Walter E. Brauer, 89, passed away Saturday, September 2, 2017, after a brief illness. Born November 19, 1927, to Kurt J. Brauer and Frances Kaiser of Prague, Oklahoma, Walter attended many classes in a one-room schoolhouse in the community and graduated high school in 1945. Walt enlisted in the U.S. Army in February 1946. After basic training in Arkansas, he served with the occupation forces in post-World War II Japan. Discharged in August 1947, he returned home and sought employment with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, embarking on a 39-year career. He married Alta Lucille Beck in June 1952 in Terral, OK. Initially working for the phone company as a lineman or "pole climber," considered one of the most physically demanding jobs in the company, Walt loved the work. After seven winters, each seemingly more harsh than the last, he saw the wisdom in transferring to an inside-plant job. His responsibilities included general maintenance and troubleshooting on dial telephone switchgear. During his career, he held 13 different jobs, each offering an abundant measure of intrigue, challenge and opportunity. From 1978 - 1983 he was an area manager, with oversight over operations in a five-state region. Walt was active in Christian service through churches in nearly every community in which the family resided. He answered a personal call to ministry in 1980 by becoming a member of The Gideons International. An association of Christian business and professional men and their wives, the organization is dedicated to spreading the gospel through personal sharing and providing Bibles and New Testaments, primarily in schools, colleges, prisons, jails, hospitals and medical offices. He found retirement not at all boring and pursued some part-time and temporary work, including several months associated with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, and looked forward to traveling near and far. Even though opportunities were limited, Walt and his wife, Lucille, were able to see several regions of the U.S. from coast to coast. Retirement opened more doors for Walt to serve others his family, friends, neighbors and community. He had been active in service organizations including Kiwanis, and pursued other volunteer opportunities as an active member of Telephone Pioneers. In earlier years, Walt enjoyed woodworking and amateur "ham" radio. He considered himself a low-key political activist, making his views known frequently in published letters to editors. Being a grandpa became the joy of his life and the motivating influence of his days. Preceded in death by his parents and only grandson Christopher E. Brauer, Walt is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lucille, and two children: son, Steven Brauer and wife Barbara of Oklahoma City; daughter, Valerie Pautsch and husband, Roger, Canadian County. He leaves two sisters, Edna Carter of Richardson, Texas; and Elsie Nelson of Oklahoma City, OK; a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends. The family would like to extend special thanks to the hospice and nursing staff at Mercy Hospital. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to The Gideons International, Alzheimers Association or charity of your choice.Viewing will be Friday, noon-9pm, with family present from 4-6pm at Mercer-Adams. Services will be Saturday, September 9, 11:00am at St. Marks United Methodist Church with interment in Bethany Cemetery. Funeral Service Saturday, September 9, 2017 11:00 AM St. Marks United Methodist Church 8140 N.W. 36th St. Bethany, OK 73008