Luther Paul Sagebiel Sr.

Luther Paul Sagebiel, Sr., age 95, of Seguin passed away on Friday, November 7, 2014. He was born on September 12, 1919 in Brenham, Texas to the Reverend Edward A. and Louise Trimpler Sagebiel. Luther was preceded in death by his loving wife Dorothy, by his parents, and by his four older brothers and their wives: Carl and Irene, Edward and Irene, Louis and Natalie, and Ralph and Mary Sagebiel. As the youngest, he often carried the nickname “Baby”, even through his college years.

Luther married the girl of his dreams, Dorothy Lillian Anderson, after meeting her on a blind date while attending Texas Lutheran College. They were married January 26, 1943 and enjoyed 68 years together prior to Dorothy’s passing on May 30, 2011. Luther served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II where he was part of the early and experimental glider pilot program. After his discharge as Sergeant, Luther returned to Seguin. Luther is survived by five children: Luther Paul “Pat” Sagebiel, Jr. (Missy), Craig Sagebiel (Pam), Robert “Bobby” Sagebiel (Molly), Deborah “Debbie” (Robert) Moncrief, and Julie Kay Sagebiel. Grandchildren include Monica Sagebiel Ewing (Robert), Patrick Sagebiel (Abbie), Boyd Harrison, Terry Harrison, Alan Harrison, Cristy Harrison Wilke (Justin), Laura Sagebiel Nash (John), Erika Sagebiel Braune(Dean), Andrea Sagebiel Taylor, Jason Sagebiel, Ann Sagebiel, Amanda Sagebiel-Stair (Bobby), Christine Moncrief, and Amy Moncrief Cardiel (Paul), plus Great Grandchildren: Elena Sagebiel, Luke Sagebiel, Emily Nash, Tilden Nash, Kassie Braune, Cole Taylor, Cori Taylor, Dallas Sagebiel-Stair, Paige Cardiel, Dylan Cardiel, Randall Wilke, Rylie Wilke, and Rebeka Wilke. Luther is also survived by sisters-in-law Ruth Menn Anderson of Houston, Texas and Rosalie Anderson of Grand Junction, Colorado, and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Luther had an independent and entrepreneurial spirit. Upon returning to Seguin after the war, he started his first business, a bus transportation company that serviced the crossroads of Hwy 90 from Gonzales to San Antonio and along Hwy 123 from Austin to South Texas. This business was a precursor to and a pioneer in selling airline, bus, steam ship travel, and ultimately became Seguin Travel Agency. STA was one of the first full-service “travel agencies” in America and consistently won awards for service and production. Luther also owned the White Stripe Taxi Company, better known as Seguin Taxi Company. By the late 50’s, the company had grown to seven taxi cabs and had modernized to being radio dispatched using the original phone #100. All the travel businesses were located in the old bus station located at the site of the current parking garage in downtown Seguin. He also invested in real estate throughout Seguin and Guadalupe County. Luther retired in 1981 so he could spend more time hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was the consummate gardener, always sharing produce from his bountiful harvests to any and all. Luther was known for his generosity, and would do all he could to assist a person in need.

Luther was dedicated to his community, his church, and his family. Luther loved the Lord and was very involved with the Lutheran Church. In the early 60’s, he was one of the founding members of the then mission congregation Faith Lutheran Church in Seguin where he continued his numerous ministries. He was the ultimate MATADOR and BULLDOG supporter, and continued to support TLU athletics throughout his life. There are many people from the area that have attended one of his many community BBQ’s that supported church, athletic, or civic endeavors.

Luther and Dorothy loved to travel, to play bridge, and to entertain family and friends. Nothing made Luther happier or prouder than to be surrounded by his family at Christmas and other family celebrations, especially with his grand and great grandchildren hanging on him or sitting in his lap. One of his favorite family past-times was playing a game of dominoes, especially 42. If you could beat Luther at dominoes, you had a very good day! He was still playing dominoes until the end.

The family thanks our sister Debbie and her husband Bob Moncrief for providing exceptional home care for our father, grandfather, and great grandfather during his last days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Texas Lutheran University Football Program, The EA and Louise Sagebiel Endowed Scholarship Fund at Texas Lutheran University, or Faith Lutheran Church.

The Reverend Dr. Paul Cross will be officiating the Memorial Celebration of Luther’s life on Saturday November 15, 2014, 10 AM, at Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E Cedar Street, Seguin, Texas. A luncheon reception will follow immediately after the service in Faith Lutheran’s gymnasium.

A Memorial Visitation will be held Friday November 14, 2014 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. in the Chapel of Goetz Funeral Home, 713 N. Austin Street, Seguin, TX 78155, and 830-379-2313.

A private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Faith Lutheran’s columbarium.

Arrangements are under the care of Goetz Funeral Home. Please log on to www.goetzfuneral.com to sign and view the guest book.