Captain Robert S. Bruce

Captain Robert S. Bruce, US Navy, passed away in Houston on the 27th of October 2025. He was 90 years of age. He was a highly accomplished chemical engineer, a longtime active and reserve duty officer in the United States Navy, and a devoted family man.

Bob was born on the 2nd of January 1935 in Ballinger, Texas to Robert E. Bruce and Maxine Yates Bruce. He graduated from Ballinger High School in 1952 as class valedictorian, from Rice University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and from the University of Houston in 1970 with a Master of Science degree. In 1956, Bob received a commission as Ensign and Damage Control Officer aboard the U.S.S. Southerland, commencing a thirty year career (both active and reserve duty) in the U.S. Navy, where he achieved the rank of Captain. In 1958, Bob began his professional career as a chemical engineer with Ethyl Corporation of Deer Park, Texas (now known as Albemarle Corp.), staying with the company until his retirement in 2000.

He married Christine Peterson of New York City, New York on the 8th of December 1962, raising four children with her. Bob and Christine lived a fulfilling life together in their adopted hometown of Houston, beloved by their family and numerous friends. Christine passed away in 2016, and Bob remained devoted to her memory for the remainder of his life.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Julia B. Justice and son-in-law Richard Faig of Houston, Texas; his son, Robert E. Bruce and daughter-in-law Jennifer L. Bruce of Las Vegas, Nevada; his son, Carl M. Bruce and daughter-in-law Chanel Bruce of Humble, Texas; his son, David Y. Bruce and daughter-in-law Camila Bruce of Severance, Colorado; his granddaughter, Jenna C. Justice of Houston, Texas; his grandson, Cameron B. Justice of Austin, Texas; his grandson, William H.H. Bruce of Las Vegas, Nevada; his grandson, Robert S. Bruce II of Las Vegas, Nevada; his grandson, Jonathan A. Bruce of Humble, Texas, and his grandson, Noah P. Bruce of Humble, Texas.

Friends are cordially invited to gather with the family for a visitation to celebrate Bob’s life from four o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 6th of November, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

In accordance with his wishes, Bob is being cremated. Prior to the visitation, the family will have gathered for a private inurnment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston where he will rest in the mausoleum niche next to his beloved wife Christine.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Bob’s memory may be directed to the Houston Food Bank, c/o Donor Services, 535 Portwall Street, Houston, Texas 77029, or by accessing the link below by clicking under 'Donations.'

We invite you to take a few moments to share memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selectin the 'Add a Memory' icon below under 'Show your Support.'