Mr. Robert Leonard Phelps

Robert attended and graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School. He then went on to pursue his education at Texas Southern University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in 1952, in Music Education. Robert continued his education at Prairie View A&M University where he studied Mechanical Engineering. Robert was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Robert also served in the military branch U.S. Army for three years. Robert started his job career teaching music for three years in Texarkana, Texas, and thereafter, worked at the U.S. Postal Service for several years. He then advanced his career for 37 years at Nasa Space Craft Center as a Technical Writer.

Robert was joined in marriage to Barbara Joyce Booker on June 16, 1954. From this union Robert and Barbara had four children who were born and raised in Houston, Texas.

Robert's passion was writing and playing music. Robert was a phenomenal Saxophonist. Also, Robert played the flute and piano.

He was a band member of Conrad Johnson’s Big Band, Milton Hopkins Band and many other local bands around the Houston area. He was also a member of the Jazz Musician’s Society Organization of Greater Houston. Also, he was a member of the American Federation of Musicians.

To add to Robert’s love for music, he was also a lover of all types of sports. Robert was a great father, friend, and neighbor.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents Hardy Leon Phelps and Tessie Phelps-Daniel, by his only biological sibling, sister Viola, who passed away as an infant; his loving wife of 50 years Barbara Joyce Phelps; eldest son, Dwayne Thomas Phelps. Surviving relatives Children: Michael Jerome Phelps (Jacqueline wife), Monica Lynne Phelps and Kimberly Denise Phelps. Grandchildren: Rasheim, Phelps, Sr., Shardanae Terrell (Napoleon, Sr. husband), Dway’Neisha Pugh, Steven Kannady. Great Grandchildren: Traveon, Sharvae, Tyreon, Naeleona, Napoleon, Jr., Rasheim Jr., Auriel, Rico, Paulina, Bralyn, Ryleigh, Kamauri, Royce; Adopted brother Aaron Daniel; God sister Shirley Cooper Benson and many band members and a host of friends.

LIVED: NINETY-SIX YEARS AND FOUR MONTHS