He was born in Jennings in Jefferson Davis Parish in southwestern Louisiana.
He was an enlisted soldier in the United States Army from 1957 to 1958 and was stationed at Fort Bliss.
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University in 1961 and a Juris Doctor from Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 1964.
[1][2] On May 15, 1985, Walter was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana created by 98 Stat.
He was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 10, 1985, receiving his commission the following day.