Robert "Bob" Louis Stech
September 30, 1931 ~ September 6, 2025
Robert Louis Stech, best known as "Bob", of Palestine, Texas, passed away on Saturday, the 6th day of September 2025, with his devoted wife by his side. He was 93 years of age when the Lord called him home to his eternal residence. Mr. Stech was born in Houston, Texas on the 30th day of September 1931 to parents Alvin Edmond Stech and Juanita Mary Burke Stech.
At a young age Mr. Stech joined the United States Navy and served aboard the U.S. New Jersey. After returning home from the military, he attended Masonry School to become a brickmason. He worked many years as a masonry contractor in Waco, Texas and returned to Houston to continue his trade. He worked as a brickmason for over 30 years. In 1981 he moved to Palestine with his family and began teaching his trade at the Windham School System as a vocational teacher until his retirement in 1997.
Mr. Stech was a Christian and a faithful member of the Crockett Road Church of Christ, where he devoted much of his free time to helping with various tasks around the church. He also enjoyed listening to country music and volunteering at the Dogwood Jamboree. Mr. Stech had a passion for the Dallas Cowboys, hunting, fishing, and traveling. On his adventures around the world, he would collect unique rocks that he would bring home as souvenirs. Above all, he loved his wife and family and the time they were able to spend together. He was dearly loved, will be missed forever, and never forgotten.
He is preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Juanita Stech; daughter, Karryn Ballard; son, Alan E. Stech; sisters, Mary E. Brown and Elouise Paleramo; and his brothers, Alvin E. Stech, Jr., Vernon Stech, Richard Stech, and Raymond Stech.
Mr. Stech is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Stech; children, Stacey Meador (Michael) of Nacogdoches, Donna S. Meyer of Longview, Robert L. Stech, Jr. of Spring; stepchildren, Curtis C. Donaldson of China Springs, Billy Mark Donaldson (Debbie) of Waco, and Donnell Scott Donaldson of Waco. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren with one on-the-way, several great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and special friends, Pamela Combs, Tammy Collins, Belinda Adams, and Eva Walker.
Funeral services to celebrate Mr. Stech's life are to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 14th day of September 2025 at Crockett Road Church of Christ with his good friend and minister, Dan Manuel, officiating the service. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Land of Memory Cemetery.
Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Crockett Road Church of Christ.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Steve Camp, Jim Ricard, Ben Donaldson, Chad Donaldson, Chase Meador and Bobby Lopez. Honorary pallbearers include Dale Sparks, Dwight Franklin, Dan Manuel, Steve Holmes, Caleb Donaldson, Chris Donaldson, Mario Sedillo, Jr., and Cristian Lopez.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed toward "Give Me The Bible" television program, P.O. Box 288, Palestine, TX 75802 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to special caregivers Dr. Michael Gorby, Hospice Plus, and Legacy at Town Creek for their loving and compassionate care.
We kindly request that you take a moment to express your condolences and share any cherished memories you may have by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon below. Your words of comfort will undoubtedly bring solace to his bereaved family.
Funeral services for Robert Louis "Bob" Stech are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Bob and Mary were wonderful supportive friends to my mother in law, Wanda, especially while she suffered the last years with her cancer. We have fond memories of Bob and Mary.. o remember how hard he worked at the church and I know he will be sorely missed by many. Our prayers and sympathies to Mary and the family.
The Wilkinson’s
Charmaine, Mike, Rebekah & Joseph
Sweet Bob always had a smile and something nice to say. We will always miss him. Our deepest sympathy for the family
Mary I am so sorry for your loss. I will not be able to attend Bob’s funeral as I will be out of town. My prayers and thoughts will be with you.
Aunt Marynell, Stacey and family… We have so many memories of Thanksgivings and Christmases spent with y’all and watching the Cowboys play! Uncle Bob was so easy to love and we will remember him forever!! Our hearts go out to all of you. Love and hugs. Pam and Larry
I met Bob Stech several times at different get togethers with Donnell Donaldson; he was a very kind and sweet man who loved his family. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Sincerely, Carol Schrader
Uncle Bob would always talk to me whenever I would call. I looked for his brother for years. Once I meet him I did realize he was a sweet man. Love Mary as well. She helped me to have knowledge of family health history. This was many years ago and I still appreciate her and Uncle Bob.
To a man who loved the Lord and his family, especially his lovely wife Mary Nell. Bob was a very active and dedicated man who loved doing things that were constructive. As his family, we will never forget the love he shared and the way he served God with honor.
Our love,
Mark and Debbie Donaldson