Robert W. Reitz

Robert W. Reitz Robert W. Reitz, 72, died January 23, 2004 in Austin. He is survived by his wife Janice McAbee Reitz and grandson David Chaparro of Austin, daughter Leah Reitz and granddaughter Caroline Chaparro of Vancouver, Washington, sister Marilyn Nowlin and husband John Nowlin of Lake Jackson, nephew Jay Nowlin and wife Mary of Seattle, niece Stacy Wright and husband Randy of Dallas, niece Belinda Hyde and husband Stephen of Georgetown, brother-in-law Dahl McAbee and wife Martha, sister-in-law Elrae Copas and husband Harold, all of Oklahoma City. Bob was born in Oklahoma City on October 29, 1931 to Warren E. Reitz and Billie McGuire Reitz. He grew up in the San Antonio area and graduated from Jefferson High School. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1952 and enlisted in the Air Force. He served four years, one of them in Iceland. After he returned to the United States he was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. He met and married his wife, Janice McAbee Reitz, in Oklahoma City. After his discharge from the Air Force, he and Janice moved to Austin and Bob began working for his father’s music store, Reitz Music Company in 1956. His father retired in 1968 and Bob took over as owner. He worked in Central and South Texas until his retirement in 1997. Bob’s career as a merchant, dealing with beginners in school music, brought him as friends and customers some of the finest band directors and music teachers in the state. A memorial service will be held January 31st at 2:00 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on Steck and Mesa. A reception will be held after the service in Huffman Hall to celebrate Bob’s life. We invite all his friends who wish to speak to bring a story or remembrance. His family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Hospice Austin’s Christopher House. Their care and devotion during Bob’s last illness meant so much to him and to us. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice Austin’s Christopher House, 2820 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., Austin, TX 78702. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78705 (512) 452-8811. You may view memorials online at www.wcfish.com