Richard Hugo “Dick” Magers passed from this old world into his new life early Saturday morning, September 4, 2010. He would have celebrated his 82nd birthday on November 13. Our father was a collector of friends, a dedicated patriot to his country, and a devoted husband to his beloved wife Marty. He was not afraid to take a stand on whatever he believed in, even at the expense of being politically incorrect. He didn’t understand that phrase. There were no gray areas in his life. It was either black or white.

Daddy graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, Class of 1945, at age 16. Within one month, he started his first trimester at Texas A&M in College Station and graduated class of ’49. Dad lived, breathed and supported his beloved alma mater. In fact, when he shed blood, it was always maroon. He joined the Navy, served during the Korean War, and finished his degree after his return from the Navy. He continued his military service in the Army Reserves until his retirement as a full Colonel. He took pride in serving with the 15th Cavalry. He was a Civil Engineer with the Texas Highway Department in San Antonio where he was in charge of most of the urban construction of Loop 410 and IH 35, among other projects.

Dad’s church life gave him great satisfaction. His friends and family made him buoyant. He was an insatiable reader, loved to throw a good party and had many interests and hobbies. He was fascinated by archeology and loved to poke around Indian mounds throughout Texas. Dad was passionate about fishing the Texas Gulf Coast and traveling with wife Marty as they pulled their travel trailer all over the southwestern portion of the US. He became involved in genealogy and loved tracking down the migration of the Magers family after they left Germany. He discovered they’d landed at Indianola in the 1850’s and settled in Grapetown near Fredericksburg. Others eventually settled in Kendall County and in Concan on the Frio River. The Magers family had sons who served on both sides during the Civil War. He loved life regardless of the fact that his health was slowly deteriorating. When asked how he was doing he always replied, “Well my feet hurt but other than that, I am just a cantankerous old man!”

Our father was preceded in death by his parents Hugo and Louise Dolle Magers and his infant son Mason Lonnie Magers. Dad leaves behind his loving wife of 30 years Martha Lee, brother Robert Edward Magers and wife, VaNell, daughter Sally Lindsay and husband Lynn, daughter Kim Morris and husband Aaron, grandchildren Lynn Lindsay, Katharine Heying, Travis Lindsay and Elliot Lindsay, Carrie Bond, Amber Porter (his little hotshot), Joey and Jonathon Bond, Seth Carroll, Thomas and Joshua Prescott, and Nathan and Anthony Zecco. Dad was blessed with 8 great-grandchildren including Cainan Heying, Ethan Lindsay, Jadon Lindsay, Max Heying, Ainsly Lindsay and Chance Heying. Dad has three stepchildren Arlene, Ralph, and Rosie and many step-grandchildren. His two nieces Leslie Johnson and Robin Stauber have blessed him with 6 great-nieces & nephews. All of these children have brought him the greatest pleasure as he watched them evolve into beautiful little people. Our father also cherished the strong bond that comes with a large German family. He loved and respected his relationship with his many Dolle and Magers cousins. His love for family was undiminished even as he took his last breath. Dad would want to acknowledge these other very special people in his life: Dearest friends Paul & Jo Lemon, amazing neighbors John and Mary Uecker, and Elizabeth Porter whom Dick and Marty consider their “adopted” daughter.

Dad believed in the adage: “Remember yesterday, ponder tomorrow… but LIVE FOR TODAY.” Dad did that with a fierceness that put younger, healthier men to shame. We will carry you with us forever, sweet father. We are glad you are home with your Lord.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 9, 2010, from 6-8 pm at Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday morning, September 10th at 10:00 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Boerne, Texas. He will have a military graveside service following in the Boerne cemetery. To leave the family condolences and to view a video of Dick’s life, visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com and select the Obituaries tab. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations go to: the Agricultural Heritage Center and Museum, PO Box 1076, Boerne, TX 78006; St. John’s Lutheran Church 315 Rosewood Ave., Boerne, TX 78006; the Boerne Sunrise Rotary Club, PO Box 1311, Boerne, TX 78006; or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements with Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne.