Roger Hannath

Roger Earl Hannath, 63, of Brenham, husband of Suzanne Schwarze Hannath, died November 29, 2009 in St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan. Born November 27, 1946 in Brenham, Texas to Edwin Barry and Dorothy Dorman Westerfeld Hannath, Roger was baptized May 4, 1947 at Zion Lutheran Church in Zionsville, and confirmed April 15, 1962 in St. Mark Lutheran Church in Waco. He was a 1965 graduate of Brenham High School. On September 3, 1965, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force. He was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and later at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey during 1966. In 1967, he went to Phu Cat, Vietnam. After Vietnam, he was stationed at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock until his honorable discharge on January 27, 1969. He served in the transportation unit. On January 20, 1968, he married Suzanne Schwarze in St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill. Roger was the former owner of Center Drive In, and later was employed as a salesman in the industrial supplies industry. Roger was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, having served as president of the Day School Board. A life member of VFW Post # 7104, he served as former commander and quartermaster, and was a member of the Grand Lodge of Texas A. F. & A. M., Graham Lodge No. 20. Roger also served as president and ambassador of the Brenham Arabia Shrine Temple. He was one of the organizers of the Holy Open Charity Golf Tournament, benefiting several local charities. Playing golf with all of his buddies and especially the Ro-Han Golf Tournaments was a favorite pastime. Roger was a devout fan of Texas Aggie athletics, especially from the Zone at home games. But, his most favorite pastime was being the best "Pop Rock" to his grandchildren, Zachary, Kathryn and Logan. He enjoyed rooting from the sidelines of their athletic events, picking them up from school, taking care of them when they were sick, and wrestling with Logan. Survivors include his wife, Suzanne Hannath of Brenham; son Walt Hannath of Cypress; daughter and son-in-law Rebecca and Eddie Marshall of Brenham; grandchildren Zachary, Kathryn, and Logan Marshall; brother and sister-in-law, Barry and Pam Hannath of Smithville; sisters and brothers-in-law, Barbara and Lonnie Tegeler, and Linda and Alan Reid, all of Brenham. Other relatives include brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Mary Ann and J. T. Grounds, Doug and Kathy Schwarze, David and Bessie Schwarze, all of Brenham, and Cindy and Pete Gedraitis of San Antonio; cousins Melva Hanath of Brenham, Jerry Chris Lundenberg, Marsha Anderson, and Peggy Mabry, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Dorothy Hannath, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, E. J. and Kathryn Schwarze. Funeral services for Roger Earl Hannath will be held Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, with Pastor Mike Button officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives at Memorial Oaks Chapel from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening. Serving as pallbearers are Ray Rodenbeck, Roy Kokemoor, Tommy Holle, Travis Sander, Tim Christ, Ben Seeker, R. E. Sonny Dannhaus, Ray Stelter, Norman Draehn, Al Steinbach, Randy Sonnenburg, Roger Kelm, and James Vaughn. Honorary pallbearers are Sharon Jasinski, Ken and Carol Marshall, Bill and Pam Maddox, Comrades of VFW Post #7104, his Ro-Han Golf Buddies, and his devoted neighbors. Memorials may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church, Christ Lutheran Day School, or to a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. 979 836-4564. To view the obituary online or to post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.