"Robert," as he was known to his family and friends, was Native to Alice, Texas. During his youth, he and his younger brother, Mario, moved to both Corpus Christi and San Antonio. At the age of 7, his family decided to move to Austin - a place his mother, Elena, said "felt like home."
It was in Austin where the family established "Atlas Automotive" in 1973, and Robert helped run the shop for more than 40 years. He Also spent a lot of time on his family's land in Del Valle, where there once stood an open three-story building. After the passing of his mother, Robert took it upon himself to redesign and oversee the new construction of the house that his parents always wanted - a home-base for the entire family. Today, it's a place where memories continue to be made for his family, friends, and loved ones.
Family always came first for Robert. Although he always had enough to keep his calendar full, he remained a constant, steadying influence to those dearest to him. He maintained a relationship with his children's teachers, and always knew when their tests were happening before they did. He coached his son's little league team and took photos of his college games. Between games, he beamed with pride while watching his daughter's gymnastics and cheer competitions. In his later years, he spent his time caring for the love of his life, Sandy, and traveling with his kids and grandkids.
Robert also had a creative streak which ranged from photography to home decorating - especially around Christmas time. He had a knack making any gathering magical, and he is known for his weekend pool parties accompanied by home-made margaritas. His open-door policy resulted in a long list of loved ones left behind, because any friend of yours was a friend of his.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Maria Elena Herrera and Roberto Rangel, and his step-father, Ernesto Herrera. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sandy Rangel, his son, Jason and his wife, Jackie; his daughter Kelsey and her partner, Tyler; his brother, Mario and his wife, Barbara; his half-sister, Tessa and her husband; his grandchildren, Autumn, Dakota, Ariya, and Ridge; and numerous family, friends, and loved ones.
Robert's memorial service will be held from 12 pm to 2 pm on Saturday, March 26th at Cook-Walden Funeral home on William Cannon.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com for the Rangel family.
