Dr. Robert Jolly Sigsby

Robert Jolly Sigsby was born September 20, 1934 in Port Huron, Michigan to Lyle and Edna Sigsby. He must have been a wonderful child as it would be six more years before another child was added to the family. On June 3, 2014, Robert passed away at the age of 79 years surrounded by his loving family in The Woodlands, Texas.

Dr. Sigsby grew up in a family rich in experiences. He and his childhood family were privileged in 1947 to camp throughout the mainland United States and Canada using an array of army surplus gear. His primary job on this camping adventure was to guide the car, trailer, and his family in reverse on narrow unpaved mountain roads, without causing any to topple over the cliff careening into the canyon far below, so another vehicle could pass. He was not quite 13 years old.

He was in the ROTC and a sharp shooter in the US Army. He served his country from 1959 to 1967 and ended his military career as a 2nd Lieutenant. After graduating from high school, Robert attended Port Huron Community College, Michigan State University, East Lansing; Michigan Mining and Technology University, Houghton earning his way by working on ocean going freighters traveling the Great Lakes and teaching at the college level, culminating in a PhD in Geology from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.

With his formal education completed, he married the love of his life, Constance, in North Dakota in 1965. Robert was a loving father who took great pride in his children’s accomplishments in sports and academics and their ability to lead independent lives. The recent addition of grandchildren added a new depth and dimension to his life.

Dr. Sigsby became a long-term employee of Exxon Corporation with a career of 28 years moving with the company to Midland, TX; Corpus Christi, TX; Miami, FL; Mandeville, LA; Stavanger, Norway; and The Woodlands, TX. His career included professional scientific publications; oil explorations in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, and the North Seas off the coast of Norway; and consultations on off shore drilling platforms in various sites around the world. In addition to his career, Robert had a variety of interest and hobbies. He collected fossils and geological specimens. He enjoyed fly tying and fly fishing with several long-time friends. Working with tools, wood, and gardening provided peaceful pleasures. He and his family were fortunate to participate in world travel visiting multiple locations in Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America, Africa, and Canada. He treasured the many friendships made on these trips.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Constance, a daughter, Nicole and son-in-law, David Caldwell, and his twin grandchildren, Adelaide and Philip, all of The Woodlands, Texas. He is also survived by a brother, Donald Sigsby (Marjorie Lobban), Sydney, Australia; a sister, Linda Sigsby, Gainesville, Florida; four nieces and their families, Bolingbrook, Illinois; Crofton, Maryland; Sydney, Australia; and Seymour, Tennessee, and one aunt, Betty Lewis, Traverse City, Michigan. He was preceded in death by a son, Bret Lyle Sigsby, and his parents, Lyle and Edna Sigsby.

To further celebrate Dr. Sigsby’s life, a memorial service will be held June 14, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Forest Park, The Woodlands, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The South Montgomery County Library or the charity of your choice.