Arthur H. Zeitz

Arthur Hampton Zeitz Jr., age 91, passed away of natural causes on April 20, 2013. Born March 7, 1922 in Kansas City, Missouri to Arthur H. Zeitz and Florence Schott Zeitz, he was descended from prominent, often colorful, Jefferson City, Missouri German families. When Art was 14 in 1936 his grandmother Bertha Buehrle Shott died. The Jefferson City paper wrote: "One of the city's finest characters passed away early today in the death of Mrs. Emil Schott. Few homes enjoyed a reputation for hospitality and wholesome joviality as the one at Adams and High Streets where Mrs. Schott presided for nearly half a century."

Art graduated from the University of Missouri with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and promptly entered the U.S. Navy, where he served on various amphibious craft as Lieutenant J.G. in the Pacific.

Following the war the young engineer went to Detroit, Michigan to begin his long career with the Ethyl Corp. There he met Marilynn Koelsch and they were married in 1949. Living mostly in Houston and Detroit, they retired to Horseshoe Bay in 1986. Marilynn predeceased him in 1995. He is survived by three sons: Art Zeitz III and his wife Jill and daughters Jenny and Julie, John Zeitz and son Carl, and Bill Zeitz and wife MaryAnn and sons Jack and Griffin. Also surviving Art are honorary daughter Cori Zeitz, sister Peggy Zeitz Summers of Lincoln, Nebraska, and late-life special companion Dorothy Moseley.

Art loved cars all his life, from the Model T he doted on in his teen's right up until his driving days ended about 6 years ago. He was a 50-year member and at one time president of the Society of Automotive Engineers and, according to former colleague and dear friend Ray Bell, many prominent Ethyl customers sought Art's opinion on anything automotive. He was well respected as an automotive engineer for many years.

He had a full and active life with many interests and hobbies until his health forced him into skilled nursing care at age 85. Art was a decent, hardworking man that was fully devoted to his family.

Friends are encouraged to join the family to celebrate Art's life on Saturday, May 11th at the Great Hills Country Club from 4-7 pm at 5914 Lost Horizon Dr. in Austin. No service, just a drop-by, open house event. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, 328 E. Main St., Fredericksburg TX 78624.