Robert Glen Apffel

Glen lived a full, eventful and rich life. He was gifted in his storytelling recalling specific details and memories of his colorful life. Anyone lucky enough to listen to his stories quickly realized how much he enjoyed life. He prided himself in being the family’s historian. Chronicling family memories, old photos and letters and many times his family counted on him to provide family events and recollections.

Glen grew up in Houston, graduating from Lamar High School in 1954. As a young man one of his most memorable jobs was at the legendary Shamrock Hotel in downtown Houston. There he encountered and observed many luminaries or celebrities of the time who stayed at the hotel. Serving as an elevator attendant he recalled one evening where a very young Elvis Presley who was just starting his career, with a young fan on his arm rode the elevator and dropped off on his floor. Glen got such a kick out of these kinds of interactions and it was these types of experiences that provided an early introduction to a lifelong fascination with Hollywood, show business and celebrity gossip. Not to mention his friendship with fellow Lamar High School alums Tommy Sands and Tommy Tune.

He decided that theatre and drama was something he wanted to pursue. He went on to attend Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, TX for two years before transferring to UT Austin’s Drama Department and graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Upon graduation he taught Junior High School Drama in Big Springs, TX and then in Middletown, NY.

Being in such close proximity to New York City in the early 1960’s he found himself in the Big Apple as often as he could, especially to attend Broadway musicals and plays. He remembered those times fondly and loved the moments he spent before or after a show for a cocktail or two at the historic Gramercy Park Hotel.

In 1963 Glen returned to Texas and received his certification in Special Education and Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. He served as the Director of Recreation and Camp at Austin State School. After his time at the Austin State School, he became the Director of Admissions, Principal and Camp Director at Marbridge Foundation in Austin, TX. It was at Marbridge where he found his true calling of working with and caring for residents with intellectual disabilities.

Glen was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Austin, later becoming an active member at Redeeming Grace Lutheran Church. He looked forward to and loved his Sundays at church, especially on those days when they had a potluck after service. It was Glen’s sociability that he was known for. He also enjoyed his regular Tuesday routine of attending Bible Study.

As a semi-retirement gig, Glen owned an Acquisition Antiques and Books Dealership.

Glen loved museums, antiques, plays, musicals, art books and history. He loved music and his TV was set to only one channel, TCM, so he could watch his classic movies that he loved so much. Glen loved life, making friends, traveling and enjoying his chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. He will be missed by so many who loved him and those he loved.

Glen is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Apffel and Audrey Apffel, sister Carol Gaddis and brother-in-law Frank Gaddis. Glen is survived by nephew Tim Gaddis and his wife Sherrie, of Beaumont, TX along with their kids, Glen’s great-niece Katie Korte and great-nephew Tyler Gaddis and Niece Teri Gaddis of Georgetown, TX; Niece Tracey Cantu and her husband Felipe (who Glen nicknamed “The Keeper”) and their son, Glen’s great-nephew and his best buddy Benjamin of Austin, TX.

Thank you to Hospice of Austin, especially Emily, Theresa and Matt for their loving care.

There are not enough words to thank the staff and friends at Marbridge - Duncan, Marcus, Scott, Maggie, Enrique, Stevie, Olivia, Ginger, Glyn, Nicole, Valerie, Erica, Jennifer, Mickey. Just know he’s “still kicking A”. So many roads and relationships lead to and from Marbridge. Life came full circle for Glen to spend his last few years at Marbridge. There was no place he’d rather be and he was dotted on until the very end.

Thank you to Curtis for checking in on him daily, being his driver to church and being the brother he “never wanted”, Ella for being his constant baker and opera date. To Aaron - what began as a professional relationship blossomed into a profound friendship. More than just a dedicated nurse, he became a trusted confidant, barber, and spiritual advisor who brought immense joy to everyday moments, especially during their cherished outings.

To Cynthia, Micah, Dallas and Carolyn for years of care and friendship. And to his most recent newfound friend Jim who started out as a volunteer through Hospice. To Cheryl for taking him to church on Sundays and Bible Study on Tuesdays and visiting regularly. He truly had more visitors than we could keep up with and for that we are grateful.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, June 13 at 10am at the Marbridge Chapel, 2310 Bliss Spillar Road, Manchaca, TX. A reception will follow at Redeeming Grace Lutheran Church, 1010 W. FM 1626. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Marbridge Foundation in Glen’s name https://www.marbridge.org/donate/