Michael E. Spatz

Spatz, Michael E. Paint Manufacturer and Salesman, Freedom Train Director and multiple charity fundraiser, died on May 9 at the age of 99 at the Missouri Veterans Home, St. Louis, MO. Spatz was born in Louisville, KY Jan. 7, 1912, the youngest of five brothers. He attended the University of Louisville and moved to St. Louis in the mid 1940's. During the war, he served in the Coast Guard as a war correspondent and was assigned to the Coast Guard Varsity Show Announcer and Publicity Director. After the war, Spatz started a paint manufacturing business in St. Louis whose employees were primarily veterans. Spatz became an area director for the Freedom Train n its coast to coast tours. Its purpose was to re-educate Americans about being good citizens. More on this is available at the Missouri Historical Society where his memorabilia has been donated by his daughters. Spatz refocused on his industrial coating business by consolidating Spatz Paint Mfg. Co. with VaneCalvert Paint Co. which was established in 1867. Spatz specialized in paints and primers for the LP Gas, Fertilizer and Drive-in Theatre Industries, later expanding into welding and ornamental iron fabricators. Spatz married Beverly Ann Burton of St. Louis in 1948 and raised two daughters during their 38 years of marriage. They lived in University City where the family attended First Presbyterian Church where Michael served as an elder. His favorite weekend activity was working, hunting and fishing at his in-law's country place, Bur-Hawk Lodge near Potosi, MO. In 1966 they acquired a weekend property called BurHawk Lake in Williamsburg, MO. Michael enjoyed raising money for charities that usually involved a tennis event out at Bur-Hawk Lake. For 15 years, he held the Bur-Hawk Invitational Tennis for Charity Tournament which supported the St. Louis Society for crippled children, receiving an award in 1989. After a fire destroyed his paint company in 1984, Spatz continued with his efforts to support Backstoppers, Children's Miracle Network and Variety Club. Longtime member of the Missouri Athletic Club and Creve Coeur Racquet Club. He is survived by his daughters, Terry Coleman (Jim) and Stephanie Fawley; 3 grand- children Michael Johnson, Ryan and Terrill Estabrook and 2 great-grandchildren. Services: A private burial service will be held at his beloved Bur-Hawk Lake property. Contributions may be made to your favorite charity.