Sterling E. Werkheiser, 85, of Bridge City, passed away on July 8, 2014, at his home.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 12, 2014, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Bridge City. Officiating will be Father Steven Leger and Father Jim McClintock. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum in Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m., with a wake service at 7:30 p.m. on Friday July 11, 2014 at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.
Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on January 28, 1929, he was the son of Osbourne Henry Werkheiser and Edith M. (Kelchner) Werkheiser. Sterling was an U.S. Army veteran who served during the war in Korea. He worked as a plant engineer at Alpha-Portland Cement Plant for 29 years. After he retired from the plant, he worked as a bus driver for BCISD for 22 years. Sterling was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church in Bridge City. He was a pilot and enjoyed flying, woodworking, telling jokes, and working with his hands. Sterling was a man of excellence and high standards.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Osbourne and Edith Werkheiser; grandson, Todd Brown; brothers, Henry Don, Lester, Ken, Stanley, and Jerry Werkheiser; sisters Eleanor Ehrie, Doris Teel, and Joanne Schriner.
He is survived by his wife, Bea Werkheiser of Bridge City; children, Victoria Brown and husband, Aval of Bridge City, Diana McDonald and husband, Gary of Dickinson, John “Buddy” Werkheiser and wife, Karla of Macon, Georgia, Tammy Oldani and husband, Doug of League City, and Mark Werkheiser and wife, Crystal of Port Neches; sisters, Florence Weller of Easton, Pennsylvania, Betty D’Angelo of Easton, Pennsylvania, and Joyce Helm of Easton, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Justin Brown and wife, Jennifer of Houston, Nathan Jeter of Houston, Candace Jeter of San Marcos, Phillip Werkheiser of Sanford, North Carolina, Elizabeth Werkheiser of Sanford, North Carolina, Michael Werkheiser of Purserville, Virginia, Holly Werkheiser of Macon, Georgia, Kaitlyn Joyner of Macon, Georgia, Haley Joyner of Macon, Georgia, Abbey Oldani of League City, John Oldani of League City, Emily Werkheiser of Bridge City, Zara Killman of Port Neches, and Kara Killman of Port Neches.
Serving as pallbearers will be Justin Brown, Nathan Jeter, Phillip Werkheiser, Michael Werkheiser, John Oldani, Aval Brown, Doug Oldani, and Gary McDonald.
Condolences
Melki
August 5, 2014
Dear Bertha, Diana, Tammy, Vicky, Mark, and your families,
I am sorry for the passing of a great great man, Lincoln, a US hero and children's server. He was a joy to be around with his jokes and hospitality, and I, Natalie, Jadd, and even my parents who did not speak the language always enjoyed his company. We will miss him greatly. Our prayers are with you all as you continue life with the memories.
Melki, Natalie, Jadd
Diana Hollis Burris
July 13, 2014
Bea and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with ya'll during this time of great loss and sadness. Sterling was a "bright light" in the lives of everyone he touched throughout the years. You all were completely blessed to have been able to share in his life experiences. I will always remember him for his outrageously funny jokes, and he had plenty! He was able to brighten even the grayest of days. May GOD wrap you in HIS loving arms and comfort you as only HE can do. Diana Hollis Burris
Diana Hollis Burris
July 13, 2014
Diana Hollis Burris lit a candle in memory of Sterling E. Werkheiser
Claybar Funeral Home
July 12, 2014
Claybar Funeral Homes created a Tribute Video in memory of Sterling E. Werkheiser
Cetha & Johnny Haure
July 12, 2014
Our prayers are with Bea and the family. We thought so much of Sterling. We both enjoyed working with him at the Bridge City ISD Transportation Dept. He was a very humble person. Cetha & Johnny Haure
Anonymous
July 12, 2014
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Sterling E. Werkheiser.
Patricia Navarre
July 11, 2014
Patricia Navarre purchased the A New Sunrise Spray for the family of Sterling E. Werkheiser.
Antonia Martinez
July 11, 2014
My prayers and thoughts are with you and my deepest sympathy.
Becky Barker
July 11, 2014
How I remember him joking with the Pelican Queens. As a teen Diana & I run the rds. then tried to sleep all day. I always remember his picking on me. He was such a character that
everyone loved him. Their family was an extended famy to me. Love them all!!!! Love Becky
Anonymous
July 11, 2014
America the Beautiful was purchased for the family of Sterling E. Werkheiser.
Anonymous
July 11, 2014
Sacred Cross Bouquet was purchased for the family of Sterling E. Werkheiser.
Anonymous
July 11, 2014
Summer's Light Bouquet was purchased for the family of Sterling E. Werkheiser.
Mark Werkheiser
July 11, 2014
1 file added to the album New Album Name
Tony & Yolanda Romero & Family
July 10, 2014
Tony & Yolanda Romero & Family purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Sterling E. Werkheiser.
Joyce H.
July 10, 2014
Joyce H. purchased the Peaceful White Lilies Basket for the family of Sterling E. Werkheiser.
Florence W.
July 10, 2014
Florence W. purchased the Gracious Lavender Basket for the family of Sterling E. Werkheiser.
Mark Werkheiser
July 10, 2014
1 file added to the tribute wall
Renee (Bisson) Collier
July 9, 2014
Renee (Bisson) Collier lit a candle in memory of Sterling E. Werkheiser