Robert L. Creel

September 11, 1922 – January 20, 2015

Robert Lee Creel, known as R.L. to all his friends and relatives, passed away January 20, 2015 with his family by his side. R.L was born in Livingston, Texas, the 2nd child of 10 children born to Jim and Leora Creel. The family moved to Pelly, Texas where R.L. went to school and worked. R.L. learned his work ethics at an early age. He delivered ice into customers home during the depression years in the early morning hours before school. Imagine that today. R.L. enjoyed his time at Robert E. Lee High School making friends that would last a lifetime. He excelled in sports and was the co-captain of the 1939 Gander football team. He stated he liked football because it enabled him to travel and see other towns and places. Sometimes, they would even spend nights with families of opposing teams due to the long drive home. He was honored his senior year by his peers to be named Mr. Robert E. Lee of the class of 1940.

After graduating from REL High School, he worked various jobs helping to support his family until joining the United States Air Force in 1942. R.L. was honorably discharged in November 1945. He returned to Baytown and began working at Ted's Auto Supply. There he advanced to lead salesman taking great pride in knowing the various parts by site.

In November of 1945, he married the love of his life, Thelma Adams Creel. To this union was born five children, Sharon Lee, Robert Dwayne, William Reeves, Mark Allan and Mary Margaret. R.L. and Thelma moved to Highlands, Texas in 1953 where they opened their business, Creel's Auto Parts and Service. R.L.'s business endeavors included several hats. While maintaining his auto parts business R.L. began a career in real estate in 1958. This career would span 53 years and he was recognized by the TX Real Estate Commission in 2010 as maintaining his broker license for 50 consecutive years. R.L. was instrumental in developing several subdivisions in the Highlands area, which provided new homes for the growing community. R.L. was proud of his community and was involved with various organizations. He joined the Highlands Rotary Club in 1955 and remained an active member for 55 years. He was awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow in 1981. As his children got older and were able to help him in his different businesses, R.L. put on another hat and began his 38-year career with New York Life Insurance Company. R.L. loved to work! He enjoyed meeting and greeting and helping people. He woke up every morning looking forward to what the day would bring. R.L. was able to continue to work in the insurance and real estate business until 2010 when he changed hats again. He retired to be primary caregiver for his wife during her battle with cancer.

As much as he loved his work, he loved his family more. R.L. was a devoted son, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, loving uncle, brother and friend. R.L. was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 67 years, Thelma Adams Creel, brothers Lemuel (J.L.), Cullen Bryant (C.B.) and George Dennis; sister, Karen White; and his youngest son, Mark Allen Creel. He is survived by five sisters, Jimmyrtle Rogers, Daris Galloway, Jeanette Haddox, Coya Eddleman, and Loretta Moreau; and by two sons and two daughters and their families; Sharon Biehle of St. Louis, MO, Robert Dwayne and wife Patty of Bryan, TX, William R. and wife Cindy of Dayton, TX, and Mary Margaret Creel of Humble, TX. R.L. was ""grandpa"" to eight grandchildren, Blake Spanier and wife Bonnie of St. Louis, MO; Coady Creel and wife Ty of Budapest, Hungary; Casey Creel and wife Jennifer of Humble, TX; Blair Biehle and wife Sarah of St. Louis, MO; Hillary Armstrong and husband Luke of Dayton, TX; Alex Creel of Baytown, TX; Jana Creel of Pensacola, FL; and Mary Catherine Creel of Bryan, TX. In addition, R.L. was ""grandpa"" to five great grandchildren: Colin and Lila Creel, Randy and Ryan Armstrong, and Brooklyn Biehle.

R.L. enjoyed a long and successful career, a wonderful loving family, but his top priority was living for the Lord. R.L. and Thelma raised their children attending Peace Tabernacle Church and later Harvest Temple. He was a devoted Christian, living his life by example for others to witness. He maintained his faith throughout, both good and bad times. He will be missed by all who knew him, but he is in a better place today, resting in the arms of his lord, reunited with Thelma, enjoying all the rewards God has promised.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff and residents at Remington Park, who helped make R.L.'s latter years both enjoyable and fulfilling. Additionally, the family appreciates the caregivers from IPR Home Health Care and the staff at Magnolia Place Skilled Nursing Facility for their compassionate care during his final days.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, January 25, 2015 at Navarre Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 26, 2015 at the funeral home with Rev. Orin Flynn officiating. R.L's nephew, James (Buddy) Creel and wife Jeannie from Casper, Wyoming will provide music for the service. Burial will follow at White Cemetery in Highlands.

Honoring the family as pallbearers will be Coady Creel, Casey Creel, Luke Armstrong, Alex Creel, Rocky Creel and Weston Cotten.

In lieu of usual remembrances, donations in R.L.'s memory can be made to the Highlands Rotary Club, PO Box 892, Highlands, TX 77562.

To view his online obituary, or post a tribute to his family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook drive, Baytown, Texas 77521, (281) 422-8111.