Robert Boyd (Bob) Pheil

Bob Pheil found eternal peace on December 6th shortly after turning 99 years old. A devoted husband, father, Grandpa and Great Grandpa, he is survived by his loving family: sons, Robert B. (Lisa) Pheil II and Joe (Carol) Pheil; grandchildren, Christopher (Amy) Pheil, Tomi (Adam) Miranda, Hillary (Stefan) Cadra and Robert B. (Tara) Pheil III; great-grandchildren, Joshua Pheil, Madeline Pheil, Mackenzie Pheil, Brendan Stephens, Ethan Miranda, Camille Cadra, Raia Pheil and Kaila Pheil. He was looking forward to the upcoming birth of his first great-great grandchild, Naomi Rose. He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Minnie Tom (Tommie) Pheil; parents, Joseph Albert and Vallie Marie Pheil; and an infant sister.

Bob was born in Carroll County, Illinois, at home on the farm his family sharecropped. He graduated from Lanark High School in 1937 and continued to work the land with his father until age 22, when he joined the Air Force. After completing basic training in Rantoul, Illinois, he was sent to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. There, he met the woman who would remain his life partner, Tommie, at a nearby restaurant/dance hall while out for a night on the town with some friends. After only a 49-day courtship, the two were married and would remain so for the next 73 years.

After World War II ended, Bob was stricken with polio and encephalitis. He was hospitalized for two years. After acclimating to life in a wheelchair, he became a payroll clerk for a clothing manufacturer. Later, he retired after working for U.S. Customs at the airport.

Bob was a gifted woodworker/carpenter who made many items out of necessity during the Great Depression. Many years later, he used his talent to create items such as clocks and animals for displaying around the home and as gifts for family members.

Bob and Tommie enjoyed many wonderful trips together, including Hawaii, Paris and London. They had the pleasure of seeing their sons grow up and form families of their own. Grandchildren and then great-grandchildren held a special place in their hearts.

A devout Christian, Bob was an active – and the oldest – member of the Prayer Ministry at The Fellowship of San Antonio. While spending many summers at the family farm in Illinois, he attended services at Lanark Church of the Brethren. He read his Bible daily and was a true testament to the power of faith, having persevered through many struggles, including World War II, polio and the death of his beloved wife.

The family wishes to thank the many friends who continually visited Bob over the past few years and the staff at Oak Park Nursing and Rehabilitation for the great care and compassion they provided during his last weeks.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 15th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Porter Loring North Chapel, 2102 North Loop 1604 East. Bob will be laid to rest with honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 29th.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Canyon Golf Road, San Antonio, Texas 78258.