It was a glorious, blustery West Texas winter day on January 14, 1931, when Elmer and Eula Brimberry were blessed with their fifth child, Robert William Brimberry. Beginning his life’s journey in Mineral Wells, Robert moved with his vivacious family throughout Texas, ultimately settling in Houston. Upon graduating from Lamar High School in 1949, Robert went on to earn a business degree from Texas A&M University and served in the Armed Forces as a first lieutenant during the Korean War.
Upon honorable discharge, Robert kick started his illustrious oil and gas career at Magcobar, a leader in drilling fluid innovation. Shortly thereafter, while crossing a crowded street in downtown Houston, he passed Florence Kiefer, and heads turned. It didn’t take long; church bells resounded on February 2, 1957 in honor of his late parent’s wedding anniversary.
As a young man, Robert would engage in “friendly” kitchen table debates with his mother, who hastily encouraged him to pursue a legal career; a dream he fulfilled by graduating at the top of his 1967 South Texas College of Law class, with a wife and two babies in tow.
An invitation to join the prestigious legal team at Dresser Industries soon followed, where his groundbreaking business acumen changed the way international negotiations were conducted and diplomatic relationships were fostered. He traveled the world, opening doors to leaders of countries that had long been closed, all the while forming life-long friendships with those he met and quietly helped along the way.
Retiring as the President of Dresser Trading in 1995, Robert relished in the glory of serving his church, and enjoying the company of his family: wife Florence Brimberry, daughter Ann Duhon (Phil), son Keith Brimberry (Cassie), and grandchildren Arden Duhon, Bliss, Lily and Baron Brimberry. He was also a voracious reader; a hobby that served as a distraction when his beloved Fightin’ Texas Aggies were not in a winning situation.
He is predeceased by his parents, brothers Elmer, Boyce, and Royce Brimberry and sister Yvonne Coddou.
Given his steadfast Christian faith, an open Bible was never far from reach, even as he joined his Heavenly Father on March 10, 2022 the day he shook hands with Jesus and left this world with a permanent imprint of his remarkable legacy.
A visitation for Robert will be held Thursday, March 17, 2022 beginning at 11:00 AM, with the Funeral service at 12:00 PM, Memorial Lutheran Church, 5800 Westheimer, Houston, Texas. Interment will follow at 2:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either Memorial Lutheran Church or Houston Hospice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.levyfuneraldirectors.com for the Brimberry family.
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