Bob Kimble

Bob Kimble

HOUSTON – Bob Kimble passed away on April 23rd. He was born on April 30th to Laura Green and G.E. Kimble in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Bob grew up on a large farm just south of Lake Michigan where he ice skated and helped take care of the family farm. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War working in air traffic control. While stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi he met his southern belle, Mary Griffin. Mary worked as a writer for the local radio station in Biloxi. They were married and lived for a while in a small duplex close to the beach. Eventually they moved to upstate New York and then to Mobile, Alabama all before settling in the small town of Santa Fe, Texas. They had three children, James Ross Kimble, born in Alabama and then the twins, Frances Kimble and Janice Kimble (Schwartz), born in Texas.

Bob Kimble worked as a contractor for IBM at NASA in Clear Lake, Texas. He was working in mission control when the Apollo 11 landed on the moon. It was a very exciting time to be involved in space exploration. In his spare time he enjoyed playing in a small combo band in the gazebo at Runge Park in Santa Fe. He played the mandolin, harmonica, guitar and piano. He and Mary saw the wedding of their son, Ross Kimble to Carolynn Miller of Nappanee, Indiana, and their daughter, Janice Kimble, to Ken Schwartz of Brooklyn, New York.

Later in life Bob enjoyed his grandchildren, Rachel (Kimble) Atz, Caleb Kimble and Brynne Schwartz. There were numerous birthday parties, family and holiday gatherings where they enjoyed good food, fun and each other’s company.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Griffin Kimble, and his daughter, Frances Kimble.

There will be a visitation for Bob Kimble on Wednesday, April 27th from 6 – 8 p.m. at Hayes Funeral Home, 10421 Hwy. 6 in Hitchcock, Texas. Please join us if you can.

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