Robert Reynolds LeClercq

Bob was born September 1st, 1930, to John Schuman LeClercq, Jr. and Ruth Reynolds in Dallas, Texas where he lived most of his life. From a young age, Bob exuded joie de vivre, exploring his Oak Lawn neighborhood with new friends who would become life-long pals. He loved big screen shows and sneaking into blues clubs, and his experiences at the movies and listening to iconic musicians influenced Bob’s style for the rest of his life. He delighted in the unstoppable toe-tapping beats of jazz and country. Asleep at the Wheel was among his favorite country groups.

Bob suffered the tragic early deaths of his magnanimous older brother, honorable father, and first-love, the mother of his children. Nevertheless, Bob’s optimism and zeal for life did not fade. He was forever cheerful and humble. He loved to deliver a joke at his own expense and hear others laugh.

Following his brother’s death in the Pacific War, Bob attended the Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana. He adapted well to the regimented standards, and he kept the routines and values instilled in him for the rest of his life. Like Admiral William McRaven, he believed it was important to start everyday making his bed, followed by shaving then polishing his shoes. Until his last days, he prepared a balanced breakfast with coffee, greeting the day by spreading sunshine to anyone in his presence. His homes were spotless and the walks to his doors meticulous.

After attending Southern Methodist University, Bob began a career as a successful and hardworking entrepreneur. His first business was a pet store. He had a monkey as a favorite pet and loved animals. He thought he didn’t know how to do much, but he knew how to work, and he loved meeting people. He happily moved into traveling sales, enjoying his seat behind the wheel of a big car covering the southwestern U.S. During his excursions, he bumped into all kinds of folk—Billy Graham, Bob Hope, Jane Mansfield, Swanky McFarland, Arnold Palmer, Mohammad Ali, Dolly Parton, Sam Walton, and many more. Bob never met a stranger.

In 1970, he married his beloved second wife, Billie. Together they opened a retail business in Richardson named LeJon. The store’s success led to an early retirement that would not stick and a move to Wimberley, TX. In Wimberley, he and Billie quickly jumped back into retail and opened Billie-Bob’s Knob, a travel destination for busses from the San Antonio area. Another attempt at retirement took him to the mountains of New Mexico before he finally settled downtown on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Bob enjoyed civic participation on retail boards and actively participated in local governance. While in San Antonio, he strolled the streets as an Amigo Ambassador and active member of the Downtown Association. Membership at St Mark's Episcopal Church culminated Bob’s dedication to the Episcopal church where he and Billie are interred in the columbarium.

Bob enjoyed fishing excursions to South America as well as little jogs to Falcon Lake. Broadway shows and touring musicals, fine restaurants and big bands, eating fish and key lime pie were some of his favorite things.

During his time in San Antonio, Bob discovered the Nimitz Museum, now known as the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas. He dedicated himself as a volunteer and sponsor out of respect for his country and brother, John Schuman LeClercq III. Lt. LeClercq was killed in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944 while serving on the Samuel B. Roberts, a destroyer escort. The museum was Bob’s passion for more than 20 years, volunteering every weekend until shortly before passing. He served as president and a leading sponsor of the Samuel B. Roberts survivors’ group, leading the effort to build the Roberts’ Pavilion at the Museum of the Pacific War. He was honored as one of the few civilians in the Samuel B. Roberts brick memorial walk for his outstanding dedication.

In addition, he provided important family WWI and WWII collections to authors John Wukovits and Jim Hornfischer, and to the National Museum of the Pacific War and the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City.

Shortly after the death of his beloved wife Billie, Bob moved to San Marcos, TX where he resided for six years, remaining staunchly independent next door to his daughter Lee. He outlived many of his lifelong friends and cherished the few surviving. Visitors called him “a lovely man” and an amazing role model for living his last years with such gusto.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John Schuman LeClercq, Jr. and Ruth Reynolds; brother, John Schuman LeClercq, II; first wife, Letty Lucille Hambright; and soul-mate, Billie Charlene Armstrong Wheeler.

He is survived by his two children, Letty Lee LeClercq Williams and husband David, and John Robert LeClercq: his five grandchildren, Kendra Lee Williams Beneski, MD and husband Jeff, Morgan Elizabeth Williams Grogan and husband Eliot, John Schuman LeClercq IV, Josh Robert LeClercq, and stepson John Spiars and wife Shanna. He is also blessed with five great-grandchildren, Piper Lee Grogan, Carlos, Larissa, Jenna, and Matthew Spiars, and one sister-in-law, Ann Armstrong.

Bob’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Hope Hospice of New Braunfels, Linda Epperson and Dave Guenther for their love and care in his final year.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:National Museum of the Pacific War (Nimitz Museum), 311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

https://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/join-give/donations.Hope Hospice at 611 N Walnut Ave. New Braunfels, TX 78130 https://www.hopehospice.net/donateSt. Mark’s at 315 East Pecan, San Antonio, TX 78205 https://www.shelbygiving.com/App/Form/70076eaa-cc13-4e30-bcdd-3b7d91f1ae8e

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 8th, 10:30 A.M. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in downtown San Antonio at 315 East Pecan in the Bethlehem Chapel. Family will be receiving friends thirty minutes prior to the service. Reverend Beth Knowlton will officiate.