Memorial service: 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 9, at Carr Chapel, 2855 S. University Drive, Fort Worth. Interment: Robert will be buried in a private family ceremony in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery with military honors.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please make donations to R. Merle Palmer Minority Scholarship Foundation, Tacoma, Wash.; MultiCare Health Foundation, Tacoma, Wash.; Charles Wright Academy, Tacoma, Wash.; Fort Worth Country Day School, Fort Worth, Texas; Berkshire School, Sheffield, Mass.
Robert never knew a stranger and was known to many for his big smile, warm eyes and open heart. In March 1935, Robert was born to Richard and Margaret Minnerly in Yonkers, N.Y. He attended Charles E. Gorton High School. After his high school career, Robert attended Brown University where he played football, pledged Delta Upsilon and was elected class vice president. Following graduation, Robert married his high school sweeheart, Sandra. Through the Brown ROTC program, Robert was commissioned into the Navy where he became a naval aviator flying for the VP-44 squadron.
After departing the Navy, Robert started his teaching career at Rumsey Hall School in Connecticut. Shortly thereafter, he became headmaster of Berkshire School in Sheffield, Mass. During the summers, Robert would teach at the Salisbury Summer School in Connecticut. Robert then became the new high school principal for Fort Worth Country Day School in Fort Worth, where he also enjoyed coaching the high school baseball team.
After several years at FWCDS, Robert accepted a position in Tacoma, Wash., as headmaster of Charles Wright Academy. Although he no longer had to chaperone dances, he still was afforded the opportunity of continuing his coaching career with the middle school boys' baseball team. While at CWA and after his retirement, Robert was a community leader through several organizations, serving on the Washington State Board of Education, Tacoma's American Leadership Forum, Broadway Center Board, and MultiCare Health Foundation Board. He also served as directors of the Lemay Car Museum and the R. Merle Palmer Minority Scholarship Foundation.
Through opportunities and challenges, Robert became a man many admired. He was graced with a great sense of humor and his warm smile welcomed all into his office. He was patient and enjoyed watching and supporting the personal growth of students, teachers, board members and ball players. He was often times seen with his hands upon his head, observing the world. He is now able to sit back, relax and take in the game.
Survivors: Robert is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sandra Minnerly; sons, Scott Minnerly and his wife, Genoveva, John Minnerly and his wife, Annette; daughter, Sydney Minnerly and her partner, Shannon Dennis. He also left four beautiful grandchildren, Stephanie, Katalin, Charles and Abigail. Robert is also survived by his brother, Richard Minnerly, and sister-in- law, Beverly, and their children.
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