Nancy "Nan" Spear Himel

Nan Himel (Mrs. Frederick W. Himel), 78 of Lake Charles, died Thursday January 21, 2016, in her home attended by her husband and three children. She fought a 5 month struggle with renal cancer. Nan will be fondly remembered by her family and friends. She was a vibrant, energetic and intelligent woman, with a quick wit and beautiful smile. She possessed a natural musicality and could play and transpose hymns easily, without a score. She graduated from San Jacinto High School in Houston in 1955, then attended McNeese State College, graduating in 1959 with a BME in Piano. She married Frederick W. Himel November 25, 1959, while raising her 3 children she was a private piano teacher as well as the organist for St. Andrew Presbyterian Church until 1969. In 1980, she began teaching in Calcasieu Parish Schools. After receiving her Masters Degree in Special Education, she began teaching at St. Louis High School and retired in 1997.

An avid gardener, she was a member of the Lake Charles Garden Club and held several Offices including President. She worked tirelessly with her club to help Lake Charles receive the Cleanest City Award two years in a row. Her great love was maintaining the flowers in her yard and she worked hours on end to keep everything neat as a pin. She was Chairman of the committee for Tuten Park and planted and took care of beds there. She also worked with the Lake Charles Junior Garden Club for many years planning and giving programs. As Chairman of the Horticultural committee she was always bringing new and interesting plants to the club members.

Nan is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis T. and Evelyn Spear, older brother Lewis T. Spear, Jr. (Sonny). She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Frederick W. Himel, son Rick Himel (DeeDee), daughters, Karen Maoui (Wahab) and Kathleen Warnken (Mark), grandchildren, Sean Himel, Catherine Himel, Nora Maoui, Leila Maoui, Eric Warnken, Brock Warnken and Alex Warnken, as well as, great- granddaughter, Mya Warnken and younger brother Robert Spear.

A member of the Lake Charles Racquet Club, she enjoyed playing tennis for many years and even after her playing days ended she continued to use the club’s workout room to maintain a high degree of fitness. She loved her line dance class at the Ennos Darbonne Recreation Center and enjoyed the friends she made there.

Nan and her husband enjoyed travel and cruising with friends and took many interesting trips over the years. Some of these were Elderhostel programs that involved extensive bicycling and skiing. Her family, friends, music and fitness were the focus of her life.

Nan was a lifelong Christian and loved her church. She was an active member of UMW At First United Methodist Church. She gave programs as well as secured speakers for other programs. As a member of the Open Door Sunday School class she taught and played the piano when called upon. One of her great joys was taking part in the Bible and book studies. She was a member of the Bell Choir and shared her musical talent at the piano in hymn and carol playing at various church functions. A member of the Review Club for many years, she loved reading books and enjoyed giving reports. She also sang with the Bayou Belles and performed at rest homes in the Lake Charles area.

The family wishes to thank Heart of Hospice for their kind and attentive care and give special thanks to Courtney Kelly.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 AM Thursday, January 28, 2016 at First United Methodist Church. Reverend Weldon Bares will officiate. A gathering of family and friends Thursday will be from 10 :00AM until the time of service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the Music ministry at First United Methodist Church, 812 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601.