William Bernard Brendel, M.D.

He was born March 13, 1924 in San Antonio, TX to Elizabeth "Bess" Carroll Brendel and William Benjamin Brendel and was a fifth generation San Antonio Texan and a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. A graduate of Brackenridge High School he attended the University of Texas at Austin, St. Mary's University, and Baylor University School of Medicine where he graduated in 1947.

During WWII he was in the US Army Specialized Training Program. He completed internship and residency in Pediatrics in Jersey City, NJ and Hermann Hospital in Houston. Further training included Children's Hospital in Boston, Mass. and the Blue Bird Convulsive Disorder Clinic at the Methodist Hospital. Dr. Brendel served in the US Air Force at Randolph Air Force Base and was Chief of Pediatrics and also in the School of Aviation Medicine before entering the private practice of Pediatrics in 1952. He was admired and loved by his patients and colleagues.

After 50 years of practice and several generations of patients, he retired in 2001. Always the curious learner and teacher he served as a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and enjoyed learning from and teaching medical students and residents. He was very concerned about the environment and pollution and their impact on health. Subsequently, he published two papers on the subject and served on numerous local, state, and academic environmental committees.

His concern for access to quality care for children was evident in his work with the rural and Indian health committees of the AAP. Health care programs, Head Start and the funding needed to provide these services were developed and implemented in the Texas Valley and on Native American reservations across the US.

Though his professional life was busy and rewarding, Dr. Brendel still had the energy and vitality to have many other interests. He was a rancher who enjoyed the Texas Hill Country, digging fence posts and developing his herd of cattle over 40 years. An Eagle Scout, he remained actively involved in Scouting throughout his sons' formative years and savored their trip to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He was a history buff who was fascinated by the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico.

However, his first loves were his wife, family and friends. He married the former Mary Louise Lawler on September 5, 1950 and they celebrated 50 years of marriage before her death on September 21, 2000.

He adored his two sons and spent every free moment shepherding them to adulthood. Dr B and his wife became "surrogate parents" of many young families that had no local support and provided them with love and moral support. He was a most engaging and caring gentleman and was proud to call everyone his friend.. not acquaintance, but friend.

His wife, Mary Lawler Brendel, preceded Dr. Brendel in death.

Survivors: sons, William Brendel, M.D. and wife Elizabeth Leigh of Victoria, TX, and Thomas Brendel of San Antonio; granddaughter, Jennifer Brendel Morris and her husband, Shane; grandsons Brian, Patrick, Christopher, Ross and Hunter Brendel; sister-in-law Clare Garison and her husband, Lee; special friends, Smokey Satterwhite, Dave Watson, Alberto Mendoza, Gail and Greg McBride; numerous nieces and nephews; in-laws; outlaws; and untold scores of fine people he would undeniably call his best friend.