Robert Joe Zumwalt

Robert “Bob” Zumwalt, 91, passed away August 11, 2014. He was born in Fredrick, Oklahoma on November 25, 1922. He is survived by Betty, his loving wife of 66 years; two daughters, Janet Lair and Beverly Roberts; two sons-in-law, Paul Lair and Charles Roberts; granddaughter Kelly Lair; and grandson Cameron Lair and his wife, Anna.

When World War II broke out, Bob tried to enlist in the Air Force as a pilot, but was turned down because of a poorly healed broken arm. He returned to college at Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State), until he was drafted by The United States Army in 1943. His supply company was sent to Europe after the D-Day invasion to support the troops after The Battle of Omaha Beach. He served in France, Belgium, and Germany until the war ended. After his discharge, he returned to Oklahoma and finished his college education. At college, he met Betty, the light and love of his life. After the wedding, Bob joined Shell Pipeline as an accountant and worked for Shell for more than 30 years, making many lifelong friends before he retired in 1985.

Bob and Betty loved to dance. They took dance lessons for more than 30 years with a special group of friends. They were members of The Lords and Ladies Dance Club, The Quadrille Dance Club, and danced at The Houston Club and The Petroleum Club most Friday nights.

Music was a passion and pleasure for Bob. He began singing in high school, and performed through the years as a soloist, as a member of several barbershop quartets, and more recently, as a member of The "Balladeers," who performed at local churches and nursing homes. He also led the singing for The Gibson Class at Bellaire United Methodist Church, where he and Betty were members for more than 50 years. God's choir is more beautiful now that he has joined the chorus.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to caregivers Linda, Susan, Reyna, and Silvia for their compassion, friendship, and skilled assistance.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 15, 2014 with a Celebration of Bob's Life commencing at 11:00 a.m., at Bellaire United Methodist Church, located at 4417 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, Texas. Burial will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bellaire United Methodist Church.