ALTA LOMA, TX – Robert Lee Marx, Sr. died June 20, 2009, after a short illness, at his home in Alta Loma, looking at his trees, surrounded by his family and with his dog by his bed. He is survived and loved by his wife of 56 years, Sally “Norma”; sons, Rocky and Paul; daughter, Catherine Lynn; granddaughter, Taylor; grandson, Eric; sister, Patricia Spangenberg; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Galen and Robbie Remmers, numerous nieces and nephews, a large gang of kids that were in and out of the house, too many friends to list and a good dog, Buddy. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Rhonda; parents, Tony and Rosita Marx; brother, Frank and sister, Eleanor.
Robert was born August 20, 1931 in Galveston, moved to Alta Loma in 1941 and remained there the rest of his life. He was a graduate of Santa Fe High School, Alvin Jr. College and had attended University of Houston, although his higher education was interrupted by the Marines and the Korean War. He was on active duty with the Marines from 1950 – 1951, participating in the early days of the war and was a survivor of the Chosin Reservoir campaign. Upon discharge from the Marines, he married his high school sweetheart and began employment at Monsanto Chemical Company as a metallurgical engineer, where he stayed for 34 years, working both in Texas City and Chocolate Bayou.
Bob had an abiding passion of the growing of any tree that produced an edible crop. He was a self-taught master grafter and enjoyed teaching others that skill and sharing his horticultural knowledge. He worked actively with the County Extension agency, serving as chairman of the Pecan and Fruit committee for many years. He participated in many pecan and citrus competitions, having winners at county, regional and state levels. He was a member of the Texas Forestry Association and the Texas Rare Fruit Growers Group. He also took great pleasure in serving as a volunteer at the 1894 Grand Opera House in Galveston for the past 9 years.
Bob’s faith in God was the foundation of his life. He was a founding member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church and served as a Bishop’s committee member, Bishop’s warden, lay reader and chalice bearer for many years. A patriot and proud Marine veteran, he was a member of the Marine Corps League, Galveston County Detachment 668, serving as Chaplain and commander and was a member of the Chosin Few. First and foremost, he was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He kept his good spirit and humor until the very end, giving us all courage and inspiration to be better people. We shall always miss him and love him.
Visitation with the family will be Tuesday at Hayes Funeral Home in Hitchcock from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. with a presentation by the Marine Corps League at 6:00 p.m. Final services will be held at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Hitchcock on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at 10:30 a.m.
Pallbearers will be Calwin Campbell, Jim Hall, Jerry Krampoda, Ronald Lohec, Pete Longoria and Eric Patterson. Honorary bearers will be Bart Black, Robbie Brundrett, Robert Hofstatter and Galen Remmers, II.
Those who wish to honor Bob’s memory may consider memorials in the form of donations to All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 10416 Highway 6, Hitchcock, TX 77563, or to the charity of your choice.
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