Robert Heep

Robert Wayne “Bob” Heep was born November 10, 1934, in Stonewall, Texas, and died peacefully at his home in Bandera on October 9, 2021, at the age of 86. Bob was the youngest of six children born to Maxwell George Heep and Olga Jenschke Heep. He was raised in the Texas hill country along the Pedernales River, a hard worker from an early age. He attended middle school and high school in San Antonio, playing offensive left tackle at Central Catholic High where he wore jersey number 25.

Three days after graduation from high school, Bob followed in his brothers’ footsteps, enlisting in the US Navy. He proudly served with the 7th Pacific Fleet in Sasabo, Japan. Returning home on the USS Frank Knox, Bob served an additional four years in the naval reserve before receiving his honorable discharge in 1962.

Bob graduated from Texas A&M on the GI Bill with a Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering degree. He was hired by DuPont and later by Champion Papers, earning his Texas Professional Engineers license while employed with Don Love. He completed his career as an independent contractor working on construction projects across the country until his retirement in May 2001.

A man of simple pleasures, Bob taught his children that wealth is not to be found in material possessions. He encouraged us in all our endeavors, taught us to fish, and raised us to believe we could do anything we set our minds to. Bob loved baseball, windmills, and his family. He had little interest in formal religion but believed in angels and felt close to God. He was a quiet man who lived life on his own terms. The grace with which he managed his final days will be a lasting inspiration to all who were honored to share them.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Max and Olga; siblings Jake Heep, Isabel Heep Molberg, John Henry Heep, and Almon Heep; and an infant son, Gregory Allen Heep. Left to cherish Bob’s memory are his sister, Bernice Heep Gianotti; a son, Jeffrey Wayne Heep; two daughters, Cynthia Heep (and David) Spence, and Deborah Heep (and Timothy) Baker; grandchildren Ashley (and Roby) Fitzhenry, Parker Spence, Kelli (and Micah) Ramos, Sarah Spence, and Amy Baker; great grandchildren Addy, Norah, and Madden; Almon’s son, David Heep, and Al’s widow, Jean; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Interment will be at Fort Sam Houston where full military honors will be provided.