Robert William Gilmer

Bill was born July 4, 1946, in Amarillo, Texas, to the late Robert and Gloria Gilmer. He was their only child.

After earning a B.A. from the University of Texas at El Paso and an M.A. and Ph. D. in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, Bill worked as a research economist at the Institute for Defense Analysis in Arlington, Virginia, and the Institute for Energy Analysis in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Bill then held the principal economic forecasting position on the staff of the Chief Economist at the Tennessee Valley Authority. Bill then served for 23 years as a Senior Economist and Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. He joined the Houston Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas as a senior economist in 1989, focusing on energy markets. He co-managed the 11th District’s regional economic analysis. He was the officer in charge of the bank’s El Paso office from 2003-2012. After retiring from the Federal Reserve in 2012, Bill took a role as Director of the Institute for Regional Forecasting in the University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business. He was recognized for his knowledge of regional economics and was a respected voice in the field. Additionally, he was a valued mentor to many.

Driven by a strong sense of curiosity, which was paired with a delightful sense of humor, Bill was a lifelong learner and researcher. He had a passion for travel, discovering new things, and finding the story at the heart of his research efforts. Bill endeavored to make meaningful impacts to those around him through his mentorship, guidance, and thoughtfulness. Bill’s legacy will be carried forward by those who had the privilege of knowing him. His remarkable life will forever be an inspiration, a testament to the power of an indomitable spirit enthused with curiosity and resilience. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Maryann Gilmer. He is also survived by his daughter Anna Laurence, and son-in-law, Andrew Laurence, of Aurora, Illinois. He was also a beloved grandfather to Adam (age 6) and Elijah (age 2).

The Gilmer family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at A Caring Touch Hospice and Agape House in Spring, Texas, who took great care of him in his final days of life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Bill’s name to his childhood church, Zion Lutheran Church in El Paso (2800 Pershing Dr, El Paso, TX 79903; 915-566-4667), or to his alma mater, the Department of Economics at the University of Texas (2225 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712; 512-471-3211).