Our Daddy, "Opa" "conquered the world." on Wednesday, May 10 ^th , 2017 - John 16:33

Oliver Joe Kowert "OJ" was born in Fredericksburg, TX on September 4, 1930 as the only child of Oliver CW and Josie Kowert.  He was preceded in death by his darling wife of 51 years, Irene (Oma).

He is survived by his 5 children and their mates: Shan and Annie Kowert,  Melanie and Tommy Thomas, Amber and Dale Davis, Romney and Wanda Kowert, Lorne and Gena Kowert, and daughter-in-law Terri Kowert;  Six grandchildren and their mates; Jodee and Rachel Kowert, Jennifer and Joe McSparin, Jordan and Erika Kowert, Tashami and Matthew Elliott, Tarek and Eika Thomas, Auboni and Thiago Cordolino;  Nine beautiful great grandchildren; Tristan and Dylan Kowert,  Ian and Eli Kowert; Leilani, Dax, and Willow Thomas; Bella and Ava Cordolino.

OJ grew up in Fredericksburg assisting his father in their local family music shop. After training at the Lester Piano Factory in Philadelphia, he attended the University of Corpus for piano tuning.   He was married to Irene on May 10, 1952.  Post serving as a training instructor at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio in the early 1950s, the family moved back to Fredericksburg in August of 1955.  He went into the real estate business with his father, successfully serving the Hill Country community for 58 years.  OJ was known for his sterling reputation as an honest business man who would never put profit ahead of doing what was right.—Hebrews 13:8.

OJ made a pivotal decision to dedicate his life to serve Jehovah and was baptized in 1963 as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He began serving as an elder and congregation servant in 1965, loyally serving in that role (Presiding Overseer) until 2008.  Although infirmed, OJ continued to serve as an elder until his death.  He will be remembered for his exemplary Christian hospitality and generosity.  OJ and Irene were well known for their genuine love and tender care; not only for their immediate family, but the many they made family. –Hebrews 6:10.

While perceived as a disciplinarian, this father, grandfather, and friend possessed a big, soft, and loving heart.   He truly enjoyed conversation and the company of others and loved to laugh.  His sense of humor was well known, as he was always quick to look at the lighter side of any difficult situation. His love to entertain others and make them laugh was his hallmark, even during his battle with Alzheimer's.  Despite his deteriorating memory, he remained gracious and appreciative. These exceptional qualities endeared him not nly to his family and friends, but also to the many aides and nurses that helped care for him these last four years.

Opa's solid belief in Jehovah's promise of a resurrection to a paradise earth comforts each and every one of us as we look forward to seeing him again.  Until then, "Gute Nacht, schlaf gut".  (good night and sleep good).  John 5:28, 29.