Albert Biedenharn passed peacefully from the loving arms of his family into the waiting arms of his Lord and Savior on the morning of June 22, 2022. It was his 71st birthday. Born in San Antonio, he attended Cambridge Elementary and Alamo Heights Junior and Senior High Schools, where he was part of the graduating class of 1969. He was a gifted athlete, a member of the golf team, and an all-district fullback, sporting #27 for the Mules. Legendary Coach Frank Broyles recruited him to The University of Arkansas, where he received a full-ride football scholarship. He later transferred to the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, graduating with a BBA in 1974. He then attended Thunderbird, the American Graduate School of International Business, earning his MBA in 1975.

Albert was a descendent of the first bottlers of Coca-Cola, the Biedenharns of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and, in 1975, he joined the family business, the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Southwest, as the Uvalde branch manager. By 1977, he worked his way up to assistant VP.

In those days, Albert loved to fish and spent many happy times on the water at Port Aransas, South Padre, Lake of the Woods, and elsewhere. He bought his 35-foot Bertram, Mi Vida, and fished extensively offshore Cozumel and Belize.

Albert was also a descendant of W. B. Osborn, Sr., an early oil wildcatter. In 1981, Albert made a career change, joining the Biedenharn family oil business, Osborn Heirs Company. He started in the land department and, in 1995, and for twenty-three years of stewardship thereafter, assumed the dual office of Chairman of the Board and CEO. He remained Chairman until the time of his death.

Albert loved horses and racing. He was proudly partnered with several luminaries in the horse racing business and even stood in the winner’s circle at the 1982 Kentucky Derby. He was an investor and board member of the Retama Park raceway. At the 1982 Belmont Stakes, Albert met Kathy Adams, a schoolteacher and beauty from Lexington by way of Richmond, Kentucky, on a blind date. It was love at first sight. They were married in 1985 and had two sons, Albert M. “Berton” Biedenharn IV and William Christian Biedenharn. His sons were his pride and joy.

A dedicated sportsman and conservationist, Albert enjoyed hunting and entertaining at their Crescent C Ranch in La Salle County, Texas, and spending summers with Kathy and the boys at their homes in Port Aransas and his favorite place on earth, Osborn Island on Lake of the Woods. He was a member of the Texas Order of St. Hubertus, the International Order of St. Hubertus, Ducks Unlimited, Game Conservation International, Quail Unlimited, Shikar-Safari Club International, Port Aransas Rod & Reel Club, Gulf Coast Conservation Association, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Texas Wildlife Association, the Texas Cavaliers, the Order of The Alamo, the German Club, The Argyle, San Antonio Country Club, the Petroleum Club, Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association, Oklahoma Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association, Energy Consumers & Producers Association, American Brahman Breeder Association, Young Presidents’ Organization, World Presidents’ Organization,  San Antonio Livestock Exposition, American Quarter Horse Association, and Phi Delta Theta.

Because he was a gentleman-strong, smart, and true-Albert spent his entire life surrounded by a merry and loyal cadre of close compadres. So many cherished their friendship with “Boogie.” He could exude easy courtesy, charisma, and competence in a vast array of circumstances: South Texas, Offshore, East Africa, Argentina, Northwest Ontario, a casual watering hole, working on an oil deal, or hosting a lovely dinner at The Argyle with Kathy. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and community.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, A. M. Biedenharn, Jr. and Betty Osborn Biedenharn, his sister, Jewel “Julie” Biedenharn Crosswell, and brother, Charles Osborn “Chuck” Biedenharn. Albert is survived by his devoted wife of thirty-seven years, Kathy, his sons, Berton (Cerissa) and Christian, his brother, Lawrence Tucker “Larry” Biedenharn (Carolyn), seven nieces and nephews, and two step-granddaughters, Tess and Elle Stockdale of Lubbock. He was looking forward to the October-slated arrival of his first grandchild with great anticipation, but his Spirit was prepared for Paradise.

Friends are cordially invited by the family to a visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at Porter Loring Mortuary off McCullough. The family will have a private interment at Mission Burial Park South.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022

11:30 A.M.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

404 N. ALAMO ST., 78205

Pallbearers: Mark Barrett, Larry Biedenharn, Tibaut Bowman, Tom Gouger, Will Houston, Lance Lahourcade, Dickie Longoria, Pat Molak, Fred Myers, Carl Newton, Billy Osborn, and Mike Stevenson.

Honorary Pallbearers: The Usual Suspects et al. (You know who you are.)

The family also wishes to express special gratitude to Ricky Luna, Ruth Rodriguez, the late Pico Plascencia, Joan Daniel, JoAnn Reyes, Letty Rodriguez, and the employees and partners of Osborn Heirs Company and Crescent C Ranch for their years of service, support, and friendship, and to Dr. Mark Thornton, who helped us navigate Albert’s illness.

Memorial gifts may be made to: Rich In Christ Ministries, 268 Lorenz Road San Antonio, Texas 78209 or The San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, Texas 78212

Click here to live stream the service of Mr. Albert Biedenharn III