Robert Philip Schmerbauch died September 20, 2019 in Kingwood, Texas. Robert was born July 25, 1934 in Cairo, Illinois. His parents were Anna and Adolph Schmerbauch.
Bob graduated from Murray State University and the University of Illinois and had a lifelong passion for learning. While at Murray State, he met the love of his life, Charlene White. They married in December 1956 in Paducah, Kentucky. They began married life in Pinckneyville, Illinois, where Bob began his career as an extension adviser with the University of Illinois. His career and raising his family spanned years in Pinckneyville (Perry County), Fairfield (Wayne County), and Lindenhurst (Lake County).
After retiring, he worked with a landscaping company, the Lake County Master gardener program, and Brae Loch Illinois golf course where he could enjoy the outdoors and his love of horticulture. Bob and Charlene relocated to Montgomery, Texas and then Kingwood, Texas. Their love of travel carried them across the country and beyond, including visits to all 50 states and multiple European countries. His hobbies were gardening, golf and carving figures of all kinds. He is notable for dedicated volunteer service in his local community, in particular Lindenhurst United Methodist Church and the Montgomery United Methodist Church Food Pantry. He was known for being quick to tell a story or a joke and had a winning smile.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years and their two daughters, Karen Buchler (Gary) of Porter, Texas and Laurie Herbert (Eric) of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Their son Michael Schmerbauch of Vermont was deceased in 1997, survived by his wife Betsy Kemp. Also surviving are granddaughters Kristi Buchler (Andrew Fuhr) of Los Angeles, California, Lauren Wilkinson (Cody) of Edwardsville, Illinois, grandsons Maxwell Herbert of Chicago, Illinois, Corey Herbert of Green Bay, Wisconsin, great-grandson Chace Matheny of Edwardsville, Illinois.
Interment will be in Caledonia Cemetery, Sparta, Illinois on September 28, 2019 at 3 p.m. A memorial service will be at the Montgomery United Methodist Church, Montgomery, Texas at a later date.