Louis M Weynandt

Louis M. Weynandt, age 95, of Austin, Texas, formerly of Kingsland, passed peacefully into eternity on February 17, 2014. Heaven is now a richer place. Louis was born February 1, 1919, near Red Rock, Oklahoma, to the late Andrew Herman Weynandt and Dovie Atha (Brown) Weynandt, who were sharecroppers. Louis and his older brother, Atha Herman, worked from early ages to help the family with farm and life chores. Louis was about age 10 when the family moved to Louise, Texas in Wharton County, where Louis graduated from high school. Louis worked oil field and survey jobs until joining the Army Air Corps in 1941. He was very proud to be a member of a limited number of enlisted men to receive flight training and become "Sergeant Pilots". He was promoted to Flight Officer in Gidem, Tunisia in April of 1943. During World War II Louis proudly served our country in the skies above Southern Europe and Northern Africa as a combat fighter pilot, flying Spitfires until his unit was re-equipped with P-51 Mustangs. He was released from active duty in October 1945 at the rank of Captain. He was honorably discharged from the Air force Reserves in December 1955. Louis met the love of his life, Myra D. Knowles in May of 1944. They were married February 24, 1946 in Angleton, Texas. They made their first home in Austin, Texas where Louis was a civil engineering student at the University of Texas. He later had a long career with the State of Texas Highway Department, retiring in 1979. During their time in Austin, Louis and Myra became the proud parents of two sons, James K. Weynandt, and Jack D. Weynandt. The family enjoyed an active role in the First Baptist Church, Austin community, and developed many lasting bonds through their fellowship with other members of the church. Louis was devoted to his family and enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with his family. He was an avid sportsman and spent many hours with family and friends hunting and fishing. Louis was always attentive to his family's needs and served as a wonderful role model for his sons, living his life with integrity and honor. He always chose the high road, and though never one to call attention to himself, always did what he felt was right. Our world has truly lost a hero with his passing. In 1980 Louis and Myra retired to Kingsland Arkansas, where Myra was born and raised. They spent the next twenty-five years enjoying faith based community service with diversions of gardening, hunting, fishing, and socializing. Myra loved socializing! They also enjoyed traveling to yearly reunions of the 52nd Fighter Group and Sergeant Pilot reunions. Being a fighter pilot never got out of Louis' blood and he always remembered the heroes that he served with; those that made it back, and especially those that did not. They also enjoyed trips visiting their sons and keeping the family close. After Myra's death in December 2005, Louis continued to live in Arkansas until November 2008 when he reluctantly relocated back to the Austin area to live with his son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Cindy. Though fiercely independent, he was also pragmatic and understood the frailties of the human body. He came to terms with a new chapter of his life in Texas, enjoying leisure time, his extended Texas family, his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and accepting help from others. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, and his beloved wife. He is survived by his son, James K. Weynandt of Dallas, Texas, his son, Jack D. Weynandt and wife, Cindy, of Buda, Texas. He is additionally survived by Jack and Cindy's children, Alexis and husband Kevin, Casey, and Zachary, and grandchildren, Cooper, Reece, and beautiful little Avye. He also leaves behind Myra's only surviving sister, Joann Hall of New Edinburg, AR, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Friday, February 21, 2014 at Buie Funeral Home in Rison. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Mount Elba Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Graves Cemetery near New Edinburg. In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to make a charitable contribution, Louis would appreciate donations to the Wounded Warriors Project or Hospice. Funeral services are by Buie Funeral Home of Rison. (870) 325-6216. www.buiefuneralhome.com.