Donald Phillip Vonderau, Jr

Donald Philip Vonderau Jr. Donald Philip “Phil” Vonderau Jr., age 68, passed away at his residence in Pierce, Texas on Friday, July 4, 2014, following a struggle with cancer. Phil was born on March 23, 1946 in Velasco, Texas to Donald Philip Vonderau Sr. and Bertha Rose Jurek Vonderau. Phil and his two brothers were raised in Wharton County. He graduated in 1964 from Wharton High School and later attended Wharton Junior College. Phil went on to serve our country in the United States Navy, earning his Honorable Discharge on June 30, 1972. Shortly after being discharged, Phil married Velda Vaughn on November 23, 1973 in El Campo, Texas. Phil began his work in the family business, Wharton Steam Laundry, but then spent 30+ years as salesman for Von Wil Ford in Wharton, and VonDerAu Ford in EL Campo before retiring. As a salesman, he never met a stranger and was known for helping anyone he came in contact with. He truly relished the many friendships he made along the way. When not at work, Phil spent his time fishing the coastal waters of Matagorda, reading books, being with friends and family, but most of all, spending time with his loving wife Velda, his son Trey, and his granddaughter Stella. Phil is survived by his wife of 40 loving years, Velda Vonderau, of Pierce, son, Donald Philip “Trey” Vonderau III of Rosenberg, mother, Bertha Vonderau of Wharton, brother, John Miska and wife, Patricia, of Wharton, and his precious granddaughter, Stella Vonderau of Rosenberg. Along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends also survive. Phil is preceded in death by his father, Donald Philip Vonderau Sr., and his brother, Marty Scott Vonderau. Following cremation, a memorial service for Phil will be held at the Chapel of Wharton Funeral Home on Thursday, July 10th, at 6:00 pm. Condolences may be made online at whartonfuneralhome.com Funeral services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.