He is survived by his three sons and their families: Sons Roy (Ruth), Sam (Cathy), Steven (Madilynne); 7 grandchildren: Kaiti (Jawsem), Travis (Chelsey), Rebecca (Brandon), Kelly (Matt), Ethan, Audrey, Oakley; and 4 great grandchildren: Nadiya, Kennedy, Hayden, Kieran. He is also survived by sister-in-law Dorothy.
Bob had a happy childhood growing up in rural New Jersey. He remembered fishing in the creek, target shooting with his dad, playing marbles, and just generally playing outdoors. After his father passed when Bob was age 6, he helped his mother with evening meals and catering weddings. His Uncle Bill stepped in as a huge role model for him.
Bob was his high school class President and a member of the National Honor Society. He played football, was a wrestler, and played drums in the band. His peers selected him as “most active” in his class.
After high school, Bob and his brother Richard went to the recruiter’s office to join the Navy. The Navy recruiter wasn’t there, so the Air Force recruiter snagged them, and they joined the Air Force! Bob originally had orders to go to Germany, but was sent to Sheppard's Grove Air Force Base near Bury St Edmunds, England where he served as a mechanic. That change in stations changed his life! In 1953, at a dance where American soldiers met up with local girls, Bob met Sylvia. They dated six months, married in Bury St Edmunds, and moved back to the US about a year later. After a time in New Jersey, Bob and Sylvia moved to Texas!
The children came and happy times were had. One of the family stories involves a small blue crab sailboat. Bob attended Cub Scouts with Roy and Y Indian Guides with Sam and Steve. His family was the most important thing in his life. He worked hard and made his way quickly home each day.
In his professional life and after the Air Force, Bob spent most of his time as an accountant. He kept that skillset to the end – balancing his check book in an old-style full ledger book.
Bob was an Elder at Wilshire Presbyterian Church. He served many years and also involved his sons with ushering during church services and tending to the church lawn.
In the early 1960’s Bob and his brother Richard were members of the San Antonio Gunslingers organization. The group did reenactments of street gunfights in Bandera, TX, and Bob won the quick draw competition! Bob enjoyed music (especially big band, jazz, and classical music). He enjoyed building models, puzzles, feeding birds, and travelling with Sylvia in the UK.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Bob’s name to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or to the organization of your choice.
A visitation will be held on Saturday September 21, 2024 from 6-8pm at the Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home located at 5416 Parkcrest Dr Austin, Tx 78731. A graveside service and burial will be held for the family on Sunday.
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