Roll Call Tribute

John F. Wauters 

November 9, 1928 - April 18, 2023 

John F. Wauters, age 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. He was born on November 9, 1928, to Josephine & Emil Wauters, and told many stories about growing up on his father’s vegetable farm along the Salado Creek. He joined the US Army when he was 17 years old, and between stints in military service, he obtained his Bachelor’s in Geologic Engineering and Master’s in Geology from Texas A&M University.

Having grown up in a Belgian community that offered many social opportunities, it was not long before John found the love of his life, Clara Verstuyft, and married her on June 11, 1952. Over the next 12 years they had five children. While raising children, John developed his career as a geologist and worked at Humble (now Exxon) Oil Company, Texas Oil and Gas, and even had his own oil and gas business for a few years.

John and Clara loved dancing and for many years were members of a Square Dance Club. They were active members of the Belgian-American Club of Texas. John also found the time to take the family camping with the double cousins every year along the Frio River. Another highlight was the annual July 4th weekend reunion at John’s sister’s home on the Guadalupe River with fun, food, and tubing for everyone.

John was very proud of his Aggie roots, and was a long-time supporter of Texas A&M University. He was a Ross Volunteer of the A&M Corps of Cadets. Watching the Aggies play football, especially with all the other Aggies in the family, was one of his favorite things to do.

Upon retirement, John spent his days working in his yard and on the land he owned in the countryside. “You can take the boy off the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy.” He loved to be outdoors. When John started slowing down, he would sit for hours in his lawn chair outside, contemplating nature and napping. He was an animal lover, and liked to feed the cats of the neighborhood and play with all the dogs he met on his walks. John also loved his grandchildren and would get down on the floor and carouse with them much to their delight.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine & Emil Andrew Wauters; and sister, Emily Moeller (Jimmy). John is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Clara Verstuyft Wauters of San Antonio, Texas; daughter, Carol Solis (Luis) of San Antonio, Texas; son, David Wauters (Kelly) of Midlothian, Texas; daughters, Donna Bodiford of San Antonio, Texas, Cynthia Ashley (Billy) of Bulverde, Texas, Mary Divita (Charlie) of Allen, Texas; brother, Fred Wauters (Hilda); and 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank John’s long-time caregivers: Elsa, Debra, and Lori, for all the tender loving care they provided to him. We would also like to thank Guiding Light Hospice and Danny and his family at Danny’s Care Home for ministering to him during his last days on earth.

John and Clara have been faithful parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe for 35 years.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m, Friday, April 28, 2023, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Helotes. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Resurrection Cemetery at Cordi Marian 11624 Culebra Rd. San Antonio, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.