Robert Eugene Burell

Robert Eugene Burell (Bob) of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the age of 90. He was born on December 18, 1935, in New Hempstead, New York, and grew up in Mobile, Alabama.

A man of quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to his family, Robert lived a life marked by service to God and others.

He graduated from Auburn University in 1958 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, launching a distinguished professional career marked by both technical excellence and professional adventure. He worked as a Project Manager for Chemstrand/Monsanto for 23 years and later for S&B Engineering for 20 years. Among his most notable projects were a major $100 million olefins project in Chocolate Bayou, Texas, as well as refinery, co-generation, and plastics manufacturing projects across Texas and Kansas.

Robert was a faithful and active member of College Park Baptist Church for 44 years and most recently Westland Baptist Church after moving to West Houston. His church was the center of his spiritual life and service. Whether participating in AWANA, serving in the Singles Ministry or as a deacon, working on church committees, or fixing something that needed repair, Robert gave generously of his time, skills, and heart. He lived out his faith through action, always ready to help wherever he was needed.

His love for Marilyn began at a beach picnic, and in God’s providence that moment grew into a lifelong marriage. His love for the white sands of Pensacola Beach never waned, and through it he passed on to his children a shared love for the beauty, peace, and wonder of God’s creation. He also enjoyed staying active and loved sports, playing tennis and golf weekly and enjoying a good game of baseball in his younger years. Of all his athletic accomplishments, he was especially proud of his hole-in-one, which brought him great joy and more than a few stories to tell.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Emily Burell.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Marilyn; his four children: Lea and her husband Roger Manny, Michael Burell and his wife Teresa, Donald Burell and his wife Blair, and Susan and her husband David Holzknecht; his eleven grandchildren: Jacob (Karen) Holzknecht, Melissa (Alberto) Jimenez, Blake (Michelle) Stubbs, Rachel (Mark) Pomeroy, Scott Burell, Abigail (Brett) Wilkerson, Jordan Burell, Taylor Burell, Rob Holzknecht, Alyssa (Nicholas) Asaro, and Joshua Burell; and his four great-grandchildren: Annie Pomeroy, Gael Jimenez, Levi Pomeroy, and Gio Jimenez.

Robert was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for the countless hours he spent tinkering around his home and church—always building, repairing, and improving whatever he could—along with his steady volunteer service, gentle spirit, and remarkable generosity. It was rare to find a photograph of Robert without one of his grandchildren or great-grandchildren sitting happily in his lap, a quiet testimony to the deep love he had for his family. Anyone who knew Robert knew how deeply he loved his family and how faithfully he served his church.

The family would like to thank his many caregivers for the compassion, kindness, and dignity they showed Robert during his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend the following services:

Visitation

Forest Park Westheimer

12800 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77077

Friday, January 23, 2026 | 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Service

Westland Baptist Church

1407 W. Grand Pkwy S., Katy, TX 77494

Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.

Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Interment will follow at Forest Park Westheimer, with a reception afterward in the Event Room at Forest Park.

Those wishing to honor Robert’s life may do so through flowers or a memorial donation made in his honor to the Parkinson’s Foundation (the direct link is just below the obituary), both of which are gratefully received. Your gift will not only honor Robert’s life, but may also help extend the life of his beloved wife, Marilyn, who is also living with Parkinson’s disease. The Parkinson’s Foundation continues to make meaningful strides toward understanding, treating, and ultimately curing this devastating illness. Thank you for your kindness and support.

Notes of encouragement may be sent to Marilyn at:

1321 Park Bayou Dr.

Apartment B-302

Houston, TX 77077