Arthur Sylvan Sitterle, Jr.

Arthur Sylvan Sitterle, Jr., devoted husband and father, passed away on May 10, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Arthur was born on November 28, 1924 in Houston, Texas to Arthur and Cary Sitterle. He graduated from St. Anne Catholic School in Beaumont, Texas.

He joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 at the age of 18, and was a bombardier in the Asiatic-Pacific campaign during World War II.

He graduated from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, where he played baseball for the St. Mary's University Rattlers. He married Jeannette Wakely Sitterle in 1952.

He was active in the community and served as Director and Vice-President of the San Antonio Junior Chamber of Commerce, President of the Boys' Club of San Antonio, and was a candidate for the Texas State House of Representatives.

He founded Comet Neon Sign Company in San Antonio in 1959 and served as President and Chairman of the Board until his death. He was involved in the formation of the Texas Sign Association and served two terms as President in 1966 and 1976.

Arthur was predeceased by his wife, Jeannette and his son-in law, Louie Schreiner. He is survived by his children, Dr. Karen Sitterle Udashen and her husband, Robert; Sharon Straus; Lorie Oliver and her husband, Bill; Chrisie Schreiner; and Pete Sitterle and wife, Andrea. He was affectionately known as "Grandpa Art" by his eleven grandchildren; Selia, Steven and Alyse Straus; Elizabeth, Ashley and Will Oliver; Griffin, Bobby Lee, and Luke Schreiner; and Suzannah and Peter Sitterle.

"Ossie" is also survived by his sisters, Jeanne Hicks, Bess Lochte, and Sissy Gainey and her husband, Perry and numerous nieces and nephews.

Nothing brought him more pleasure than spending time with his family and friends at his Hill Country ranch near Wimberley, Texas. His favorite pastimes included traveling with his wife, gourmet cooking, and fine dining.

His family and friends will especially miss his Christmas spirit and love of the traditions of the holiday season. He was a member of St. Ferdinand's Catholic Church in Blanco, Texas and St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church in San Antonio.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Lon Smith and his staff, the nursing staff at Ten South at Methodist Hospital, and his caregiver, Vanessa Quiroga.