Robert Kyuin Yi

Robert Kyuin Yi, age 89, of Katy, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Born on March 7, 1936, in Paju, South Korea, Robert was the youngest of the four children of the late Chang-Sup Yi and Gan-Nan Yoon. He is preceded by his brother Kyu-Seng Yi and his sisters Kyu-Sook Yi and Kyu-Soon Yi.

Robert is survived by his loving wife Bong-Hui Yi; daughter Katherine Chonghui Moon and her husband Je-Hong Moon; daughter Maggie Kyonghui Bae and her husband Steve Changkee Bae; son James Sonho Yi; son Matthew Chuho Yi and his wife Claudia Huijong Yi; and eight grandchildren, Justin Taesik Moon, Jennifer Haesun Moon, Andrew Saejin Bae, William Hanjin Bae, Emily Yehjin Bae, Toby Jeesang Yi, Noah Jeemin Yi, and Jonah Jeehan Yi.

Robert was born and grew up on a family farm without electricity or running water. His early years were marked by the Great Depression, Japanese Occupation, World War II, and Korean War.

Robert met Bong-Hui in Paju, and they were married in 1963. He served honorably in the South Korean Army and immigrated to the United States in 1974 in search of liberty and new opportunities. Robert settled and brought his family to Houston, Texas on July 4, 1979, to start a new life. He and his family later moved to Katy, Texas in 1992.

Robert’s faith was central to his life. He was a lifelong devout Christian and a decades long member of the Korean Christian Church of Houston, where he served as a deacon. In the church, he also forged enduring bonds of friendship with others and maintained connection to the Korean community.

Robert was a hard-working, dedicated family man. He worked long hours as an entrepreneur to support his family. Robert was devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He put in his energy and love into looking after those he cared for most. Robert encouraged and supported his children and grandchildren’s academic pursuits. He also took immense pride in their personal and professional accomplishments.

Bong-Hui, Katherine, Maggie, James, and Matthew cared for Robert in his final years until his passing. Robert was a good son to his parents, a good husband to his wife, a good father to his children, and a good grandfather to his grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 5:00 pm on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and a visitation will immediately follow from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow in Memorial Oaks Cemetery