Oliver Horace Bertram, Jr. a resident of San Marcos for four years and formerly of Beaumont, Texas passed away in San Marcos on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the age of 93. 'Buddy' as he was known to his friends and family was born September 8, 1915 in Silsbee, Texas to Oliver Horace Bertram, Sr. and Idamae Harris Bertram. Like his father he worked for the Santa Fe Railroad until he returned from World War II. He served in the Army as a sergeant setting up supply depots in England for the invasion of France. He landed on Omaha Beach D+5 and was in Germany when they surrendered. Buddy attended Lamar University and later The University of Houston where he received a degree in Pharmacy from the first class in this department. Although a Registered Pharmacist, he spent most of his career working for Abbott Laboratories as a medical service representative and retired after 28 years of service. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Buddy was the spiritual leader of the family often heard to speak of his faith, offer moving prayers and encourage others. He was a multifaceted person who was just as comfortable giving a eulogy as we was playing practical jokes on his friends. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed duck hunting, golfing and fishing. His most enjoyable fishing trip was for Golden Bass in the remote regions of the Amazon jungle. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #286 of Beaumont and the Scottish Rite Association; the El Mina Shrine Temple in Galveston and served as President of the Beaumont Shrine Club. He had been a member of the YMBL, MHMR Special Olympics of Southeast Texas and the Civil Air Patrol. He loved working with Trinity United Methodist Church taking Communion to the homebound and was past president of the John Land Class. After retirement he enjoyed working in his garden and giving vegetables to his friends and neighbors. He will be dearly missed by all. His brother Robert Bertram preceded him in death and he is survived by his wife, of 70 years, Zelma D. Jordan Bertram of San Marcos formerly of Beaumont); daughter Donna Murphree and husband, Larry of San Marcos; granddaughter Sarah Aultman and husband, Jeremy of San Marcos, parents of his great-grandson, Gage; and grandson Christopher Ryan Doyle of Schertz, Texas. He is also survived by two nephews Patrick Bertram and Rodney Bertram of Longview.
The family would like to extend special appreciation to CTMC Hospice for their loving care of our Buddy. We are so grateful for Ann, Susie, Kim, Sarah, Karen, Cindy, Sandy, and Alicia (especially for Faces of Hospice). The support staff who are not mentioned are greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to thank Francine Hernandez for her invaluable support of us as well.
A Memorial Service will be held at Farmer's Funeral Home in Silsbee, Texas on Wednesday, February 25th at 10:00 a.m. Also, a Memorial Service will be held at The Wellington at 600 Leah in San Marcos, Texas on Friday, February 27th at 4:00 p.m. in the Club Room.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CTMC Hospice, 1301 Wonder World Dr., San Marcos, Texas 78666 or Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
