William Henry Luedecke

William Henry Luedecke, age 90 of Austin, Texas passed away on November 7, 2008 to join his precious Mary Ann in heaven. Born on April 5, 1918 in the East Texas town of Pittsburg (a community founded by the family of his maternal Grandmother, Mary Lou Pitts Abernathy). He was the son of Henry H. Luedecke and Lula May Abernathy Luedecke. He graduated from Austin High School as a member of the National Honor Society and the Order of Scholastic Excellence. He was a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of the Ramshorn and Chi Phi Fraternity. After graduation, he worked for Columbian Gasoline Corp. in Louisiana. During World War II was recruited by the U. S. Navy as a Mechanical Engineer assigned to the Office of The Supervisor of Shipbuilding at Orange, Texas. Later served as a General Supervisor on the Factory Manager's Staff at North American Aviation Co. at Grand Prairie, Texas. Following the end of World War II, Westinghouse Electric Corp. in Dallas, Texas employed him. He left Westinghouse to form Modern Building Products of Dallas. After selling this company, he joined Chrysler Airtemp Corp. where he served as Chief Engineer of their Los Angeles West Coast Office. In 1950, he founded Luedecke Engineering Co., and became active in the Austin Business Community, serving as member of the Board of Directors of City National Bank, First Texas Financial Corp in Dallas, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mutual Savings of Austin. Was a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, serving on the Founding Board of Governors, as well as local Chapter President, also a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers. Was active in the Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, where he served as District Chairman and a member of the National Advisory Council, served as assistant Civil Defense Director in Austin, attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (National Resources Conference), served as a member of Dean's Council, College of Engineering – University of Texas, & Charter member of the Founders Club – Austin Travis County Livestock Show, started Consolidated Manufacturing Co, served as a member of the Building Code Committee for the City of Austin, and formed Luedecke Investment Co. He established the William H. Luedecke Endowment Fund for the University of Texas School of Engineering. He was a member of the Board of Stewards of the First Methodist Church, the Board of Directors of the Travis County Heart Association, the Board of Directors of the YMCA, member of the West Austin Rotary Club, Westwood Country Club, the Austin Club, member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He spent the last five years of his life in Burnet County Texas. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Mary Anne Copeland Luedecke, his brother George D. Luedecke, special friend Nancy Mason Harle, his father, Henry H. Luedecke and his mother, Lula May Abernathy Luedecke. Survivors include his sister-in-law, Alma Luedecke; his two sons, William H. Luedecke, III and his wife Patty; John Copeland Luedecke and his wife JoAnn; five grandsons, William H. Luedecke IV and wife Trisha, Ward Luedecke and Megan Sullivan, Harper Luedecke and wife Lisa, Travis Luedecke and wife Angie, Dexter Luedecke and wife Risa; one granddaughter, Martelle Wathen; and nine great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 10th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 in the Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel with The Rev. Ellen Ely officiating. Interment will be at Austin Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and Rufus Arrington (family friend). In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Hill Country Children's Advocacy Center, P.O. Box 27, Burnet, TX 78611 or the charity of your choice. A very special thank you to Martha, Brenda and the entire staff at the Oaks at Hamilton Creek Assisted Living in Burnet and to Helga, Judy, Sherri, Jennifer, Debra, Greg, Jamie, Ruth, Linda and the entire staff of the Bertram Nursing Home. They are truly the best.