Albert Fred Metz, 88, of Manchaca, Texas, passed away on July 29, 2016. He was born to Carl A. Metz and Lora Kelle Metz on May 28, 1928, in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
Albert graduated from High School in Blackwell, Oklahoma. He earned several Associates Degrees, including ones in Electronics, Cabinetry, and Woodworking. He served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Helena, Naval Reserves, and Texas Army National Guard, he loved serving his country. Albert retired from Western Union after 20+ years as a computer technician as well as the U.S. Department of Treasury with 10 years of service. He owned his own business called Mid-Tex Scooter Shop repairing scooters and electric wheelchairs, and installing wheelchair lifts on vehicles. He also owned a small restaurant in Manchaca, Texas in the early 1980s.
Albert loved spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, and taking trips across country with his family. There are many well remembered vacations. He valued all time spent with family and friends and loved playing horseshoes, cards, dominoes, and dancing. He enjoyed many forms of woodworking, including building the kitchen cabinets and stairs in the home he built in Manchaca. It was always amazing to see what he created for the church and for his home. Albert was especially fond of any sweets that people would make, including his wife’s cherry pie. He loved socializing with people at both the Buda and Kyle Senior Citizens Centers and missed them deeply when he was no longer able to attend.
Albert is preceded in death by his parents; his sister Wilma L. Metz Eakins of Nardin, Oklahoma; wife Betty J. Glassco Metz of Manchaca, Texas; his second wife Kathy Gebhart Smith Metz of Manchaca, Texas; and his granddaughter Debra Vowell of Manchaca, Texas.
He is survived by his brothers, Lawrence Metz and wife Mary of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Myron Metz and wife Joan of Santa Maria, California; his sons, Dale Metz of Eufaula, Oklahoma, Robert Metz and wife Beverly of Davis, Oklahoma, and Albert “Sparky” Metz of Austin, Texas; daughters, Mary Metz Lanier and husband Cole of Manchaca, Texas, and Darla Metz Vowell and husband Donald of Uhland, Texas; 12 grandkids; 9 great-grandkids; and 2 great-great-grandkids; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at Cook-Walden-Forest Oaks Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at Abiding Love Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas. Interment to follow at Live Oak Cemetery in Manchaca, Texas.
If you would like to make a donation in Albert’s name, the family asks that you please contribute to the Alzheimer’s Foundation at www.alfdn.org.