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Howard Spandau Obituary
Spandau
1934-2015
Howard David Spandau, age 81, passed away in his sleep Monday May 18, 2015 at the Brookshire Nursing Center. Howard was born February 21, 1934 in Houston, TX to Edward and Dorothy Spandau.
He graduated from San Jacinto High School and attended some classes at University of Houston. His early career began as a design draftsman at Fish Engineering, where he made many lifelong friends. His ambitions and talents led him into the construction of apartments, commercial and home building. Howard had a great love for the town of New Braunfels, TX, where he later moved to. Howard designed and built the Guad-A-Loop Shoot, one of the longest water slides ever built. He also designed, built and operated the Guadalupe Outpost Motel and River Rats tube rental and camp grounds.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Edward Spandau. Howard is survived by his children, David Glen Spandau (wife Melody) and Sherry Lynn Sewell (husband Scott). Former wife and mother of David & Sherry, Nancy Kuhlman Spandau Pickett, and sister-in-law, Charlotte Spandau. The love of his life were his grandchildren, Derek Spandau, Kristi Radke (husband Donnie), Carl "Mikey" Spandau, Sarah Fay Sewell and Sean Worley; one great grandchild, Bradley Radke; nieces, Mary Kay Harris and Julie Schwarz and three great nephews.
Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 am with the funeral service at 11:00 am on Friday, May 22, 2015 at Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Boulevard in Katy. Interment will be held at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Harris, Kevin and Eddie Schwarz.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Spandau
Sponsored by Katy Funeral Home.
Bruce Mason
July 10, 2025
Friend and co-worker, Bruce Mason
Terrie Spandau-Gerold
December 13, 2015
David, I just saw this on line obituary about your Dad. I'm very sorry to hear this. I know how close you two were. You look just like him. Just sending my sincere condolences.Terrie Spandau-Gerold
July 21, 2015
I was just talking to someone about Howard and decided to google him. This is such sad news. My husband Ken Harbord and I really liked Howard. He was one of the most interesting people we have ever met. He was such an humble man. He was a wealth of history and had so many great stories. If ever there was a book written about him, I would be the first one to buy it. What a life this man that crossed our paths led. I have never met someone who worked so hard and was so humble. You will be missed Mr. Spandau. - Teresa & Ken Harbord (Houston,TX)
Chris Kuhlman
May 22, 2015
I will always have fond memories of Howard. An inspiring brother-in-law, he gave me one of my first jobs in construction working on building homes off of Dairy Ashford when it was a pasture. He had such an inventive mind, developing a solar water heater (in the 60's), wave machine,and oil spill cleanup system. I'm sorry he's gone from his human existence but he will live on in Spirit and in my heart. From what I saw today, he left a great legacy of children and grand children. I'm proud of all of you and love you dearly.
May 22, 2015
My condolences to The Spandau Family, I will always remember Howard as a busy body, always on the go. He helped my family when I was growing up, I will miss you dearly.
Phil Manderscheid
May 22, 2015
Howard, God Bless you forever. I was blessed to have known you. You taught me many valuable lessons at age 14. We raced our motor scooters to Almeda, played softball and basketball together with Scooter Pizzitola, C.D.Lively, Harry Moore, Bill George and other neighborhood kids .
God bless you and your loved ones.
Phil Manderscheid
Jim Wissmiller
May 22, 2015
Glad to have known you. Thanks for the time you spent with me and for sharing your passions with me. May God bless you and your entire family.
Eddie/Constance Smith
May 22, 2015
Howard, Thanksgiving Dinners with you and the family always made us smile. You and yours were a welcome addition to our family circle, and you always made Melody laugh. You will always be remembered. Blessed Be.
PAULA CLARK
May 21, 2015
I will always remember your smile and sense if humor. We had such great times at Landa RV Park and River Rats. You were truly unique, there will never be another one like you. You will be missed. RIP
Paula Clark, Helen Ware, Jessica and Brandon Barnes
Marie Decker/ Shaw
May 21, 2015
Howard, You were such a wonderful good-hearted person.
I remember when I was down and out, you gave my daughter and me a place to live.
We had plenty great times at River Rats in New Braunfels, times that I will never forget.
You will surely be missed Howard my friend, RIP
Kathy & Ray Allen
May 21, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family! Sorry for your loss.
Mike Manley
May 21, 2015
Howard, you will be missed by all that knew you. You were always an innovator and a caring and giving person. You had a positive impact in my early life working for you at the Guad-A-Loop Shoot. May God bless you and keep you in His arms. Mike Manley (New Braunfels, TX)
May 2007
Paul Short
May 21, 2015
Howard, You will be missed my friend. You are one of the most friendly and helpful person I have ever met. Taught me so much about the design business and always welcomed me and my kids to stay with you in New Braunfels. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Paul, Brett and Chloe Short
Phil Aimi
May 21, 2015
Howie, we are all going to miss you deeply. What an inspiration to all who crossed your path. We are going to miss all of those tales of who grew up in your neighborhood. You may be gone but you will not be forgotten.
OPD Strurctural group
May 21, 2015
From all of us here at OPD structural department, Howard will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
I'm sure he is up there now trying to build a house and a water slide and telling stories about all the famous people that grew up in the same neighborhood. He was definitely one of a kind but that is why he will never be forgotten.
May 20, 2015
Mr. Spandau you were always a man who carried himself with humility and care/concern for others. Even when you had reached such high levels of success you always remained humble. God bless you and your family as we mourn your loss.
Trey Pitts and family
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