Arthur Eidson Eitelman

Arthur Eidson Eitelman of Austin, Texas died on September 17, 2006 at the age of 91. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on October 14, 1914 to Baynard and Mette Abshier Eitelman. He moved to Austin in 1932 after graduating valedictorian from Old Main High School in San Antonio. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Elfrieda Knippa Eitelman, and their five daughters, all of Austin: Joyce Gray and husband Robert, Dina Montgomery and husband Norman, Judy Avery and husband John, Linda Jones and husband Woodie, and Debra Moore and husband John. He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and his five brothers. After attending the University of Texas, Art married Elfrieda Knippa on November 21, 1937, at which time they moved into their house in Brykerwoods where they lived for 68 years. They were long-time members of St. Paul Lutheran Church. In 1976, Art retired as an industrial and plating chemical account executive for Witco Corporation. Prior to that, he worked for Standard Radio Supply which led to his years of civil service in electronics during WW II, both in Indiana and at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin. His hobbies included golfing, fishing, hunting, collecting Indian artifacts, listening to music, and taking home movies. Art had a great love of the outdoors. He and his family enjoyed many years at the cabin he built on Lake Travis. He was a charter member of the Lago Vista Country Club. Always an inventor, Art maintained a creative spirit and inquisitive mind. He had a heart for those in need and found unique ways to offer his support. Art will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong Christian faith, and his wonderful sense of humor. When asked how he wanted to be remembered, he replied: "As the one who started the 'beep, beep, beep' " (our family custom of honking three times when driving away from home as a way to say, once more, "I love you"). The Eitelman daughters wish to express their deepest gratitude to their mother for her faithful and loving devotion to their father. The family will receive visitors at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish. The Eitelmans' nephew, Pastor Steve Best, will officiate. Burial will follow at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers are his grandsons: David M. Digby II, Darin Digby, Rod Edens III, Matthew Moore, John S. Avery, Jr., Jeremy W. Jones and Joshua Moore. His granddaughters are Ray Edens Lewis, Monica Rowlett Atkinson, Julie Avery Dees, Jana Avery Buis, Jennifer Jones Morrison, Susan Gray DeLeon, and Lauren Gray. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to send a memorial contribution to the charity of your choice. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com