Gary Kappmeyer

Gary Theodore Kappmeyer, aged 81, beloved husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather, passed away Sunday, October 1, 2023.

“Doc”, “Gabby” and “Pow Pow”, was born the middle child of Theodore Kappmeyer and Aileen Kappmeyer (Marbach) on July 14, 1942, in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Southside High School in the Spring of 1960. Inspired by a chiropractor who had treated Gary’s high school football team, he eventually began pre-med courses at Texas Chiropractic College (TCC). It was during this time that he met a sweet girl from La Vernia who was pursuing a Liberal Arts degree at Incarnate Word. Gary married the love of his life, Irene Gutz, on April 30, 1965. TCC relocated to Pasadena later that year, and the newlyweds soon found themselves moving along with the school so that Gary could continue his education.

His first child, Christopher Scott was born in February of 1967 while Gary was feverishly trying to graduate from TCC. Fifteen months later a second son, Matthew Todd, was welcomed into the world; and a new chiropractor — Dr. Kappmeyer, D.C. — started to see his first patients. He and Irene opened the Gonzales Chiropractic Center in October of 1970. His daughter Anne Celeste was born the following spring.

Gary was dedicated and worked hard to establish a small but reputable practice. His priority was always the health and well-being of his patients. Those lacking monetary resources could often barter whatever they could — baked goods, services, an extra Bar-B-Q pit here, a horse-trailer there.

The list of Dr. Kappmeyer’s professional and community activities is extensive. He was a member of the Texas Chiropractic Association, the Texas Chiropractic Board of Regents, the Texas Chiropractic Alumni Association, the Gonzales County Mental Retardation Inc., the Gonzales County Health Agency, the United Way, the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce, the Gonzales Crystal Theatre, the Gonzales Noon Lions Club, and Knights of Columbus.

With his involvement, came positions of office and awards which sparkle like gems across the fabric of his career. Words like “Alumnus of the Year,” “Chairman”, “Board of Directors,” and “President” reflect the praise and respect of his associates and fellow community members, however never overshadowed Dr. Kappmeyer’s consistent commitment to positively impact the lives of others.

In the winter of 2005, Gary lost his beloved Irene to breast cancer. They were married for 40 years. In 2007, after Gary sold his practice and retired, he moved to his lake house on Lake LBJ where he and his family shared so many fond memories. He spent time ‘tooling’ around in his workshop and touring the country in his travel trailer. He met, and ultimately married, Marilyn Roche in a small civil service in 2008. They shared a love of travel, spending summers in Colorado and the Texas Valley.

Dr. Kappmeyer is survived by his sons Christopher and his wife Roxana, Matt and his wife Diane; his daughter Anne and her husband Marc; grandchildren Roxana, Cristina, and Ren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

A viewing will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 6 at Our Lady of the Lake in Sunrise Beach, 120 RM-2233, Sunrise Beach, TX 78643. It will be followed by a Funeral Mass with Father Uche Obikwelu officiating. His final resting place will be next to Irene at Sandy Mountain Cemetery. Family and friends will be welcome at the family residence at 300 Beach Drive, Sunrise Beach, Texas 78643 for food and refreshment following the service.

Pallbearers include Larry Kappmeyer, Dr. Gary Gage, O.D., Sonny Meinhardt, Frank Aelvoet, Keith Kappmeyer, and Clayton Rakowitz.

Honorary pallbearers include Will Oliver, Kerry Morgan, and Gene Kridler.

Harrell Funeral Home of Kingsland is overseeing arrangements.