Robert Chalk

Robert Chalk, age 77, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9th, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on September 29th, 1946 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to parents, Robert and Jewell Chalk. The family moved to Houston, Texas in 1948 where his brother Philip was born the following year. Robert attended Lamar University where he studied Photography, which would become a lifelong passion of his. This would prove to be a useful skillset when, in 1969, he was drafted into the United States Army to serve in the Vietnam War. He proudly served in the Medical Unit, photographing wartime injuries as well as enemy positions. Once back stateside, he was assigned to the burn unit at Walter Reed Medical Center and later Fort Sam Houston.

In Robert’s post-military career, he wore many hats. He took up flying and became a pilot, he worked as the Chief Photographer for the San Antonio Museum Association, he opened his own photography business, he even served as a proud Alamo Ranger guarding the Shrine of Texas Independence. In his spare time, Robert enjoyed a number of hobbies. A few of these hobbies include honing his marksmanship skills at the shooting range, riding his motorcycle with his sons and late brother, and being a Mason and Shriner. Riding his motorcycle brought him a tremendous amount of joy. Though he first started riding in the 1970’s, his fondest memories were made in the 2010’s riding alongside his two sons and his brother Philip. Whether he was riding through the pine forests of East Texas or through the small towns and winding roads of the Texas Hill Country, Robert was in Hog heaven.

Robert took great pride in being a Mason and Shriner. He served his local lodge for a good many years and even served as the Worshipful Master of the Lodge. He helped organize, coordinate, and participate in fundraising efforts and every manner of philanthropic work carried out by the fraternity. This became a major part of his identity.

Of all the hats he wore and all the accomplishments of which he was proud, none brought him more joy and fulfillment than that of “Grandpa”. Whether it was little league baseball games, soccer games, or just running around the back yard, Grandpa was there. Even in his final days, his thoughts and most conversations were firmly focused on his grandchildren.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; Robert and Jewell Chalk, and his younger brother Philip Chalk. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Amanda Chalk; Richard and Evonne Chalk; Robert and Jamie Chalk; grandchildren; Arlie and Asher Bowlin; Richie and Charlotte Chalk; and Robby, Roderick and Rosslyn Chalk. He was particularly looking forward to welcoming the birth of soon to be baby Robin Chalk. He leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, strength and integrity.

Services will be handled privately followed by a private burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Shriner's Children’s Hospital.