Robert J. Chambers

Robert Joseph Chambers, son of Nancy and Ecta Chambers, was born on November 14, 1962 in Temple and went home to be with his Creator on March 15, 2012. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Monday, March 19, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Rev. Stephen Nesrsta as celebrant. Private family burial will be at Chambers Cemetery near Palestine. Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 PM Sunday at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM. Robert was an accomplished artist who won many awards for his work, including Best in Show in the Barclay Visual Arts Competition in 2010 and 2011. He worked in many mediums, most recently in portraiture, still lifes and landscapes. For many years his passion was for liturgical art and he applied his considerable talent for it throughout Central Texas churches, including St. Mary's Catholic Church in Temple where he was an active member. His artwork was impressive because he created it despite several disabilities. He loved classical art and music and was overly fond of cats. His creativity was matched with keen intelligence and a quick wit. He was a man of ordered priorities, placing value on family and relationships rather than material wealth. He held deeply religious beliefs and was proud to be part of the Catholic tradition. In addition to being a loving brother and uncle, he was a devoted son who assumed the role of primary caretaker for his mother, with whom he lived. He performed his duties with compassion and total dedication. He was preceded in death by his father, Ecta Chambers and his brother, Charles Chambers. Survivors include his mother, Nancy Chambers of Temple, his three sisters, Janette Chambers of Fort Worth, Martha Baugh and husband, Carl of Glen Rose, Donna Plank of Temple and by one sister-in-law, Rona Chambers of Dallas. He lives in the hearts of his nieces and nephews, Margo Chambers, Laura Watts, Marcus Chambers, Matthew DeFord and James and Ben Plank and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Sterling, Jackson, Hudson, Aidan, Jacob and Riley. Robert's life was too brief to contain all the love his family has for him. He is dearly missed. Memorials may be made to Temple Animal Shelter, 620 Mama Dog Circle, Temple, TX 76501.