(1936 – 2026)

With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of Walter James Monroe Rainwater, Jr., born January 6, 1936 in Fort Worth, Texas to the late Walter James Rainwater and Regina Dieb Rainwater. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother Richard Edward Rainwater.

 Walter is survived by his wife, Lorraine Rainwater, first cousin Vance Mintor, daughters Kelley and Kathryn Rainwater, niece Courtney Rainwater, nephews Todd Rainwater and Matthew Rainwater, as well as his second family Jeff and Rachael Blackstone, Carter Blackstone, Maigen, Ryan, Madeline, Ryleigh, and Michael Parham, Craig, Ava, and Kennedy Prichard, Taylor Ashman, and Brenda and Bob Slauson, and their children.

 Walter attended George Clark Elementary, E.M. Daggett Junior High School, and Paschal High School. He earned both his Bachelor of Arts (1958) and Master of Arts (1967) degrees in Physics from Texas Christian University, and just a few weeks ago, Walter accepted an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from TCU in recognition of his remarkable career and contributions.

Over five decades, Walter worked as a nuclear engineer and researcher with General Dynamics and LTV Aerospace. During his distinguished early career, he contributed to advanced aerospace and defense initiatives, including research involving nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and collaborative work with NASA.

 Following his retirement from the aerospace industry, Walter worked at the Mira Vista residential and golf course development until 2008.  Walter then pursued a new calling in education. At the age of 74, he earned an alternative teaching certification in middle school mathematics and went on to teach sixth-grade math at Morningside Middle School after interviewing at ten schools across FWISD. This decision reflected his deep belief that education is fundamental to opportunity and social responsibility. After his brother Richard Rainwater became ill and was ultimately diagnosed with PSP, Walter joined the Board of Trustees of the Rainwater Charitable Foundation. Over more than 16 years of service as a trustee, he helped steward more than 3,100 grants totaling over $380 million in support of children, education, veterans, and community advancement.

Walter was the primary sponsor and philanthropic champion behind many of the foundation’s most transformative initiatives, including the Morningside Children’s Partnership, the TCU Summer Swim Program (Fort Worth’s Swimming Frogs), First Tee Fort Worth, the Dream Big Scholarship Program (now the Meyerson-Rainwater Scholarship Program), the Tarrant To & Through (T3) Partnership, the Fort Worth Forum, the Texas Wesleyan University Leadership Academy Network schools, Camp-V, and many others.

Walter’s commitment to strengthening community institutions also extended beyond the Rainwater Charitable Foundation through his board service with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, the Kathy Whitworth Invitational, and the UNT Health Science Foundation. In 2016, Walter was named the inaugural recipient of the Insight and Vision Philanthropy Award by the North Texas Community Foundation in recognition of his sustained civic leadership and measurable impact on behalf of children and families in Fort Worth.

Walter was compassionate, brilliant, hardworking, witty, and deeply caring. He cared profoundly about children, teachers, and everyone dedicated to helping young people thrive. His generosity, leadership, and vision have left a lasting mark on countless lives and institutions. Those who had the privilege of working closely with Walter over the years experienced firsthand his wisdom, humor, and unwavering commitment to expanding opportunities for others. He embodied a lifelong dedication to education, service, and the common good.

At this time, no memorial service is anticipated. Condolences to the family may be sent to the Rainwater Charitable Foundation office at 777 Main Street, Suite 2250 Fort Worth, TX 76102 or emailed to walter@rainwatercf.org.

For those wishing to celebrate Walter’s life, in lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in Walter’s honor to one of the organizations that he loved:

Mentoring Alliance

The Child Advocacy Center of Smith County