Visitation will be Monday, November 18 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. with an evening service by Pastor Michael Curry at 6:30 p.m. and a rosary service to follow at 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Monsignor John Malinowski and Father Joseph Varickamackal will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Eddie was born March 1, 1948 in Bryan the son of Edward L. “Bill” Sr. and Alice (Meyer) Putz. Eddie learned at an early age what hard work was and what it took to provide for a family. Being the oldest boy, Eddie helped haul cattle for his dad, a local cattleman, gaining experience in the world of hard work.
While working for Twin City Meat Market he would deliver meat to the Dairy Burger in Bryan, little did he know he would meet the love of his life, Ann Reina. Eddie and Ann dated for two years before getting married, August 31, 1969. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Although not feeling well, he was determined to celebrate!
Eddie was a Butcher by trade and owned and operated Ed’s Butcher Block for over 40 years. He worked as a market manager or assistant market manager at various local grocery stores for several years and Readfields Meats before going into business with his brother, Billy Putz. On February 9, 1979, Eddie and Billy opened The Butcher Block, an old-fashioned meat market with old fashion friendly service. In 1982 they opened a second location. Eventually Billy retired, but Eddie continued the business changing the name to “Ed’s Butcher Block” where he became known as “Mr. Ed” to his customers. Eddie strived and took great pride in his business and making his “award winning” smoked sausage and made a “true” hot link, as well as beef summer sausage all of which were his own private recipes. He always said he would never sell something he wouldn’t eat himself! Eddie took great joy in going to work each day, looking forward to seeing his customers that had become friends and family to him. Eddie’s son Trip, who has special needs, was his sidekick. Trip went to the “market” every day with his daddy, where he would help a little, but he also loves the customers, visiting with them and giving hugs.
Although he was devoted to his business, he did take time off occasionally. Sometimes it was a family vacation to the mountains he loved so much in Western Colorado. While in Colorado he enjoyed renting jeeps to travel over the old mountain passes, visiting family in Montrose, Colorado and spending time with extended family in Norwood, Colorado. Other times it would be a weekend trip to Bossier City, Louisiana to his favorite casino The Horseshoe Casino, where he would play slots, eat good and occasionally roll some dice. Eddie also loved to elk hunt in Colorado. He and his daughter, Shelley enjoyed fishing together, even a tournament or two. That is, once she got old enough to hold on to her rod and reel without losing it in the lake! Eddie has passed his love for hunting and fishing to his pride and joy, his only grandchild, Cameron Bailey.
Eddie had an endless capacity for helping his family and friends. Some he helped, we will never even be aware of, but the outpouring of prayers, love, care and support that has been showered on he and his family during his illness attests to his true, giving, completely loving personality and nature. He truly blessed so many and will be missed dearly.
Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, Edward “Bill” Sr. and Alice Putz; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Mavis Reina; sister, Edith “DeeDee” Hill; nephews, Dean Putz and Howard Grelen; great-nephews, Christopher VanWinkle and David Harris, Jr; brothers-in-law, Woody VanWinkle and Dennis Gaston; aunts and uncles, Dorothy and Ernie Graves, Bill Sims, Ernie Frazier, Sylvia Putz Willingham; Adolph and Mildrene Putz and Lee and Lillian Putz.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ann (Reina) Putz; daughter and son-in-law, Shelley and Rick Bailey; son, Trip Putz; grandson, Cameron Bailey; sisters and brother-in-law, Alice VanWinkle, Mary and Kenneth Melesky, Donna Gaston; brothers and sisters-in-law, Billy and Brenda Putz, Gary and Cindy Putz, Tommy and Theresa Putz; sister-in-law, Jane Reina; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Larry and Bonnie Reina, Tommy and Rhonda Reina, John Hill; aunt, Flo Putz Sims; numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and a host of friends.
Special thanks to Dr. Frank Fossella at MD Anderson in Houston, Dr. Anup Amin and Dr. Gloria Mays of Bryan and Hospice Brazos Valley nurse Jessica Sahm for her compassionate care and support.
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