"Truth, fairness, accuracy is the moral obligation of journalists. This is a philosophy which Steve shared and one to which he always tried to aspire," said Sue May-born, editor and publisher of the Telegram.
Walters started with the Telegram as wire editor in 1976. A graduate of Texas Christian University with a bachelor's degree in journalism, he worked as an intern with WFAA television in Dallas, then started his newspaper career with the Daily Ardmoreite in Ardmore, Okla. He later covered county government for the Orange Leader. He briefly took a job in Washington, D.C., with the Federal Aviation Administration before returning to the Leader.
Jerry Prickett, Telegram assistant managing editor, said that Walters had spoken of his short time with the FAA.
"His boss in Orange kind of predicted that Steve would get back into the newspaper business, and he did," Prickett said. "It was Steve's calling, and his passion. He took the news seriously."
At the Telegram, Walters was promoted to city editor and assistant managing editor before becoming managing editor.
"I worked with him in the old building when he came," said Bill Meadows, press room foreman, who has been with the Telegram for 48 years. "He was a good friend," Meadows said. "He always treated me with respect and was a fair guy."
Ralph Dice, wire editor, joined the Telegram in 1990. "He was a hands-on editor who always had time to answer your question or help solve your problem," Dice said. "He would pitch in and help when help was needed in the desk operation. I can remember working with him on Christmas Day several years ago."
"Steve was a sharp editor who would quickly spot a hole in a reporter's story," he said.
Prickett echoed that comment.
“Steve was an excellent editor, and had an encyclopedic knowledge of things pertaining to Temple and Bell County," he said.
Walters upheld the editorial ethic to the greatest extent, said Richard Herschler, Telegram business manager. "He was not only a co-worker but a friend of mine too," Herschler said. "We worked very well together and he will be missed greatly." Gary Garner, advertising director, has been with the Telegram 37 years.
"The love of his family was very important," he said. “And TCU. He was a big Horned Frog always."
"My nickname for him was 'Newsroom Walters’, since that's the way he answered the phone," he said. "I always enjoyed our conversations, whether it was sports, family, newspaper, politics or whatever."
Lester Krause, vice president of May born Enterprises, said he knew Walters as a friend for 30 years. "He was a unique individual," he said. "I always enjoyed talking to him. He always came and talked to me about the TCU football team. He'll be missed."
Walters was involved in various community efforts, and represented the Telegram every year at Pioneer Day activities and the Bell County Spelling Bee. A scholarship fund will be set up in his name at his alma mater.
