Donald Alfred Sauer

Donald Alfred Sauer, known to family as Bubba, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24th surrounded by family and friends. He was born November 30,1931 to Louis Alfred and Marguerite Kolbe Sauer in Houston, Texas. Don graduated from Lamar High School and attended The University of Houston. He joined the United States Navy in 1951 and served for 4 years. He was stationed in California and Hawaii.

On October 10,1964 he married the love of his life, Barbara Jo McSpadden-Sauer at St. Peter United Church of Christ in Spring Branch. They were blessed to be married in the church that Don’s ancestors founded in 1848 after they arrived from Germany.

Don was the Executive Vice President for Courtney and Company for 40 years. He estimated, coordinated and managed the cost for painting and maintaining the gas tanks for Shell Oil. He was also a member of the Houston Area Coating Society and numerous other trade organizations.

After retiring in 1998, Barbara and Don moved to April Sound to enjoy the lake life, fishing and golf. He was an avid golfer and won several tournaments. He even made a couple of holes in one! His golfing buddies would tease him that he was still playing at the age of 75, but he only got better with age. Aside from loving to play golf, he loved all other sports including hunting and fishing. He was also the best armchair manager the Astros could have. He was a dedicated Astros fan and tried to never miss a game.

He was also a long-time member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Calf Scramble Committee for 39 years. He was very blessed to have been a part of the HLSR alongside his father-in-law, Earl Reed McSpadden, better known as Mac.

Don had a wonderful sense of humor and was always living life to the fullest with love and laughter. Whether it was taking customers hunting, traveling with Barbara, playing bridge with the infamous bridge group, golfing with friends and neighbors, or being at family gatherings. Of course, we all know the trouble Don and his brother-in-law, Bill Harlowe, could get into. Whatever they would plan, they constantly kept the family on their toes and laughter in our hearts. He will truly be missed.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara Jo; his daughters, Cindy Sauer-Chovanec and husband Steven, and Donna Sauer-Lemmons; his sons, Ken Sauer and wife Melissa, and Glenn Sauer; his grandchildren: Keely Sauer-Correa and husband David, Michael Sauer, Cole Sauer and wife Beth, Cherokee Sauer, and Peyton Chovanec; great grandchildren: Dean Correa, Grant Correa, Parker Sauer and soon to be, another great granddaughter, and by his brother-in-law, Bill Harlowe. Also surviving are several loving nieces, many cousins and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Joyce Harlowe and Betty Lou Cutrer; nieces, Phyllis Cutrer, Carol Cutrer and nephew, Steven Cutrer.

We would like to thank Phoenix Healthcare, Lissette Gonzalez, Danny Salamollahi , Karla Chavez, George Docdocil and Nnenna for providing such love and care to Don. They were all amazing and will always be remembered.

Pallbearers include Bryan Eyring, Cole Sauer, Peyton Chovanec, Steven Chovanec, Ken Sauer, and Glenn Sauer

Honorary Pallbearers include Bill Harlowe, Buddy Dilley, Gene Stoffel, Carl Tongberg and Jim Riley.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Family and friends are welcome to join us in celebrating Don’s life on Monday, June 30, 2025. Visitation will be from 9:00am to 11:00am with a funeral service from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road, Houston, Texas 77055.

Burial will follow at St. Peter United Church of Christ Cemetery, 9022 Long Point Road, Houston, Texas 77055.

Reception to follow burial back at Waltrip Funeral Directors.