Robert Leo Strickland

Robert Leo Strickland, known affectionately as Bob, passed away unexpectedly on June 28, 2016 in Houston, Texas at the age of 94. He was born in Beeville, Texas on December 12, 1921 to Edward and Clara New Strickland. Bob's great grandfather, Robert Kountz, fought in the Civil War and his grandfather, James New was a Texas rancher in Bee and Goliad counties who participated in cattle drives up the Chisolm Trail. Bob graduated from Brackenridge High School in San Antonio in 1940 and later that year enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He flew 46 missions as a radio gunner on the Martin B-26 Marauder in the European Theater of Operations. He was awarded the Air Medal with 8 oak leaf clusters. After the war, Bob attended St. Mary's School of Law in San Antonio, graduating in 1950.

Bob married Mary Margaret Peterson in 1946 and they were blessed with 2 daughters, Michelle Lynn and Stephanie Lee. Bob was privileged to serve as a Texas State Representative from 1953-1960 where his biggest accomplishment was being the lead sponsor of the legislation establishing the medical school in San Antonio. This bill was signed into law in 1959. After serving as a Representative, Bob became the first Republican elected to public office in Bexar County since Reconstruction Days when he was elected to Justice of the Peace in 1962. He was re-elected several times and served in that position for 15 years. Bob practiced law in San Antonio for over 50 years until a few years before his death.

Bob is preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Strickland. He is survived by his wife, Mary Margaret; daughter Stephanie Wilson and husband Cary; granddaughters Cortney Collins and husband, Kent; Cara Gustafson and husband, Nolan; great-grandson Cayson Collins all of Friendswood; and nephews, James and Melvin Hunt of Houston. If desired, contributions can be made in Bob's name to the Alzheimer's Association, Friendswood Animal Advocates or charity of your choice.

A private service is pending.