Robert "Bobby" Earl Kleas

Robert “Bobby” Earl Kleas, 92, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family Friday, August 18, 2017 after a lengthy illness. He was born November 21, 1924 in Palacios, Texas to the late Phillip and Myrtle McFarland Kleas. At the age of 5, Bobby’s family moved to Wharton where he met the “love of his life” Doris Pearl Schlick. During his school years in Wharton, Bobby was a member of the tennis, track and football teams. His love of music was evident by earning the honor of All State Band for four years playing the clarinet. After graduating Wharton High School, Bobby went to college at Texas A&M University. During his third semester, his entire class was drafted into WWII. Bobby proudly served his country by being on a mortar team in the Vosges Mountains in France. One night in a foxhole, in -20 degree weather, Bobby made a promise to God that if he survived he would dedicate his life to serving Him and his community. Upon returning to the states, Bobby and Doris married on August 28, 1946 and he completed his education at A&M with a degree in Bachelor of Science. Bobby and Doris then returned home to Wharton where Bobby began fulfilling his promise to God. Bobby was an active member in the First Presbyterian Church, coached Little League, and served numerous years on the City Council, WISD school board, Wharton Cemetery Association, Lion’s Club and the mentor program at Wharton High School. He also, along with his childhood friend, Dan Sweeney, diligently made sure Wharton was actively involved in the March of Dimes effort. He stayed active by playing tennis and daily walks around the neighborhood. Bobby also loved music and he loved to sing. He shared his talent just about everywhere he went especially church and the Lion’s Club but was most notably known for leading the Aggie Muster in “The Spirit of Aggieland”. Bobby also believed in hard work. He put his education to use assisting his father-in-law at Schlick’s Hardware. Upon her father’s death in 1959, Doris and Bobby continued to run and expand the business as Kleas Hardware until their retirement in 2000. They raised two children, Glenn and Jane and he made sure he instilled in them his love of God and this country. He dearly loved his five grandchildren and loved to watch Aggie football with them. “Papa” was equally loved by them and they will miss him tremendously. He adored his three great grandchildren and watching “their minds work”. Bobby loved life and he loved people. He strongly believed in God, this country, and education. He prayed daily for America and Her leaders as well as the men and women in uniform who defend Her and protect our community of Wharton. He had the unique talent of making everyone he met feel extra special and he fulfilled his promise to God. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law Marion and Frank “Jiggs” Maerz, and daughter-in -law Sandra Kleas. Bobby is survived by his wife of 70 years, Doris Kleas, son Glenn Kleas and wife Sharon, daughter Jane Rachunek, grandchildren Clint Kleas and wife Tara, Adam Rachunek, Chad Kleas, Jenna Rachunek, and Phillip Kleas and wife Lacey, great grandchildren C.J. Kleas, Rylee Kleas, and Jase Kleas. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 3:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Wharton with Rev. Debbie Cenko officiating. Burial with military honors provided by members of the American Legion Post 87 and VFW post 4474 of Wharton will be at Wharton Cemetery. Pall bearers are Adam Rachunek, Clint Kleas, Chad Kleas, Phillip Kleas, C. J. Kleas and Kirk Outlar. Honorary pall bearers are Travis Smith, Jr., W. D. McMillan, John McCain, Calvin and Mary Mahlmann, Andy Kirkland, Greg and Debbie Dimmick, Walter F. Davis, Roger Huebner, Taylor Huebner, Schlick Boettcher, Buck Boettcher, Earl Clary, Rylee Kleas, Jase Kleas and Dylan Johnston. The family extends their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Freda Jackson, Annette Irwin, the staff at Bay Villa Healthcare Center and Matagorda Regional Medical Center, Wharton EMS, St. Christus Ambulance Service and the El Campo branch of Houston Hospice especially nurse Lynn. Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.whartonfuneralhome.com For those that desire, the family has suggested memorials in Bobby’s name to First Presbyterian Church, 1602 John Knox Street, Wharton, TX 77488, Houston Hospice - El Campo, P.O. Box 1417, El Campo, TX 77437 or The Wharton Lion’s Club, 1924 N. Fulton Street, Wharton, TX 77488 “One more thing, Gig ‘Em!”