Wanda Neuvar

1932 - 2025

Wanda M. Neuvar, of Westlake Hills, Texas, died Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Her story began August 12,1932, in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains near Aderholdt's Mill on her grandparents homestead. Wanda was born at home on a spool bed made by her grandfather. She grew up a child of the depression, learning to make do with little. School invigorated her active mind and she excelled in her studies, graduating valedictorian of her high school class. After graduation, Wanda attended a nearby college. But the Korean War had begun. With troops streaming into nearby Fort McClellan, many were anxious to follow the lead of their restlessness. So Wanda decided to apply for a job as the personal secretary to the commander of the base. Her raven hair and scarlet smile greeted many new officers. A young Texas soldier, by the name of Allan Neuvar caught the eye of this southern beauty. Before he could be deployed, Wanda asked if he might be re-assigned to stay on base in another position. Love had met its destiny. After a brief courtship, they were married in a small clapboard chapel on the base. Then the rolling hills of Texas beckoned them home to begin their journey together. Allan "Ace" taught her to fish the Texas Coast. As saltwater love never leaves the veins, a pilgrimage to Rockport with the girls always signaled the changing seasons. Bluebonnet pastures and roadside parks marked the way down, a favorite of Wanda's. Ace also brought her to the Catholic Church where she converted, and sang in the choir. With a very modest purse, the couple sent their three girls through St. Austin's Catholic school across the street from the University of Texas campus. Wanda worked for a local bank next door to the school. Proximity instilled in her a lifelong love of U.T. football. She was known to light an orange candle on their behalf atop the t.v. during game days.
Mom had a special gift for talking to others and making them feel welcome. Her southern hospitality sent her forward into jobs working with the public - for a state senator, next a lobbyist, then yet another bank in downtown Austin. Once, she took Ace to Germany with a prize won selling the most CD's in the investment department. In later years she acted as the AISD school board secretary, then retiring to become a realtor. Wanda, the young woman who could look you in the eye, shake your hand and ask you where you were from, knew how to fry the best cast iron chicken. She fed grandbabies, friends, and whomever walked into her kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. Her love of family, her abiding faith that began in the Baptist tradition, and her gregarious nature carried her through the foothills of the Smokies to the hills of Central Texas. Many people will miss her especially her children and their families: Celeste Stark (deceased) and husband Morris, sons Holden, wife Sheri, children Walker, Parker, Cooper; son Zachary, wife Morgan. Camille Goodman, husband Chuck, sons Seth and Eliot, wife Jillian. Carrie Neuvar, daughter Sarah, husband Patrick, daughter Ruby; son, Travis. Daughter in law Erin Curley, husband Morris; her friends and staff in the community at Brookdale Westlake. There are many remaining relatives in her home state of Alabama who round out her fold. But people who knew her would tell you she would ask you if you might be "kin" folk. Bon Voyage mom, it's time to work the room upstairs and kiss Ace with those ruby red lips.
A funeral service for Wanda will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 5455 Bee Caves Rd, West Lake Hills, TX 78746.