Wilburn Denkeler

Wilburn "Denk" Denkeler Wilburn "Denk" Denkeler, 86, of Beeville, Texas passed away peacefully on Friday, August 24, 2012. He was born on May 23, 1926, in Bishop, Texas to Gerhardt and Ella Denkeler. He met the love of his life, Mary on a blind date and they were married on October 5, 1947 in Concordia Community, Texas. Denk worked for the electric company REA before being hired by the Amoco Production Company (now known as BP), retiring from BP on February 1983. Denk and Mary moved to Beeville in September 1949. During his 64 years as a resident of Beeville, he was a member of the Beeville Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years and was instrumental in the formation of the Beeville Volunteer Ambulance Service, serving as its president and member for over 20 years. Additionally, he worked for 20 years as an umpire, manager and president of the North Side Little League in addition to serving as Boy Scout Master for the Trinity Lutheran Church. He was an active member of the Bee County Blood Donor Club. He is survived by his children, Carol Rein of Austin, Texas, Gary Denkeler of McAllen, Texas, Debra Barnett (Steve) of Mabank, Texas and "adopted daughter" Leslie Bowers of San Jose, California. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Jenifer Rein (Adrian) of Leander, Texas, Heather Rein of Austin, Texas, Brandon Denkeler (Kristi) of San Antonio, Texas, Garrett Denkeler (Hollie) of San Angelo, Texas, Rachel and Logan Barnett of Mabank, Texas, and Stacey Flowers (Daniel) of Mabank, Texas. He also is survived by seven great-grandchildren and many additional family members to include cousins, nephews and nieces. In addition, he is survived by one brother, Mr. Dennis Denkeler of Galveston, Texas, and three sisters-in law, Mrs. Bernice Denkeler of Bishop, Texas, Mrs. Audrey Denkeler of Portland, Texas, and Mrs. Diana Denkeler of Galveston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary, of 63 years, parents and three brothers, Walter Denkeler, Gerhardt Denkeler, Jr., and Raymond Denkeler. Funeral services were held on Monday, August 27, 2012 at 3:00pm at Faith Lutheran Church in Beeville, with Pastors Don Taylor and Gary Concklin officiating. Also participating in the service will be Chaplain William L. Stockton, Jr. and members of the Beeville Volunteer Fire Department. Pallbearers will be Clyde Denkeler, Brandon Denkeler, Garrett Denkeler, Logan Barnett, Aaron Rein-Caballero, and Joe Linnstaedter. Visitation was held Sunday, August 26, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home, Beeville, Texas. Memorial gifts may be made in his name to Faith Lutheran Church Memorial Fund and the Beeville Volunteer Fire Dept.