Seadrift- There is rejoicing in Heaven because Walter Minatrea is home at last with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Walter E. Minatrea, Sr., 73, went to be with the Lord on May 13, 2011. He was born on July 24, 1937 in Ennis to the late Walter L. and Emma Baker Minatrea.
He married the love of his life, Helen Milam, on December 21, 1957.

Walter never met a stranger and was loved by many. Family was very important to him and he was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved to go fishing with his children and grandchildren, and he loved to garden.

He was a member and a deacon of Seadrift First Assembly of God.

Walter is survived by his wife of 53 years, Helen Milam Minatrea of Seadrift; daughter, Gwyn H. DeForest and husband, Tommie of Seadrift; sons, Walter E. Minatrea Jr. of Seadrift and Tommy M. Minatrea and wife, Lisa, of Telferner; sister, Narita Merridth of Bay City; twin brother, Jonny Minatrea of Houston; grandchildren, Jeffrey Volek, Jacqueline Volek, Melissa Minatrea, Chase Minatrea, and Brittney Minatrea; and great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Alexis and Addison.

In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his sisters, Peggy Keaton and Barbara Howell; and grandson, Michael Minatrea.

Funeral services were held May 16 at Seadrift First Assembly of God with Tim Smith officiating. Burial followed at Seadrift Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Walter E. Minatrea Jr., Tommy Minatrea, Jeffrey Volek, Chase Minatrea, Jonathan Callaway, and Tommie DeForest.

Honorary pallbearers were his twin brother, Jonny Minatrea, W.T. Hartman and Dale Gohlke.

Memorial donations may be made in Walter’s memory to the Seadrift First Assembly of God.