Walter Vernon Cartwright

(Died wihile in Office – July 25, 1973)

Born July 7, 1907, in Pottawatomie County, Indian Territory, which later in the year became the State of Oklahoma. Son of the late William David Cartwright and Talulah Nixon Cartwright, both of Carrol County, Georgia. They moved back to Texas in 1909 and settled in Sherman, Texas, where Walter attended Public Schools until 1922 when he went to live with an older brother in Austin, Texas. He attended Public Schools and Nixon Clay Business College in Austin. Married to Thelma Best of Austin on June 10, 1929. They had two daughters Mrs. (Shirley Mae) Fleetwood Giles, Jr., now deceased, and Mrs. (Judith Ann) Carl Lewis Musick, of Austin and four grandchildren. Has been a member of the Methodist Church since 1915, and has been very active in the Shettles Memorial United Methodist Church of Austin since 1940, having served as Chairman of the Official Board of Trustees for the past ten or so years. Had served as General Secretary of the Sunday School for over 25 years, and also in many other capacities. A member of the Official Board of the Church continuously for over 31 years.

Served in the United State Marine Corps twice. The first time in the 1920’s and again in World War II when he served as a Sergeant with the Third Marine Division in the South Pacific.

Raised a Master Mason in Hill City Lodge No. 456, A.F. & A.M., Austin, Texas on June 28, 1941. Served as Worshipful Master, June 24, 1948 to June 24, 1949. Was a Life Member. Had served as Secretary since February 1, 1965. Had a Life Certificate in the Esoteric Work.

Had served the Grand Lodge of Texas in many capacities, having served as President of the Masters, Wardens and Secretaries Association of the 50th Masonic District 1948-1949, District Deputy Grand Master of the 50th District 1952-1953, a member of the Committee on Petitions 1950-1051, a member of the Committee on Grievance and Appeals No. 1 from December 1957 to December 1959. A member of the Committee on Memorials since December 1970.

A Charter Member of Texas Lodge of Research, A.F. & A.M., serving on the By-Laws Committee at the organization. Served as Worshipful Master from December 1963 until March 1965. Served as Secretary from March 1965 to March 1969, and had been Chairman of the Auditing Committee from 1969.

Was an Active Scottish Rite Mason, belonging to the Bodies, in the Valley of Austin. Was honored with the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 1955. Has served as Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection, Wise Master of the Chapter of Rose Croix, Commander of the Council of Knights Kadosh and Master of Kadosh of Austin Consistory. Served a full 5 year term on the Executive Committee, serving as Chairman the fifth year. Was a member of the Scottish Rite Servers since May 10, 1951, and had served as Secretary-Treasurer of that organization since October 20, 1953. Had served on the 4th, 25th, and 26th Degree Teams, and was serving as the Degree Master of the 25th Degree. Served as Assistant Reunion Director from 1959 to 1966, and had been Alternate Reunion Director since 1966. Was a Life Member of the Scottish Rite.

Exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Lone Star Chapter No. 6, at Austin, Texas on December 21, 1959. Served as High Priest 1965-66. Was a member of the Order of High Priesthood, a Life Member of Lone Star Chapter No. 6. Served as District Deputy Grand High Priest 1966-67. E: Grand Senior Steward 1967-1968, a member of the Obituary Committee 1968-1969, and Chairman of the Obituary Committee 1969-1970. Was appointed as Representative of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Germany at the Grand Chapter of Texas with his commission dated January 19, 1971.

Greeted a Royal and Select Master in Austin Council No. 2, at Austin, Texas on December 28, 1959. Served as Thrice Illustrious Master for 1964-1965, and was a Life Member of Austin Council No. 2. Served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 21st District 1967-1968. Received the Order of the Silver Trowel in 1965 and the Super Excellent Masters Degree on October 1, 1966. Was elected and installed as R:I: Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council in December 1971. Was elected and installed as Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Texas on December 5, 1972.

Knighted a member of Colorado Commandery No. 4, K.T., of Austin, Texas on February 22, 1960. Served as Commander for 1965. Was serving as Treasurer of Colorado Commandery No. 4, K.T. Had been 5th District Chairman for the Knights Templar Foundation since 1966. Appointed Grand Representative of the Grand Commandery, K.T. of Colorado in 1970.

Was a Charter Member of St. Austin Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, served as Sovereign 1966, and has been Secretary since 1969.

Was a member of the following Bodies: Life Member of the Royal Order of Scotland. Texas York Rite College No. 14. Officer in Resurrection Tabernacle No. 21, Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priests. Travis Chapter No. 472, Order of the Eastern Star, and served as Worthy Patron 1948-1949. Oklahoma Lodge of Research. Life Member of Texas Priory No. 23, Knights of the York Cross of Honour. Ben Hur Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., Austin, Texas, Ben Hur Chapter Knights of Mecca, and Cow-Town Stable No. 23, Ancient Order of the Camel Herders. Life Member of the Order of DeMolay, having joined Sherman Chapter, Sherman, Texas on October 12, 1923.

Obituary

Austin Memorial Park Austin, TX