Roll Call Tribute

Robert Bennett "Bob" Scheske 

August 17, 1946 - August 11, 2024 

Our clever, witty, intelligent, music aficionado, raconteur extraordinaire, hot rodder, and wonderful friend, Robert “Bob” Bennett Scheske, passed away peacefully at his home on August 11, 2024. We now inhabit a poorer, less kind, and less interesting place in his absence. He leaves a legacy of love through his sister, Claudia Parr; his cherished daughters, Daisy Scheske Freeman and her husband Chance Freeman and Mary Scheske Wharmby her husband Andrew Wharmby; his grandsons, Maxwell and Alexander Wharmby; his sweetheart, Kay Brzozowski; and hundreds of friends who will love and miss this unique, beautiful human being. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred A. Scheske Jr.; his mother, Mary Elizabeth Bennett Scheske; his younger brother, Eddie Scheske; his nephew, Richard Parr; and his brother-in-law, Ralph Parr. Bob was born on August 17, 1946, in Gonzales. He grew up on College Street with his parents Fred A. Scheske Jr., Mary Elizabeth “Goose” Bennett Scheske, and siblings Claudia Scheske Parr and Edward Frederick Scheske. He began a lifelong assembly of close and treasured companions through school, the Boy Scouts, singing in the church choir, and grew into roles as Manager of the Football Team and Class President for the Gonzales High School class of 1964.

After Bobby graduated, he continued his education at Texas A&M University, studying Business Administration. He was a part of two outfits in the Corps of Cadets: Squadron 12 his freshman year, and Squadron 3 the remaining years. Anyone who knows Bob knows that his heart and soul will forever remain Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ‘68. After his graduation, he entered the US Air Force, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a graduate of both the Graduate Squad Officer School and the Air Command and Staff College. Bob went on to attend Law School at the University of Texas in Austin and served as Gonzales County Attorney from 1981 to 2008. He is the longest-serving County Attorney in Gonzales County.

Bob's involvement in various service organizations was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the betterment of his community. He played a crucial role in the incorporation of Pioneer Village, securing land and preserving historical structures, and created and served on the board of Gonzales County Crime Stoppers, educating students on drug prevention dressed as McGruff the Crime Dog. He was also a founding member of the Bop ‘N Bash Annual 50’s party. He was a devoted member of the Gonzales Noon Lions Club for over 46 years, serving as President, Tail Twister, and on the Board of Directors. His work on major projects, including the Lions Club parks, Pavilion, Playscape, and Lions Club Carnivals, significantly enriched the community. He was active in the Gonzales Area Development Corporation since its inception in the 1970s and was a member of the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce since the 1970s, serving as a Board member and Board president. He maintained the American Legion Hall, and led the Boys State Leadership Program for over 20 years. He was a life member of the Gonzales Elks Lodge for over 46 years, and a member of the Gonzales County A&M Club, where he served as President and Muster Chairman. He was also a member of the Century Club of the Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University and the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Association, Alumni.

Bob served on the Citizens Advisory Committee for Gonzales Vocational Schools. He was a member of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association (TDCAA) since 1981 and organized and developed the Rural Prosecutor’s Organization. He was a life member of the Gonzales County Bar Association and a member of the Gonzales Hermann Sons since the 1970s, serving as an officer. Robert was also a member of the Oil City A’s Car Club since 1999 and the New Braunfels Area Car Club since 1992.

In 2019, Bob helped establish The Come and Take It Memorial Golf Tournament which awards thousands in scholarships annually in memory of high school classmate Tommy Chenault. He was recognized with the David B. Walshak Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 for his lifelong service and contributions by the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce. Bob's dedication extended to numerous boards, committees, and special projects, impacting the community profoundly.

Robert's impact on the Gonzales community is immeasurable. From helping to build playgrounds at parks, creating networking organizations, and serving his community, Bob touched countless lives. His recent project, the Come and Take It Golf Tournament, honors his friend Tommy Chenault and supports local students with scholarships.

Bob's love for his family and friends was as boundless as the open road he so cherished. Whether it was a spontaneous car trip on the backroads, Aggie Football, or baseball game, you could always count on Bob to be there, sharing stories, laughter, and his unique perspective on life. His presence made every journey memorable, and his unwavering support was a constant source of comfort to those who knew him.

Bob’s legacy of service, leadership, and compassion will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. He leaves behind a community enriched by his contributions and a family proud of his enduring legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to The Community Foundation of The Gonzales Area (CFGA), providing Gonzales County, students and faculty educational scholarship opportunities, continuing Robert's lifelong commitment to service, education, and community. Donations can be mailed to PO BOX 75 Gonzales, Texas 78629.

Visitation for Bob will be held at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, August 19, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2024 in the First Presbyterian Church at 414 Saint Louis, Gonzales, TX. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. 

“It’s just another Corps Trip, boys, We’ll march in behind the band.”