OBITUARY Robert Louis Le Pere June 9, 1945 – November 28, 2018 Robert Louis (Bob) Le Pere Bob died November 28, 2018. He was born on June 9, 1945 in Belleville, Illinois to Rita and Louise Le Pere. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Cathedral High School in Belleville.
He attended Southern Illinois University before transferring to St. Mary’s University. He had never seen the school or even been to Texas but he says that it was raining and awful weather before he crossed the Red River and after he crossed it was sunny. He always said he knew he loved Texas.
He graduated from St. Mary’s University with a degree in Political Science. He then enlisted in the Army and served 3 years in the JAG corp. He spent 18 months in Vietnam and his visit to the Vietnam Memorial was one of his most memorable experience.
Bob worked in retail till he was admitted to the University of Texas at Austin’s elementary education program. In Austin he and his wife Dorothy dated and married on March 31, 1973. After completing the program, he went to work for SAISD as an elementary teacher at Crockett, Travis and Hawthorne schools.
He was featured on channel 5 TV for his Reading Robot. This was the early 1970s and not much technology was around but he built a robot and his wife would record books that presented in class. The kids loved it.
He completed a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration at UTSA. Bob transferred to NESID and was a teacher, administration assistant, assistant principal and finally – his goal in life, a principal. He was at West Ave, Harmony Hills and Croker.
He helped open Redland Oaks and served as Principal at East Terrell Hills, retiring as Principal of Oak Grove Elementary. He loved the students, parents, teacher and staff. He was such a positive influence on them all.
He fought hard for services to special needs children as both of his children have learning disabilities. After retirement he became a farmer at the family farm in Floresville, Texas. He raised roses, olive trees, great vegetables and chicken for eggs.
He had found his home. Bob was a member of the Texas Olive council, the Democratic Party, Texas Retired Teachers Association, a life member of the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, an honorary life member of the Texas and National PTAs; he was a past member and Elder at University Presbyterian Church Bob was the funniest, most intelligent and kindest man. He was warm, generous, endearing, irreverent, sarcastic, informed and pretty stubborn.
He was a wonderful, patient father and a loving, entertaining and loyal husband. In addition he was a die-hard University of Texas sports fan. You could always tell if UT lost by his level of depression for the next few days.
Bob is survived by Dorothy his wife of 45 years, his children Christian W. Le Pere and Christa Lee Le Pere, his brother and sister in law, Dick and Sherri Le Pere, his sister in law Anna Wildenstein, his brother in law and sister in law Rudy and Karen Wildenstein, his niece and nephew, Greg (Carol) and Ann Trotter; 1 great niece and 2 great nephews. He leaves behind his dear cousins and host of beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and his mother in law Dorothy Wildenstein.
Memorial Services Saturday December 8, 2018, 3 PM at University Presbyterian Church with Rev. Andries Coetzee presiding. Bob wore a suit and tie for 36 years, he would want you to come comfortable and casual.
While the family appreciates the beauty of flowers, they request donations be made to RAICES, Raicestexas.org or Northeast Education Foundation, northeastfoundation.org or the charity of your choice.
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