 He attended the public schools and graduated from Belton High School in 1935, as president of the student council, receiving top grades and showing a particular aptitude for mathematics.He attended Temple Junior College on a scholarship, often commuting by foot from his parents' home, and taking on custodial duties on campus.During his college years, he enlisted in the Texas Army National Guard, in the 143rd Infantry Regiment, part of the 36th Infantry Division with his two older brothers, John Otto Waskow, and August Waskow.