Stephen Arthur Zander

Stephen Arthur Zander, Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Friend to all, made his final step into Eternity on April 20, 2026, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and receive his reward as a Good and Faithful Servant.

Steve was born on March 14, 1940 in Fergus Falls, Minn to the late Ralph and Phyllis Zander, the family moved to Houston in the mid 1940’s, where Steve attended St. Anne’s Catholic School and Lamar High School, where he graduated in 1958. He attended the University of Houston and graduated in 1963 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. It was at Lamar where he met the love of his life, Anna Louise Crapitto. They were married in 1961 and for the next 64 years, Anna would be his Partner, Soulmate, Best Friend, Supervisor and Devoted caregiver. They shared a life of Faith, Fun, Laughter and Lifelong Friendships that continue to this day, and the wonderful journey of raising four boys together. They set an example for all and began a legacy that will continue on with their family.

Steve began his Engineering career in Chattanooga, TN with Dupont in 1963. It was there that their Four boys were born and chaos began. Steve and Anna moved back to Houston in 1968 and he started his 30 year career with Brown and Root. Steve began as a Project and Department Manager in the Pasadena office. He earned his way to Vice President Manufacturing and Heavy Civil Mining to President of Brown and Root Civil Division and Senior Vice President Americas region. After Steve retired from Brown and Root in 1997, he went to work for HB Zachry for the next ten years. Steve was a part of multiple Embassy construction projects around the world. Steve valued his career in the construction industry. His work ethic and values were second to none. His career allowed He and Anna to travel the world and meet and enjoy the fellowship of many lifelong friends.

After Steve’s retirement from Zachry, he spent as much time as possible at his Happy Place, Tiki Island, Texas, where He and Anna built the Zander House. The place where the Family gathered and his Grandkids enjoyed fishing, tubing, boat riding and just hanging out with their “Poppy”. Steve and Anna had some great times entertaining their friends and hosting their new years eve parties. Steve and Anna regularly attended Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Galveston, where the Gospel came alive.

You would often find Poppy cleaning his prized Boston Whaler getting ready for a canal cruise. In the evening He would be sitting on his deck, having a drink and a cigar, working a crossword puzzle and watching over his Grandkids below with a big smile on his face, ready to referee something, pull a hook out of someone or just holler down “you all better be careful before someone gets hurt” or “hey buddy, no wake” to some unsuspecting boater.

Steve was Kind and Generous, a Man of Faith and Principles. Do the right thing and it will all work out. He was always available to listen to his Boys or Grandkids, with wise advice that was short and sweet, but powerful and meaningful. His Family was his life.

We are grateful for the grace and mercy shown Steve over the last few years, and the lessons of compassion, service and sacrifice that we learned and witnessed, as well as the support and prayers of all our Friends and Extended Family. You all were a big part of this journey.

We would like to thank Lisa Williams, who helped care for Steve over the last five years and all the Caregivers and Staff at the Cottage’s of Spring Branch. Your care and genuine compassion made a difference in Steve’s Life and also our families.

Steve was preceded in death by his Son; Charlie Zander, Brother; Jeff Zander, Parents; Ralph and Phyllis Zander.

Steve is survived by his Loving Wife, Anna; Sons, Matthew and wife, Kimberly; Michael and wife, Christi; Chris and wife, Kim; Shelly Zander, widow of Charlie Zander; His ten Grandchildren: Courtney Anna Frazier and husband, Kyle; Cullen Zander; Cole Zander; Caroline Cypert and husband, Steve; Jake Zander; Walker Zander, and fiancee Emerson Casteel; Chase Zander; Maggie Zander; Ava Zander and Olivia Zander and his two Great Grandchildren; Daphne Anna Frazier and Kyle Hardy Frazier Jr.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday May 1st at the Earthman Funeral Home, located at 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. In lieu of flowers; Donations can be made in Steve’s honor to the Carmelite Nuns 6301 Culebra Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78238-4909 or Patriot Paws Service Dogs, 254 Ranch Trail, Rockwall Texas 75032