Robert Earl Schendel, 67, passed away on September 8, 2012. Predeceased by daughter Erika, parents Earl and Pat Schendel, and brother Mark Schendel. Survived by his wife of 47 years, Karen, son Paul Schendel and wife Nora, son Brian Schendel and wife Susie, daughter Katherine Peterson and Colin Langston, daughter Margaret Wilson and husband Clayton. His beloved grandchildren are Sofia, Jake and Ava Schendel; Nathaniel and Kaitlyn Schendel; and Ethan and Dylan Wilson.

Bob was born on September 4, 1945 in Austin, Texas in sight of the Texas Capitol. He loved being a native Texan and took all the best Texan attributes to heart. He was a truly unique individual, independent, a free spirit, frequently stubborn although he called it determination. He attended Spring Branch High School and the University of Houston.

He was an inventor, taking after his great-great and great-grandfathers. During his professional career, Bob invented many electronic devices for the medical and oil exploration and production industries. He enjoyed his work very much and for his efforts was granted 13 patents. These included electronics for extreme temperature use in the downhole oil industry as well as various ultra-sensitive and high-accuracy transducers to measure flow, velocity and acceleration in the seismic and logging industries. He was never happier than when working on a project.

His interests were wide ranging. He loved playing tennis, always determined not to ease up on his second serve. He would rather have a double fault than let up on his second serve. He loved cheesy 50's science fiction movies, Thin Man and Charlie Chan films, M*A*S*H* episodes, UFO and science documentaries. He was also addicted to "Storage Wars," "Pawn Stars," "Mythbusters" and anything on Tru-TV.

He loved people of all ages and enjoyed talking to them. He literally never met a stranger, wherever he went. He couldn't speak any language except what he called "Texan," but that didn't stop him from chatting with people in Austria, Hungary or China. He always said a smile was the best greeting. He would connect anyone's electronics and did many times for both family and friends. He loved to help anyone who needed it. Everyone will always remember his wild hair and white shorts, his idea of formal wear. If children and dogs were considered judges, Bob would win the award.

A memorial service to celebrate Bob's life will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at the Humble Civic Center Special Events Room, 8233 Will Clayton Pkwy, Humble, TX 77338.

If desired, contributions can be made to Texas Children's Hospital in the names of Robert Schendel and Erika Schendel: Texas Children's Hospital, Office of Development, Suite 5214, P.O. Box 300630, Houston, TX 77230 or online.