Walter Stine Isenhower, better known as “Mr. Catawba County,” passed away
Walter Stine Isenhower, better known as “Mr. Catawba County,” passed away on December 31st, 2022, after a lifetime of achievements and caring for his community.
Stine was born in Conover, NC on April 10th, 1927 to the late John Abel and Susie (Jordan) Isenhower, and attended Newton-Conover High School.
He was a graduate of Fishburne Military School, a private, military school in Virginia. He later graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University. After serving in the United States Army, he joined the Owen-United Insurance Agency in 1953, rising to the presidency position until 1985.
“Rep. Stine Isenhower was an extraordinary public servant who made a difference for his beloved Catawba County and NC. Having served with him in the legislature I know he was a caring man of integrity. I send his son Randy and family my sympathy,” shared NC Governor Roy Cooper in a recent press release.
Over the course of his life, Stine served his community and his church in countless ways. His involvement included the Conover Lions Club, Catawba County Chamber of Commerce, Conover Volunteer Fire Department, Catawba Science Center, Y.M.C.A.
Board of Directors, American Red Cross local board, Catawba County Industrial Development Board, Western Piedmont Council of Government regional board, Old Stone Savings and Loan local board, First Citizens Bank local board, Economic Development Commission, and many other boards.
As a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Conover, he served at different times as Secretary of the Congregation, Board of Elders chairman, Stewardship Board member and as a member of the Lutheran Television Board and Board of the Lutheran Layman’s League. He was a former chairman of the International Lutheran Hour Committee.
Isenhower served in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1986 to 1992 for the 45th District, as a Republican. The district encompassed parts of Catawba County and Burke County.
In 2006, Isenhower was awarded the DAR Medal of Honor, by the Daughters of the American Revolution, for his longtime service and leadership to his community, state and nation. His memories of growing up in Conover are put in his own words: “Memories are a tribute to special people who with faith, love, vision and forethought, created the area we call home today. Their names are forever intertwined with the heritage of our community and will be carved into the stones that mark their footprints.”
In 2022, Isenhower won the Red Blazer Award issued by Newton-Conover City Schools. The Red Blazer Award was instituted in 2011 to recognize individuals who have dedicated themselves to the success of the district by giving their time, effort, finances, and other resources to the district without expecting anything in return. Isenhower was known for his talks with the NewtonConover High School Football Teams before each home game.
Stine was a man who loved the Lord and spent his life modeling Christ’s love to everyone he met. He was devoted to his family and his community. He was often heard saying “a day out of Catawba County is a