George Wurzbach

George Wurzbach was born August 1, 1931 in Calexico California, the son of George F. and Maria (DeCastro) Wurzbach.  He attended Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio.  During his time there, he served as manager for both the football and track teams.  He was also the assistant manager for the basketball team.  He received two official letters and graduated in 1949.

Following graduation, he was drafted and served in the U.S. ARMY SIGNAL CORPS in Pohanddong Korea.  As Corporal, he was responsible for site selection, installation and operation of F.M. radio relay sites for 8th Army, 5th Air Force, and 1st Marine Air Wing.  He served his country for two years.

In 1954, he enrolled in the University of Texas, Austin. He worked as assistant manager of the Student’s Co-op Association.  Sometime that year, he decided to have a bite at a Mexican restaurant at the corner of Guadalupe and 29th.  When he walked into El Patio he met a family like no other.  Paul Joesph and his wife became fast friends. Throughout the years he visited El Patio with family and friends and had countless meals. George earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas in 1960.

While working at Texas Instruments in Dallas, he met Kaye Moore.  They were married October 25, 1963.  They were blessed with three children.  Anna-Laurie came first.  She is the one that made George a Daddy.   Amy came next and then Paul.  He loved you all dearly.  Anna-Laurie and her husband, Dayne made him Gramps for the first time with the birth of his first grandson, Spencer Dayne Rowell in 1988.  Landon Mitchell made his appearance in 1994 and Preston Shane made his in 2000. He loved all the letters ad pictures he got through the years of the boys as well as the visits.

George was a lifelong Longhorn football fan.  He passed his love of the school and the game onto Paul and Amy.  He belonged to the Texas EXES.  He held season football tickets for all the home games for over 35 years.   He also traveled to many away games. Paul and Amy were always up for a day of fun. Throughout the years many family members and friends attended games with them. Home games usually started or ended at El Patio.   If he could not make a game, he made sure someone still got to enjoy the game.   His final wish was to have the “Eyes of Texas” played at the closing of his memorial.

In 1991 he married Joanne Ashmore. They enjoyed family time, attending church, traveling, and hunting for antiques.  Through the years they were blessed with 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  Thanksgiving was a special time when all the grands and their parents descended on Grandma and Gramps’ house for the holiday.  George and Joanne enjoyed spending time with each and every one of them.  George lovingly gave each one of them a number- based on their birth order because he told them he could not remember their names.

Our dad was a Christian, loving father, husband and family man. He loved to travel and
we would load the station wagon up every year for a vacation. We visited many states
and also lived in over 10 states including Haiti and Puerto Rico. Our dad always had a
joke and was forever telling us we owed him money. He was exceptional with his mathematics skills and could figure out the toughest math problem, usually in his head
within seconds.

After retiring from Palm Harbor Homes in 1994, he began driving for the American
Cancer Society, Medi-wheels, and Meals on Wheels. He loved driving his patients for
their treatments or delivering food to those in need. He received the Volunteer of the
Year award for many years and also the Governor’s Award for his service to Meals on
Wheels.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Joanne.  Left behind to cherish his memory is the mother of his children  Kaye.  His son Paul and daughter Amy of Hewitt.  His daughter Anna-Laurie Rowell and husband Dayne of Lorena.  His three grandsons, Spencer Rowell of China Spring, Landon and wife Kelsie Rowell of Waco and Preston Rowell of Lorena; and also one special great granddaughter Allison Kate Rowell of Waco.  His sister Peggy Justice of Jourdanton, Texas and nieces Laurie Graff and Holly Justice.  Along with countless friends.

We love and miss you so much daddy and will see you again one day.