Gottlieb David and Olga Mae Lindenmayer

 the Grandparents of Diana Mae Chiles and Charlene Frances Chiles Imholz.

My Grandparents,

Gottlieb David and Olga Mae Lindenmayer,

 were the parents of my mother,

Dorothy Ruth Lindenmayer Chiles,

and my uncles:

G. David Lindenmayer, Jr.

and

William Henry Lindenmayer

Olga Mae Robinson Lindenmayer

Born:  July 7, 1889 in Why Not, Mississippi

Died:  November 5, 1987 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Olga Lindenmayer was a Nurse at the Baptist Hospital for fifty years.

She grew up with seven siblings in the small town of Why Not, Mississippi

She was married to Rev. G. D. Lindenmayer,

and they had three children, Dorothy, Dave, and Bill.

They were the Grandparents of Charlene and Diana Chiles.

I once told my Grandmother,

"Jesus lives in my heart . . . but YOU live in my stomach!"

(I was giving her a great compliment! 

I was telling her that I loved her next to Jesus. 

And the stomach was the closest thing to the heart that I knew!)

Gottlieb David Lindenmayer Sr.

Born:  December 23, 1888 in Gloster, Mississippi

Died:  September 19, 1956, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Gottlieb David Lindenmayer Sr. was a well known educator

 and former Baptist minister, known for his love of people. 

He married Olga Mae Robinson on October 22, 1919.

He died at the age of 67 after several months illness with a heart ailment. 

He was a Minister in Baptist churches in Mississippi and Louisiana,

and then became the Head of the History Department at

William Jewel College in Liberty, Missouri. 

He received his A.B. degree from Mississippi College at Clinton, Mississippi,

and his M.A. degree at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia,

and his B.D. degree from Crozier Theological Seminary. 

Because of his health, he took an early retirement,

and moved his family to Memphis, Tennessee in 1936,

where he continue to teach history in the Memphis schools

 as a substitute teacher as long as his health permitted. 

They joined Bellevue Baptist Church on June 3, 1936.

where each member of his family served faithfully.

G. David Lindenmayer, Jr.

Born:  March 17, 1922

Died:  October 17, 1963

My Uncle Dave died when I was in Junior High School.

 He was 41 years old when he died of a heart attack.

He was a member of Bellevue Baptist Church and Veteran of World War II.

I remember him as a very funny man, often compared to Danny Kaye.

During his college days at Mississippi College,

Dave was known for his athletic ability, especially in Track.

He was also the subject of one of Dr. Chester Swor's sermons,

and Dave's story is included in one of Chester Swor's books.

When I myself was a student at Mississippi College,

Chester Swor was a frequent speaker.

Chester Swor was a dynamic speaker!

Chestor Swor himself was a graduate of Mississippi College,

and he served on the Faculty until 1942.

(Therefore, he knew my uncle personally!)

One day, as a Chapel Speaker, Chester Swor told the story of my uncle,

not knowing that I was in the audience.

Dave's story was called "The Race for Life",

and centered around Dave's reputation as a Track Star.

With the team's championship at stake,

the coach asked Dave to run an extra race.

Dave won that race and the team won the state championship.

However, Dave collapsed at the end of the race.

He was rushed to the hospital in heart failure.

Dave was in a coma for several days.

The Doctors gave him no hope.

The students formed a 24 hour prayer chain at the hospital.

 And Dave miraculously survived.

Dr. Swor's story centered on the dedication needed --

the endurance needed --

and the sacrifice needed --

 to "run the race" and "finish well".

"I have run the great race,

I have finished my course,

I have kept the faith. . ."

II Timothy 4:7

Dorothy Ruth Lindenmayer Chiles

Dorothy Ruth Lindenmayer Chiles

Born:  August 31, 1924

Died:  August 2, 2001

Our Mother was such a special person.

 She was voted "Most Beautiful" of her High School.

She was a loving Wife, 

 a devoted Mother,

a caring Grandmother,

a protective Sister,

a respected Teacher,

and a loyal Friend.

She graced this world with beauty and kindness.

William Henry Lindenmayer

Born:  July 9, 1936

Died:  February 1, 2003

My sweet uncle Bill was a long time member of Bellevue Baptist Church. 

He was a gifted concert pianist, church organist, and music teacher.

His gift to mankind was his music.

He shared this talent teaching young people.

Long after his retirement from the public school system,

he continued teaching piano in Bellevue's "Performing Arts Center."

Music in heaven is most definitely enriched by his arrival. 

Billy was one of my greatest cheerleaders through out my life.

We all miss him so much!

Billy was the third child born to my grandparents. 

Because Billy was several years younger than my Uncle Dave and my Mom,

and also because he was born crippled, 

my Mother and Dave always looked out for him. 

They were very close.  

After Dave's death, my Mother even became more protective over Billy. 

He was always there in my family, 

as he had never married or had children of his own. 

He was a quiet, sweet gentle and talented man.  

Dave, Billy, Dot Lindenmayer

Three Siblings, who stuck together through thick and thin.

He lived next door to me and we shared the same back yard. 

I miss hearing his beautiful piano music and his marvelous laugh. 

My Uncle Bill at Bernard's Birthday Party.

Dorothy with her little brother, Bill Lindenmayer.          Dave, Bill, Dorothy Lindenmayer

Gottlieb David and Olga Lindenmayer, with sons Dave and Bill, and Grandchildren, Charlene and Diana Chiles, 1956

Diana and Charlene Chiles, with Grandmother Olga Lindenmayer, and Uncle, Bill Lindenmayer

Diana Chiles with her Grandmother, Olga Lindenmayer

Bill Lindenmayer, Diana Chiles, Olga Lindenmayer, Dorothy Chiles, Charlene Chiles,

San Francisco in the mid-70's.

Charlene Chiles, Olga Lindenmayer, Bill Lindenmayer

(click to enlarge)

Our Sweet Grandmother,

Olga Mae Robinson Lindenmayer with her Grandchildren, Diana and Charlene Chiles