Luther Weidner Sappenfield's Obituary
He was born in Prospect, PA, the eldest son of John V. and Sarah Reddick Sappenfield. He attended Newberry High School, Newberry, IN and received his BS & MS degrees in Geology from the University of Cincinnati. He served as Technical Sergeant in the US Army during World War II. He was employed by Shell Oil Company as a geologist for 9 years and DeGolyer & MacNaughton, Dallas, for 29 years and retired as senior vice-president. Woodworking was his passion and made beautiful pieces of furniture in his workshop. Luther served on many boards including Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest and Texas Lutheran University Development Board; member of Dallas Geological Society, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, and Society of Petroleum Engineers. Luther is survived by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Ruth E. Schultz Sappenfield. They married January 13, 1946 in Batesville, Indiana, moved to Dallas in 1962. They loved to travel around the world and members of First United Lutheran Church, where he served on the Church Council, Chairman Remodeling Committee, Finance Committee, Property Committee, Vice-President of the Congregation, delegate to the Texas Louisiana Synod and the NT-NL Synod Assembly. He is preceded in death by his parents, John V. and Sarah R. Sappenfield; sister, Lois O. Heitman; and brother, David R. Sappenfield. Appreciation extended to Dr. Gary A. Croll, and friends, Gabriela Gruschkus and Lois Jacobi for their loving care during his final illness. Internment will be at Restland Memorial Park at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 followed by a memorial service at 3:30 pm, First United Lutheran Church, 6202 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Rev. Russell Vardell officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Lutheran Church.
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