Andrew Dittert

Andrew Dittert was called home on Nov. 30, 2007 at the age of 96. He was born on Oct. 24, 1911 to William and Ida Thomsen Dittert near Cat Spring.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Thelma Cockerell Dittert in 2001. They were married 63 years at the time of her death. He was also preceded in death by his son, Andrew Dittert Jr.; and grandson, Stephen Davis O'Neill. He was the youngest of seven brothers and sisters, all deceased.

Survivors include his daughter, Linda Kay Mason of Houston; granddaughters, Shannon O'Neill of Katy and Allison Willoughby and husband Kevin of Katy. He was blessed by two great-grandchildren Andrew and Peyton Willoughby.

Mr. Dittert graduated from Sealy High School and graduated as valedictorian of his class of eleven. He left the farm in 1935 and moved to El Campo where he met and married Thelma in 1938. He served in the U.S. Army at Foster Field, Victoria. He stayed stateside in Texas because he could type.

Mr. Dittert served as Wharton County Auditor for 31 years and upon retirement was asked by Guy Stovall to set up an Internal Audit Department at the then First National Bank of El Campo. He worked there for nine years. He was also a past president of the El Campo Rotary Club and was treasurer for 22 years. He served one year as president of the Texas Association of County Auditors.

He was also very involved with the Masons and Masonry played a major role in Andrew's life. He served as Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 918; High Priest of Ganado, Royal Arch Masons; Thrice Illustrious Master of Ganado Council of Royal and Select Masters; and Commander of St. John's Commandery of Victoria. He was elected to the honorary organization of Knight York Cross of Honor. He received the Golden Trowel Award and the Excalibur Award.

Mr. Dittert taught Masonry for over 25 years. He was also involved with the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 535 and was past Worthy Patron four different times as well as serving as treasurer for years. He was very active in the First United Methodist Church. He was past Chairman of the Offi- cial Board and served on nearly every committee in the Church. He taught Sunday school for over 50 years as well as singing in the choir for over 60 years. He had a beautiful tenor voice and was called upon to sing all over El Campo and surrounding counties.

He will be greatly missed by his loving family and will be remembered and respected by his friends for his devotion, kindness, and gentle ways.

Funeral services are today, Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery, El Campo.

Masons will serve as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers are Russell Raun and Norval Clapp.

Memorials in memory of Andrew Dittert may be made to the Memorial Fund of the First United Methodist Church, 1001 Ave. I, El Campo, Texas 77437, or to Hospice Support Care, P.O. Box 1417, El Campo, Texas 77437, or to a charity of choice.

The family wishes to thank Wincrest Assisted Living, Garden Villa Nursing Home, and El Campo Hospice for their services.