Thad Max Ziegler

Thad Max Ziegler, devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend was called to be with the Lord on September 14, 2021. He was 93 years old. He was born in San Antonio, Texas on March 12, 1928, to Thad C. Ziegler and Ruth M. Ziegler. He graduated high school from Texas Military Institute and attended Texas Tech University and Southern Methodist University.

Thad was fondly referred to as Max by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father and his family always came first. Thad was known for his outgoing personality, quick wit, and big heart. He was always very upbeat, positive, and enjoyed sharing a good laugh. He dearly loved his church, St. David's Episcopal where he served as Senior Warden.

Thad was the third generation to work in the 128-year-old family business, Thad Ziegler Glass. He joined his father in the glass business in 1947 and retired 73 years later in 2020. The company would not be where it is today without his outstanding leadership, his unending integrity and his untiring commitment to his customers and employees.

He was a dedicated cattle rancher in the Texas Hill Country for 53 years. One of his greatest joys was to drive around his ranch surveying and managing his cattle. He was a great outdoorsman. He loved taking family and friends hunting.

Thad was very active in many business, civic and social organizations. He was a former President of The San Antonio Country Club, The Fiesta San Antonio Commission, The San Antonio Chapter of the Producers Council, The Alamo Kiwanis Club, The Town Club of San Antonio, The Lamplighters Club, The Builders Exchange of Texas and The Flat Glass Marketing Association (a national glass trade association). He also served as Director of The San Antonio Livestock Show, The San Antonio Club, The San Antonio Builders Association, The Associated Employers, The Sub Contractors Association, The Natural Resources Committee of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, The Research and Planning Council and The Alamo Area of Boy Scouts. He was also a member of The Argyle, The Conopus Club, The San Antonio Air Force Community Council and The Texas Cavaliers.

Thad loved his Texas Cavaliers. During Fiesta 1970 he served as River Parade Marshal of the Texas Cavalier’s River Parade. He served as a Day Aide for King Antonio LIII Porter Loring in 1975 and King Antonio LVI Wilbur Littleton in 1978. During Fiesta 1988 he proudly represented the Texas Cavaliers as King Antonio LXVI. Even though he is still the oldest King Antonio in history at 60 years of age he extremely enjoyed his reign over Fiesta; similar to a little boy in a candy store.

Thad thoroughly enjoyed his memorable times spent in the hill country at the family ranch in Mason County hosting family and friends especially their tradition of celebrating New Year’s. They loved playing tennis, a game of cards, long rides, enjoying wildflowers, blooming cactus and especially bluebonnets. He always enjoyed his summers at Key Allegro in Rockport, Texas cruising the canals in his barge christened “Sweet Polly Purebred”. Thad had a great time traveling all over the world with his wife and many friends. He was an avid and never tiring tennis player. More than once, he wanted to play just one more set while his tennis buddies were exhausted and begging to go home.

Thad and Patsy were blessed to share 66 fabulous years together. They had a true love story witnessed by all who knew them. Their love grew into their golden years. They were a perfect match. Without hesitation they always displayed a never-ending love for each other. His grandchildren will always remember the love that he had for their grandmother and the whole family. Their relationship was a terrific example for his grandchildren of what a marriage was supposed to look like.

Thad loved being with his two children, five grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. He enjoyed his trips with his family to the family ranch, Rockport, Ruidoso and the Caribbean. Thad and Patsy’s pool became a Sunday family hangout with swimming and cookouts.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patsy A. Ziegler; mother, Ruth M. Ziegler; father Thad C. Ziegler and son-in-law, Robert P. Conger. He is survived by his two children, Thad W. Ziegler and wife, Lynn M. Ziegler and Lori Z. Conger; grandchildren, Thad C. Ziegler (wife Anna), William F. Ziegler (wife Valerie), Brent Conger (wife Hayley), Barbara Z. Schenker (husband Max), Hunter Z. Conger (wife Mary); 12 great grandchildren, Hunt Conger, Catie Conger, Hallie Ziegler, Thad R. Ziegler, Lyles Conger, Maddie Conger, Vivienne Ziegler, Elaine Ziegler, Pack Conger, Forrest Ziegler, Ty Schenker, Bo Schenker and many nieces and nephews.

In order to not risk the health and wellbeing of his family and friends a private family service occurred on Friday, September 17, 2021 at Saint David’s Episcopal Church. A recording of the service can be viewed at Click here to view Mr. Ziegler’s service recording

If desired, memorials may be made to The Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation benefitting the children in need of Bexar County – Suite # 903, 909 NE Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas 78209, Saint David’s Episcopal Church – 1300 Wiltshire, San Antonio, Texas 78209, or the charity of your choice.

Thad’s family would like to thank his caregivers; Norma Perez, Lucy Gaona and Janie Zuniga for the exceptional care and the love they gave him. The Family would also like to thank Dr. Heberto Garza with MedFirst Primary Care and the wonderful people with Encompass Hospice for their compassionate care and support.