Robert Hilchey

Robert, or, most frequently, Bob, or occasionally, as he liked to say with a famous twinkle in his eye, SOB (for Sweet Old Bob), passed away peacefully at his home in San Antonio. He is preceded in death by his grandson Joshua Pollard whom he looked forward to seeing in heaven. Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Patricia Litz Hilchey (Pat), his son Steven Hilchey, daughter Stacie and son-in-law Dan Pollard, and grandchildren: Mason Pollard and his wife Kathryn, Kyle Pollard and his wife Emily, Faith Hilchey and Laura Hilchey; great-grand daughter Josie Pollard; brother-in-law Steve Litz and his wife Teresa, as well as nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family and friends.

Born in Los Angeles, California on June 27th 1934, Bob grew up in Long Beach with a tremendous love for the beach and the beauty of nature and became an avid outdoorsman. Whether it was camping, hiking, hunting, fly-fishing, or canoeing, he shared his love and those incredible treasured experiences with family and friends for his entire life. His generosity, graciousness, encyclopedic knowledge, and unfailing wit enriched everyone's lives who joined him on these adventures.

Bob was drafted into the Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his 20 years of service, he served three tours in Vietnam as an Infantry officer, commanding and leading men in the crucible of combat, and for his service he was commended with the Bronze Star. However, his time in the service did not define him, but it did indelibly shape him. After his retirement, he did not wish to be known as Lt. Colonel Hilchey, but his experiences forever made him a proud American and staunch patriot. He did not prominently display tokens or artifacts of his military experience, but for his entire life, his will, drive and focus were clear evidence of the discipline he learned and the challenges he faced in the military. One of his last postings was as Commandant of the Texas Military Institue (TMI) in the heart of San Antonio. There, he shaped young men with values of patriotism, discipline, and drive, and he also learned to love the city of San Antonio.

After retiring from the Army, he went on to careers in real estate, and then into the computer field through database and application design. Bob met each new career, each new challenge, with his trademark dedication and focus, teaching himself the intricacies of each field and spending countless hours and nights working and re-working "the problem” and finding the right solution.

But above all, Bob will be missed for his wonderful impact and support for his friends and family. Whether it was dropping everything to drive halfway across Texas and "get it done" in order to help a friend, or being incredibly generous with his time and kind words so that his children and his grand children knew beyond any doubt that he was proud of them and loved them deeply, or especially the deep, unstinting and sacrificial love that he shared with the love of his life, his wife Pat, his Schatzi. Schatzi is German for jewel or treasure and was a special name for her that he continually used for over 60 years starting when he served in Germany. Pat and Bob enriched each others lives beyond measure, and the two of them literally and deliberately set a foundational example of marital love and respect for their entire family, or anyone else that would sit still long enough for Bob to chat up.

For those who may wish, donations to the Josh Pollard Memorial Scholarship Fund or flowers for the service would honor him well.

MEMORIAL SERVICESMONDAY, APRIL 29, 202411:00 AMPORTER LORING NORTH

GRAVESIDE SERVICEMONDAY, APRIL 29, 20241:00 PMFT. SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Please click here to view the Josh Pollard Memorial Scholarship Fund.