Thaddeus Smith Stappenbeck Jr.

Thaddeus Smith Stappenbeck, Jr., age 84, passed from this life peacefully on September 19, 2006. He will be best remembered for his love of family, skilled hands, sense of humor, and exuberant laugh. He was an honest and good-natured man who never met a stranger, and he will be missed by many. Born in Galveston, TX, on October 31, 1921, he moved to San Antonio as a child, where he lived the rest of his life. After graduating from Brackenridge High School, he became a bookbinder, a trade he practiced for more than 40 years. He was especially proud of his service in the Navy during World War II, where he saw duty on the U.S.S. Hermitage in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Louise Travis Stappenbeck; children Thaddeus Stappenbeck, III (Mary) and Susan Stappenbeck; grandchildren Thaddeus Stappenbeck, IV (Julie) and Melanye Wayts (Michael); and great-grandchildren William Thaddeus and Andrew Stappenbeck, and Dylan and Emily Wayts. A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 22, 2006, at 3:00 pm at Sunset Memorial Park. Sunset Funeral Home.