Gus Menil

Long-time Kerrville resident and past owner of Hill Country Lumber Company, Gus Alan du Menil passed away February 14th, 2018 in the comfort of his home. Born in the town of Zorn, TX to Gustav and Ella Randow du Menil, Gus was one of 6 children. The du Menil family raised their children and worked their farm on which they grew cotton and corn. Gus' family worked the farm but allowed the children to attend public school. Gus was an athlete and enjoyed several team sports in his school years, but his favorite was baseball. He was a talented pitcher with a fast ball that actually broke a catcher's hand. While playing baseball in high school, Gus met his future wife, Frances McMullin of San Marcos, TX. He was offered a chance to play baseball for University of Texas at Austin. Although the war was coming to an end, Gus chose to leave high school, baseball and working on the farm to enlist with the Merchant Marines. He served with Section 509 as fireman watertender, Oiler and Lifeboatman. After leaving the Merchant Marines he returned to San Marcos to marry Frances McMullin in November of 1947. \r\n\r\nThe couple settled in Fredericksburg, TX where Gus took a job working with his brother-in-law, Lorenz Bading, at Gillespie County Lumber Co. It was here that Gus learned all about the lumber industry which he grew to love and would make a lifetime career of. He returned to his love of baseball and softball in Gillespie County while residing there. After several years learning the lumber industry, Gus took a management position with a larger lumber company in Victoria. \r\n\r\nIn August 1958 after 11 years of marriage, the couple was blessed with the birth of their only daughter, Debra Jean. Gus continued working in the lumber industry and the family eventually moved to Kerrville where Gus had gained employment as manager of the Simms-Moore Lumber Company (formerly known as the historic Beitel Lumber Company.) When the Simms decided to sell their part of the business, Gus formed a partnership with Kenneth Moore and renamed it as it was last known, Hill Country Lumber Company. \r\n\r\nGus thoroughly enjoyed his 58 years in the business, working with local contractors and individuals to find the necessary building materials and supplies for a growing Kerr County. He was a businessman of steadfast character; honest, kind, dependable with a playful personality. He is remembered by many in the community, both the old and the young that crossed the threshold of the building. Current owner Mark Stone remembers Gus sitting at the counter, hand writing out sales tickets. \r\n\r\nAfter the Stones purchased the Depot building (now known as Rails) located next door to the lumber yard, Gus would visit them as they worked on restoring the structure. Gus encouraged them to purchase the lumberyard property but always insisted that it not be torn down. It was contingency of the sale. Being of steadfast character and recognizing it in others, Gus never put the contingency into words. The Stones have been true to their commitment and have recently obtained Texas Historical Markers. Gus' survival of these buildings, the stories they have told and are yet to be told will survive long after we are gone. \r\n\r\nGus is survived by his daughter, Debra du Menil, his brother Ray du Menil, and numerous nieces and nephews. \r\n\r\nVisitation will be from 8 AM to 8 PM, on Friday, February 16, 2018 at Grimes Funeral Chapels.\r\n\r\nGraveside services for family and close friends will be held Saturday February 17, 2018, 2:00pm at Garden of Memories. \r\n\r\nDonations may be made in Gus' memory to the charity of your choice. \r\n