Bob Pace, 90, passed away on September 13, 2026, at his assisted living residence in Houston, Texas. He was born on May 8, 1936, in Hobbs, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his parents, Coy and Evie, and his siblings, Don, Dorothy, Harrison, and Ralph.
Bob earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Oklahoma State University. He then joined the Army and served in Germany during the Cold War in an artillery brigade overseeing Nike Ajax and Hercules missile systems. When the Berlin Wall went up, his tour was extended by a year. He was later honorably discharged as a Captain. He was especially proud that all of the Pace brothers served in the Army overseas and all made it home.
After his military service, Bob returned home to Midland and worked for a year to help save his father’s business after his father unexpectedly passed away. He then built a respected career as an expert in drilling fluids, working for 29 years with Baroid. His work took him around the world, and after his time with Baroid, he continued to share his knowledge through consulting. He was a proud lifetime member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
He is survived by his three sons, Stephen (Rose Williams), Daniel (Margaret Greco), and Jonathan (Vanessa); and his granddaughter, Bernadette. Beyond his family, Bob loved old movies, especially westerns; anything with James Garner or Tom Selleck; and music by Nat King Cole, Perry Como, The Carpenters, ABBA, Caterina Valente, and Sarah Brightman.
Bob will be remembered for his intelligence, exceptional memory, curiosity about the world, devotion to his family, patriotism, and deep appreciation for the people who helped him along the way. His long and accomplished life leaves a meaningful legacy for those who knew and loved him. He was especially grateful to Dr. Charles Yen, whom he credited with giving him ten more years of life after his cancer diagnosis.
A Visitation will be held at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038, US, on October 16, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.
A Committal Service will take place at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, US, on October 16, 2026, from 1:15 pm to 1:45 pm.
