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Walter Idel Obituary

WALTER IDEL, 82, Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2009, in the comfort of his family's arms after a valiant eight month battle to recover from a major stroke. Walter, native born in Germany, experienced an extremely full and amazing life. He and his beloved wife, Annie, emigrated to Venezuela in 1951. Walter's innate mechanical abilities lead to a lifelong career in aviation including positions as chief pilot for Gulf Oil in Venezuela and then on to the United States in 1971. Walter retired at the age of 70 but continued his life long love of mechanics and tinkering on the home front. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the entire staff at the Colonnades at Reflection Bay in Pearland and to all the friends and neighbors who lent their support during this time. Walter is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Anneliese, daughter, Christina, and her husband, Michael and their daughter, Jenny, along with his son, Peter and children, Phillip and Kimberly in Acworth, GA. A Celebration of Walter's Life will be held Sunday, July 5th at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of SouthPark Funeral Home in Pearland, Texas. A private interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation to the American Stroke Association. Walter lived his life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. Fly high.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Jul. 3, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

Carol Ritter

July 3, 2009

I wish Walter peace. It was a pleasure to know him. He will be in our prayers.

July 3, 2009

July 3, 2009

I enjoyed many a safe trip with Walter in the old Gulf Weigon. In his younger days he flew a German Messerchmitt in the German Luftwaffe, was shot down and wounded. He was a very intelligent and good man. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family as I know he will be missed. B. A. "Buddy" Life

Leona Behr

July 3, 2009

Anneliese, I was a Gulf Oil employee and met Walter in 1974 when my boss, Ray Galvin, took me and 2 other women on our first trip offshore. It was a beautiful day and I remember Walter very well. He was handsome, friendly, respectful to all. He had much fun that day introducing us to flying in the "Mallard". He turned that plane every way but upside down and it took a strong resolve to keep my stomach under control. He was a skilled and careful pilot and I remember that he was well spoken of by the engineers who were frequent travelers with him and who entrusted their lives to him. Congratulations on your 62 years of marriage -- that confirms that he was as fine a man at home as he was at work. I know you will miss him. I have prayed for comfort for you and your family and will continue to do so. Leona

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