Robert L. "Bobby" Schroeder

Robert L. “Bobby” Schroeder, 84 of Brenham, passed away July 21, 2008 at Trinity Medical Center.

He was born on August 5, 1923 to Robert F. and Edna Sternberg Schroeder in Washington County where he continued to live all his life.

Bobby had so many memories of his early days: playing hard lot baseball with the neighborhood boys on Peabody Street; learning to rope a neighbor’s cow, endangering her milk supply; mowing the yard for twenty cents, just enough to get in the Rex Theater for the latest Western movie and a box of popcorn. In mid-summer, he and his gang of boys would ride their bicycles to Artesian Wells to swim and ride their bikes off the diving board, for entertainment.

One of his earliest memories, was spending Christmas at the Sherwood and Gerdine Mantzel home in Giddings. It was here he received his first musical instrument, a clarinet, a present he was to enjoy most of his life. He played throughout his school years in Brenham Junior and Senior High School bands. He also participated in physical sports such as football, baseball, tennis, and basketball. He and his teammates shared many stories about their high school years.

In addition to his busy school schedule, Bobby worked at summer jobs available around Washington County. One such job was with his Uncle Otto Schroeder who had a large bread route. Bobby would finish whatever game he was playing for high school, then jump in Uncle Otto’s truck and make deliveries. At one point, there was a surveying job as well. During all these busy years, he also worked for Reese Lockett in his downtown Brenham men’s wear store, which was an education in itself. Mr. Lockett ordered only the top name brands for his store. Bobby learned much here about style and salesmanship. He paid Bobby full salary, even on the days that he practiced one of his afternoon sports, telling Bobby he was representing Brenham and Washington County, whether in the store or the county. Mr. Lockett had a job waiting for Bobby when he returned home from World War II.

It was during these early days that Bobby played dance jobs, not only around Washington County, but also in Houston. One of his earliest memories was playing at the Rice Hotel in downtown Houston. He was a “little” young at the time, so he could not enjoy a beer at intermission time. A band member made sure that Bobby took the right bus back to Brenham and his dad met him at the bus station. Bobby also played in Galveston at the famous Balinese Room, during the days when gambling was in its heyday and one never knew when a raid might occur.

Upon high school graduation and when World War II began, Bobby enlisted in the Marines. He attended Sam Houston State and Blinn College before being sent to Camp Pendleton, California for basic training and then deployed to Hawaii. He played in the Marine Corps band, where he really learned so much and had the opportunity to play under the direction of Bob Crosby. In the latter part of the war, Bobby’s unit was deployed to Iwo Jima, where he saw plenty of action.

After World War II, Bobby attended Baylor University and the University of Houston, where he received a Certified Public Accountant Certification. Returned to Brenham, he opened his own CPA practice and for a while he was the only practicing CPA in the area.

On June 29, 1973, Bobby was united in marriage to Dorothy Habekotte Reichardt in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

His parents, sons Robert I. “Skipper” Schroeder and Timothy Schroeder preceded him in death.

Bobby is survived by: his wife Dorothy Schroeder of Brenham; daughter and son-in-law Teresa and Dr. Kennon Wigley of Bryan-College Station; two grandsons, Mark and Luke Wigley; granddaughter, Kate Fly, of Austin, TX; his special family, Bob and Diana Fly, Molly Fly, Lindsey and Matt Thomas, Rod and Janet Reichardt and their children Carter and Madeline.

Visitation with the family will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, 2008 in Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, July 24, 2008 in The First United Methodist Church of Brenham. The Rev. Dale Chance and The Rev. Sam Duree will officiate. Graveside services will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Melvin Ehlert, Jr., Bill Schroeder, Dr. Robert S. Stark, Bob Burch, Taylor Rybarski, Alvin “Scooter” Schroeder and Don Acken. Honorary pallbearers are Leroy Loesch, Harvey Ebert, Maurice “Shorty” Trostle, Ed Duckworth, Paul LaRoche, Jr. and Luther Utesch.

Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com