist Church.
In his continuing quest for knowledge, he received his Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law in 1983, his Masters of Accountancy - Taxation from the University of Houston in 1984 and his LLM in taxation from Southern Methodist University in 1990. He was board certified in tax law, consumer bankruptcy and business bankruptcy by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
He began his 30-plus year career as a CPA with Arthur Andersen. He started his legal career as the "tax man," a trial attorney for the Department of Justice. He later became a bankruptcy specialist at Sheinfeld, Maley and Kay before forming a partnership, Allie & Thurmond. He also wrote textbook chapters about bankruptcy and contributed questions to the state board legal exams.
Currently he was National Tax Practice Coordinator for UHY Advisors TX, LLC., where he was known for his professionalism as well as his laughter that regularly echoed off the walls.
Preceding Walter in death were his father, Dr. Jack A. Thurmond of Kerrville, Texas; grandparents, Walter and Lois Belden, Ebbie Alonzo and Annie Lee Thurmond; sister, Nancy Thurmond Harvey; brothers, Ted McClendon Thurmond and Thomas Edward, who shared Walter's birthday of October 12.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Narum Thurmond; daughter and son-in-law, Elissa Thurmond Arnold and Chris Arnold of Rockwall; son Timothy Thurmond; sisters- and brothers-in-law Beverly and Joe Roth of Livingston; Cindy and Ken Kapp; Janis and Jeff Roach of Southlake; Julia Narum and Ralph Davis of Austin. Nieces and nephews include Stephen and Cody Roth, Natalie and Stephen Kapp, Amanda and Ashley Roach, Brandi and Kaidence Privett, Amber and Ryan Davis. Also surviving are many uncles, aunts, cousins and beloved friends.
Others left to cherish Walter's memory are his mother, Lois Belden Thurmond of Kerrville; brother, Benjamin Forte Thurmond, and wife, Jennifer; niece, Jacquelyn Helen Thurmond of Edinburgh, Scotland; sister-in-law, Maureen Frey Thurmond and niece and nephew, Kayla Nancy and Jack Robert Thurmond of Atlanta, Ga.; cousin, Ann Carpenter Marks and husband James of Sheffield, Al. Walter was honored to be the Godfather of his niece, Kayla.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Forest Park Westheimer, 12800 Westheimer Road. The Memorial Service begins at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Chapel at Houston's First Baptist Church, 7401 Katy Freeway.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Lucky Leash Rescue, (www.luckyleashrescue.petfinder.com) where Walter adopted his close canine companion Gus, or the charity of your choice.

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

Published by Houston Chronicle on May 6, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Thurmond

Not sure what to say?





Elissa Arnold

November 10, 2012

There's a book in the library that says, when a generous and loving person dies, a tree will spring up in one of their favorite places as a reminder of their strength and beauty. In Walter's honor, there is a tree on the Baylor campus between Moody Library and the School of Music dedicated by his wonderful families, The Thurmonds, The Narums and The Arnolds.

Kathryn Thurmond

November 9, 2012

Walter was greatly loved by everybody he met. Babies loved his baby face. Dogs loved his get on the floor with the dog toy in his mouth play time. He adored his children, everybody else's children and their parents. He was admired and respected in every business and personal endeavor he overtook. He was a decisive authoritarian but capped off everything with his jovial laugh. His distinctive character has changed our world forever.

David LeVrier

May 19, 2012

Based upon his service I was very impressed with how many people Walter had influenced and touched during his life. I will be praying for Kathryn and her family. May God bless them with his supernatural peace.

Rusty Klasen

May 14, 2012

The world is a lesser place without him, and heaven is better now that he is there.
My God grant you the peace that passes all understanding. He was a good friend. I will miss him.

Susan Fuertes

May 9, 2012

Dear Kathryn, Elissa, and Tim:

I was so sorry to hear about Walter's death. Walter was my supervising attorney at Barrett Burke. Walter was a wonderful boss, and a truly knowledgeable lawyer. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Cindy Jordan

May 9, 2012

Walter Thurmond family -- so very very sad to hear of Walter's passing. In life, sometimes the best walks are always too brief. I worked with Walter at Sheinfeld Maley & Kay and remember him being a kind, sincere person with a great sense of humor. He will be missed. May the Lord comfort you during your time of loss.

Phyllis Madden Russell

May 9, 2012

Thurmond family, I was so sorry to hear this news. Wat was always a very sweet guy, growing up in Weslaco. This earth has lost a good man. God bless you all.

Marc Celler

May 9, 2012

To the Thurmond Family,

I am deeply sorry to hear of the recent passing of Walter. I have worked with Walter over the last several months to implement new training opportunities for his colleauges at UHY, though never had the pleasure of meeting him in person. It was always a pleasure to speak with him and I enjoyed his jovial nature and his passion for accomplishing his visions. I am shocked by the news, and send my condolences to you and your family during this time of mourning. May God's hand be your backs.

May 9, 2012

Wat and I were in the top classes at Weslaco High School. During this time, we were close because there were twelve of us that seemed to have the same teachers from ninth through senior year. I cannot believe that he has gone to meet the Lord. May his family and friends find the strength to face this most dolorous moment and may all of us understand that is a step to eternal life. I know from personal experience that losing a loved one is not something that is forgotten. I shall keep all of you in my prayers--Joseph Giorgio "George" Arias.

Eloise Guzman

May 8, 2012

Thurmond family: So sorry for your loss. I worked with Walter (or against him) in the bankruptcy world. I've always had great respect for Walter and it is so sad to hear of his untimely passing. You are in my prayers.

Renee Perez

May 8, 2012

I am so sad to hear of Walter's passing. I had the honor of working for Walter at Barrett Burke years ago. He was a great boss, a brilliant attorney and always ranked one of my top favorite people. My deepest sympathies to Kathryn, Elissa and Tim; there is no getting over the loss of family, your life just becomes divided into before and after. When I think of Walter, I will always think fondly of bow ties, cowboy boots, chicken taco runs and that big smile. Rest in peace, Walter.

Mark Simmons

May 8, 2012

Hi, my name is Mark Simmons. Walter was a very good friend of mine. He inspired and helped me a lot when I really needed it. He would meet me every other Tuesday morning for breakfast and we would talk. He even helped me get a ticket to go see my daughter for Christmas one year when her mother was missing. I even started going to CBS for a couple of years. I'll miss him a lot. He was a good man, and a good friend. God bless you all.

Bessie Benefiel

May 8, 2012

Kathryn and family so sorry for your loss. Keep the faith and God will watch over you and your family.

Dora Rios

May 8, 2012

Kathryn and family. So sorry to hear of your loss, we are deeply saddened. Our love and prayers are with you. May God keep you all strong. With love, Dora and fam, Flora, Sally and fam.
Weslaco, Tx

May 8, 2012

Hi Kathryn, I am so sorry. Hope you are doing ok.
I know that this is not an easy time for you & your children, just take a day at a time. Take care,

Maggie from WRI

May 7, 2012

Ben,
Sorry to hear about the passing of your brother. I am praying for you and your family.
Patrick Pfrimmer
Crestview, FL

Witcher McCullough

May 7, 2012

May God bless you, your family, friends...and Gus. I am proud to have known you and shared a practice with you.

Pamela Jewell

May 7, 2012

I am so very saddened to hear the news of Walter's passing. He and I worked together at Sheinfeld, Maley and Kay, and he truly was a delight to know. He and I happened to both be at the same bankruptcy conference one year in Atlanta and we all went to a restaurant that featured, on its walls, paper napkins with kisses. Walter borrowed my lipstick (a reddish-pinkish color), kissed the napkin, and put it on the wall! Walter was an intelligent, funny, and kind man. He will be missed. My thoughts to his family.

David McClain

May 7, 2012

I was very sad to hear about Walter's death. To his credit, Walter packed a lot into his all-to-brief life. I enjoyed working with him at Sheinfeld, Maley & Kay and remember his laugh booming down the halls. My thoughts are with his family.

May 7, 2012

Dear Kathryn, Elissa, and Tim, I am so very sorry to read of your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and all the family.
Louise (Weezy) Townsend (Atlanta, GA)

Doug Powell

May 7, 2012

I knew Walter from when he worked at Barrett Burke and would see him at the Bankruptcy Court here in Austin. He was always a polite, polished professional that knew how to handle himself in the courtroom. Deepest condolences and may he rest in peace.

May 7, 2012

Kathryn, Elissa and Tim: I am sadden by the news of your husband and father Walter. I knew Walter when we both worked at Barrett Burke. He was such a delight to be around. Always had a smile on his face. He was outgoing and full of life. One thing I know for sure is that he deeply loved his family. My condolences to all of you and your family. I pray that the good LORD give you strength and filll your heart with peace to get through the days to come. GOD BLESS!!

Cynthia Hernandez ~Houston, Tx

May 7, 2012

Kathryn, Elissa and Tim: I am sadden by the news of your husband and father Walter. I knew Walter when we both worked at Barrett Burke. He was such a delight to be around. Always had a smile on his face. He was outgoing and full of life. One thing I know for sure is that he deeply loved his family. My condolences to all of you and your family. I pray that the good LORD give you strength and fill your heart with peace to get through the days to come. GOD BLESS!!

Sandra Porter

May 7, 2012

Dear Kathryn,

My deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss. It's always hard to lose a loved-one...even more so when it is unexpected and when they have so much more of life to live. You're in my thoughts and prayers, that you may find solace in the many wonderful memories you and Walter shared over the decades. Blessings to you and yours.

Warm regards,
Sandra

Claudia Hollis

May 7, 2012

I was deeply saddened when I arrived back to work this morning to find that Walter had passed. I am truly sorry for your loss. I did not know Walter very well but I work for a client of his and he always seemed to be very kind and caring. May the memories of your loved one bring you comfort during this time of sorrow. God bless you and your family.

Vicki Haynes

May 7, 2012

Kathryn, Elissa & Tim: I am so sorry for your loss. Each of you is in my prayers. It was a privilege to know Wat. He will be missed so much by so many.

Bill Barron

May 6, 2012

Walter was a kind and honorable man who I had the privilege of knowing for almost 20 years. I am deeply saddened by his sudden loss and know that he will be missed by many and most of all by his family who he loved with all his heart.

Gary Thurmond

May 6, 2012

Dear Kathryn and family,
We are deeply saddened by your loss and share your grief. Wat was a kind and wonderful man and we are all proud of his accomplishments. Although the Thurmond family is widely spread and contact is slight, we are still family and we all suffer the saddness. May God bless you and your family, especially in your time of sorrow.

Love and thinking of you,
Gary and Carol Thurmond
Portland, Texas

Jim Thurmond

May 6, 2012

Dear Kathryn and family,

We are deeply saddened and we share your sorrow in the loss of your loving husband, devoted father and our wonderful nephew Watt. He was a great inspiration to all of us. May God comfort all of you with his love. peace and grace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jim, Pat Thurmond and family

Yvonne Knesek-Foltz

May 6, 2012

Kathryn, Elissa, Chris, Tim and family, I am deeply sorry for you loss. Walter was a wonderful person, friend and colleague. He will be truly missed. He taught me a lot while we worked together, both about the law as well as about life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results

Make a Donation
in Walter Thurmond's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Walter Thurmond

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:

Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery

12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077

How to support Walter's loved ones
Honor a beloved 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
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
How to Write an Obituary

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

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 Thurmond's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

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

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

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

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

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

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