In loving memory of our dear classmate

ROBERT FELIX COLMENARES

March 14, 1947 – February 11, 2017

Robert ‘Robby’ Colmenares was born in Houston, Texas at St. Joseph’s Hospital.  He passed in to the open arms of our Lord on Saturday, February 11, 2017 after a valiant battle with Esophageal Cancer.  Robby grew up in Houston and attended Garden Oaks Elementary, Black Junior High and was a 1965 graduate of  Waltrip High School.  Robby received numerous athletic scholarship offers from several colleges. He chose a Basketball scholarship at Grayson College in Denton, Texas.  Before college, Robby’s love for fishing and adventure on the water, landed him on the M&F Juanita, a 62’ Shrimp Trawler.   Along with his 67 year old Captain, he spent weeks at a time offshore commercial shrimping.  Many life experiences were learned from that hard work.  After college, Robby went to work for Oshman’s Sporting Goods.  Robby applied for a warehouseman’s position but was hired as men’s clothing salesman. Robby met Debbe at the offices of Oshman’s and began their life together in late 1972.  Over his 25 year career with Oshman’s, he was promoted from Assistant Store Manager to Vice President/Merchandise Manager – Field & Stream. A perfect position because of his love for hunting, camping and fishing.  After leaving Oshman’s in 1990, he and Debbe, moved to Rockport, TX and opened Sunbelt Coastal, a Mercury Marine outboard motor and boat dealership, sales and service company.  In partnership with Mercury Marine, he created the first Texas Gulf Coast Saltwater Professional Guide program.  Sunbelt Coastal was also the first major sponsor of the Women’s Redfish Rodeo held several years in Rockport until it moved to the Laguna Madre. While in Rockport, Robby discovered his love of the game of Golf. His plan was to shoot par golf in three years…which few believed could happen.  But, with determination and a lot of  practice, Robby made it happen. He went on to win many Golf Tournaments in Texas.  He was most proud of winning the championship Member-Guest tournaments twice with his 90+ year old Dad in Montecello VA.   Robby and Debbe semi-retired to Cedar Park, Texas in 2002. He enjoyed many games of golf with his friends at Twin Creeks Country Club.  Robby represented TCCC team in the Texas ASA-CTC Austin Chapter, winning several tournaments. He was also TCCC 2007 Men’s Championship Flight Champion.  While living in Cedar Park, Robby went to work for his son in the Professional Employment Organization field.  Finally deciding on retirement in 2009, Robby and Debbe remodeled his Grandfather’s home in Kingwood and moved back to the Houston area.  They have enjoyed living in their home which is on a 10 acre lake his Grandfather dug in the late 1950’s.  

 Robby is preceded in death by his Grandparents, Esperanza and Felix Colmenares and Nora and Robert Fillingim; Mother and Step-Father, Ruthie and Bill Pellam; Aunt, Reba Scanlin; Great Aunt, Gloria Colmenares; Uncle, Sam “Sonny” Scanlin and Step-Mother, Margaret Colmenares.   Survivors include Debbe his best friend, soul mate and wife of 44 ½ years;   his Father, Emil R. Colmenares of Montecello, VA;  Step-Mother, Ellouise of Lufkin, TX, Son, Robert (wife Colleen), Daughter, Regina; Grandchildren, Madison,  Zachary and Michael; Brothers;  Emil Roy “Ray” (Kay), Carl (Linda), Carlton (Patti), Clinton (Trish); Sisters, Gloria (John) Skobel and Velinda; Sister-in-Law, Beverly Jackson and numerous nieces and nephews.   He is greatly missed by his furbaby girl, Yvette.  Robby is also survived by Efigenia Colmenares, the mother of his children.

The family would like to give their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kamal Khalil, Memorial Hermann Cardiac & Thoracic Surgeon; Dr. Katherine Lewis, GHPMA Radiologist; Dr. Ajay Mitter, GHPMA Oncologist; and the staff of Kingwood GHPMA Chemo Clinic.  Your efforts and care are so appreciated.

A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 2:00pm in the main chapel.  Arrangements are entrusted to Forest Park Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023.  For more information go to www.forestparklawndalefh.com. A Reception will follow after the service at Forest Park Family Hall.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, please consider a donating to Esophageal Cancer research or a charity of your choice.