Walter “Wally” Damas Autem, Jr., 70, passed away, October 5, 2022, in Overland Park, KS.

He was born in Pittsburg, KS, to Walter “Bud” Damas Autem, Sr. and Anna Ruthajean Fritts Autem, on October 19, 1951.

Wally grew up in Cherokee, Kansas, until his family moved to Poulsbo, Washington in 1965 where he attended North Kitsap High School. While there, he excelled in basketball and baseball and set records in track and field. After graduating from high school, he was recruited to play basketball for Tex Winter at the University of Washington but instead attended Olympic College where he set shot put and discus records that stood for 47 years.

Wally then attended Pittsburg State University where he was a three-time NAIA All-American track and field athlete. He captured the National Championship in shot put during the 1973 indoor season and earned All-American honors in the event during the ‘73 outdoor and ‘74 indoor seasons. Upon the completion of his collegiate career, Wally held the Pittsburg State University shot put records and was inducted into the PSU Hall of Fame in 1992.

Wally earned his Doctorate of Education degree from Oklahoma State and spent his adult life as a teacher, coach, and educational administrator throughout Kansas, including Horton High School, Pittsburg High School, and Atchison County Community Schools, among others. He passed on his athletic talent and love for sports to his children, Alex and Spencer, and enjoyed coaching their soccer, baseball, basketball, and track teams.

After retiring from teaching, he relocated to Overland Park, Kansas, where he enjoyed attending dances, concerts, and other social events and spending time with his kids. In October 2021, Wally and his sons traveled back to Washington state for homecoming at North Kitsap High School and to watch Spencer’s Strongman weight lifting competition.

Wally is preceded in death by, parents Bud and Ruthajean, siblings Thomas Autem and Jeanie Smith.

Wally is survived by children, Alex & Heather Autem of Liberty, MO, Spencer & Savannah Autem of Liberty, MO; brother Terry Autem of Mount Pleasant, MI; and a loving extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held October 23, 2022, from 2pm - 5pm at the Liberty Community Center, 1600 S Withers Rd, Liberty, MO 64068.

In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorial contributions can be made in Wally’s name to Pittsburg State University. Memorials can be mailed to Pittsburg State University, PO Box 4005, Pittsburg, KS 66762 or gifts can be made online at pittstate.edu/givenow.