Robert Marvin Senter, III

Robert Marvin Senter III, 86 of Cranfills Gap, TX passed away on August 8, 2019 at his ranch. Robert was born on September 2, 1932 in Lubbock, TX to parents Robert Marvin Senter Jr. and Edith Irene Meier Senter. Robert’s parents purchased the Palace Drug Store in Teague, TX, where his father was the pharmacist. Throughout his youth, Robert helped his parents in the drug store business and on the cattle ranch. His father was a firm believer in community service and often had Robert deliver medicines to the disabled and those in need. A graduate of the 1950 class of Teague High School, Robert continued his education at Sam Houston State University, graduating with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agriculture. Always a patriot at heart, he was one of the first five students commissioned through the ROTC program at SHSU and was a member of the Lowman Rifles. Robert then joined the US Army and accepted a position at Fort Benning, GA in the Anti Aircraft Unit, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant.

In early 1962, Robert and his wife Joy moved their young family to Friendswood, Texas, where he taught Industrial Arts and Texas History at Friendswood High School. In 1964, they became one of the founding families of Friendswood United Methodist Church and were proud that the church’s phone number was set to ring at their house until the church found a permanent home.

Robert left teaching to accept a position as Administrative Officer in the Crew Systems Division of NASA, where he worked until his retirement 30 years later. Although he enjoyed the friendships he made at NASA, his heart was always in cattle ranching. A highly-skilled hunter and archer, Robert and his second wife Peggy travelled the United States, Scotland, Africa, and Alaska for unique archery, hunting, and sightseeing opportunities. Robert spent several of his retirement years developing an extensive archery program for the Bosque County 4-H youth program. He was always excited to share stories of the progress and growing self esteem that the youth gained from archery. Robert was honored to accept an award from the 4-H for his dedication and generosity to the 4-H archery program in a ceremony at the George Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Peggy Jo (Coleman) Senter, and daughter-in-law Paige Ann Russell Senter. He is survived by his loving children Sheree Sanders and her daughter Shelby of Farmersville, Carol Senter Kmiec of San Antonio, Stephen Senter and wife Susan and their children Jackson, Caroline, Clayton and Pearl of Friendswood, and Aven Senter of Bulverde. Additionally, Robert is survived by his brothers Donald Senter and wife Valerie of Corsicana, Steven Senter and wife Donna of Teague, and sister Judy Senter Russert and husband Roger of Midland, and close family friend Michael Walker and wife Lisa and their daughter Annice of Friendswood, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Robert was a sincere, kind-hearted, gentle Christian soul with many gifts and talents that he graciously shared. For him, family came first and believed in wise, patient instruction. Countless youth and students continue being recipients of his charity and knowledge. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, students, and his dogs Bell and Sadie. We take comfort in knowing God’s promises are true, and that we will all worship the Almighty alongside Robert in Heaven someday.

“And Jesus said to him, truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23:43

Funeral services will commence at noon on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church of Teague, located at 420 Walnut Street, Teague, TX 75860, with Rev. Richard Gillet officiating. Interment will be held afterwards at Greenwood Cemetery, located in Teague, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Paige Russell Senter Endowed Scholarship in Art History at Baylor University,
One Bear Place #97026, Waco, TX 76798-7026
www.baylor.edu/giving/memorialfunds

Words of comfort and peace may be sent to the family at www.lawsonfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements were made by Lawson Funeral Home, Meridian, Texas 254-435-2792 .