Russell Megert

Russell Megert, 91, of Amarillo died Friday, November 10, 2017.

Graveside Services will be 1:00 PM Tuesday November 14, 2017 at Llano Cemetery.  Memorial Services will follow at 2:00 PM at Schooler Funeral Home, Brentwood Chapel.  Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St., Amarillo.

Russell was always a stylish, well-mannered and accomplished gentleman with an eye for detail that included beauty, efficiency and safety. Russell was born in Topeka, KS to a lineage of Swiss/German immigrants, Adolph Samuel and Harriett Pfiester Megert, on November 19, 1925. He knew from junior high school that he wanted to be an architect. He played football for Borger High School. Russell was a Naval Veteran serving in WWII active duties as a 3rd Class Petty Officer in the Pacific Theater. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a double major in architecture and engineering.

Russell and his friend, Clayton Shiver founded Shiver-Megert & Associates, LLP in the early 1950’s. Many engineers and designers boast of getting their start at Shiver-Megert architecture and engineering firm throughout the county. The tri state area is generously peppered throughout with schools, banks, hospitals, airports and even a houseboat designed by SMAA.

An avid tennis player and fan, he played well into his 80’s, always with his cigar, before he gave up the game, “but not the fun.” Russell was an accomplished fly fisherman and taught many friends and family to enjoy the art. He loved spending time at his home in Florida with family and friends. He was a dedicated supporter of the Lion’s Club and services for the blind and Lion’s Children’s Camp, Boy’s Ranch, Meals on Wheels and Wounded Warriors. He provided scholarships for aspiring architectural students attending Texas Tech University. He loved the Amarillo Museum of Art and the Panhandle Plains Museum.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Shirley Chitty; and his sister, Mary Smith; and his step-mother Lois Pearson Megert.

He is survived by his wife, Clara; his daughter, Stacey Megert Aziz and husband, Shwan of Frankfurt, Germany; his son, Brad Megert of McKinney; his step-daughter Kelley Webb Netherton of Amarillo; his step-sons, Michael Webb and J. Andrew Webb and wife, Kimberly, all of Amarillo; his step-sisters, Melinda Pearson Hopper of  St. Petersburg, FL. and Gwen Reed and husband, Jack of Hot Springs, AR: his step-brother, Ira “Rusty” Pearson and wife, Cheryl of St. Petersburg, FL; his grandchildren, Kelsie and Alexis Aziz and Charlsey, Rhett and Zane Megert; ten step-grandchildren; four step-great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, 600 SW 11th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101, Texas Lions Camp, 4100 San Antonio Hwy, Kerrville TX 78028, or Meals on Wheels, 219 SW 7th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101.

The family will receive friends 6:00-7:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.