George Brandau Obituary

George H. Brandau, M.D., a long time resident of Houston, passed away on Tuesday, the 2nd of April 2014, after a short illness. He was born 12th of August 1916, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Charles Young Brandau and Annie Belle Bringhurst.
George attended C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport and later LSU majoring in economics and pre-law. At the age of 19, while attending LSU, he was diagnosed with nephritis and was hospitalized in Vanderbilt Hospital for 265 days before resuming his education at LSU. Based on the care that he received during his hospitalization and his exposure to the medical field, he decided to pursue a medical career, receiving a BS Degree in pre-med and graduating from Tulane University School of Medicine in 1942. He served an internship and surgical residency at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston. Due to this previous illness, he was rejected thirteen times for military service during WWII. He volunteered his services at the recruiting station in Houston serving with a team of physicians in examining recruits and draftees throughout the war. Entering private practice, he continued for 46 years before retiring from general surgery in 1990. Dr. Brandau was active in organized medicine for some 30 years. He was one of the Founders of the Houston Museum of Medical Science where he served as the first operating president from 1969-71 and continued as Director of Exhibits for almost 25 years. Dr. Brandau participated in numerous civic activities as a member of Rotary, The Houston Philosophical Society, The Mayflower Society, The Houston Executives Association and other organizations. Dr. Brandau was keenly involved in the Sons of the American Revolution, a long-standing member and Past President of the Paul Carrington Chapter of Houston, holding two Texas State offices and four National offices, including NSSAR President General in 1991-92. Dr. Brandau founded the George Washington Fund which helped to fund many causes of the National Society and participated in numerous national activities of The SAR for over 30 years including serving as a member of the 1st Foundation Board. He received many SAR related honors including the DAR Medal of Honor, SAR Gold Good Citizenship medal and Minute Man award. Dr. Brandau had fond memories as President General of the SAR when he was honored to present the SAR Gold Good Citizenship medal to General Colin Powell, then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, at the Pentagon in Washington, D. C. in 1992. Dr. Brandau was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church and has served on various advisory committees.
After retiring from medicine, Dr. Brandau continued to be active in investments and sports. He was an avid golfer and played regularly at River Oaks Country Club for many years. Dr. Brandau wrote many articles and in 2004, at age 88, his successful book, "Just Between the Doctor and Me" was published. Dr. Brandau was married for 55 years to his college sweetheart, Nancy Smith Brandau, who preceded him in death in 1997.
Dr. Brandau was also preceded in death by his sister, Sara Delaney, and his brother C.Y. Brandau. He is survived by one daughter, Nancy Cleveland, and her husband William; a son, John; and two grandchildren, Stephen and Katie Brandau, all of Houston; and many cousins. Dr. Brandau would like to acknowledge and thank Mrs. Virginia Turner and Mrs. Myrtis Grimes for their many years of service and friendship as Office Nurse and Office Administrator, respectively, for his private practice. The family would also like to acknowledge and thank Carrie Houston, Mary Virginia Neath and Janet Jurek for their friendship to our father for many years.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from three o'clock until five o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 6th of April, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
A memorial service is to be conducted at one o'clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 7th of April, in the chapel of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the nearby Hines-Baker room.
Prior to the memorial service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Luke's United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 22013, Houston, TX, 77227-2013; or to the charity of one's choice.