Robert V. (Bob) Palko was born in Cleveland, OH on October 20, 1926 and died in Houston, TX on July 10, 2012.
After graduating high school Bob served in the US Navy from 1944-1946 serving in the Pacific Theater in WWII. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy Bob attended and graduated from Ohio University. In 1952 he married his wife Barbara and they moved to Texas where they had 3 sons. Bob went to work for Western Auto and retired from there in 1970. He then entered his second career in education and taught DECA. He retired from GPISD in 1987 and enjoyed golfing and collecting antique Weller pottery in his retirement. Bob achieved what few golfers do; not 1 or 2 but 3 holes in one.
Bob was a member of the Association of Texas Professional Educators, the Cowan Pottery Associates, the United States Golf Association and Texaco Country Club.
Preceded in death by his wife Barbara and his eldest and youngest sons Bob, Jr. and Bruce, Bob is survived by his middle son and daughter-in-law Bill and Debbie Palko of Houston; granddaughter Abby Cantrell of Ada, OK; grandson and granddaughter Steven and Michelle Palko of Houston, TX; great grandsons Tyler and Oliver Cantrell of Ada, OK and sister Joan Munson of Idyllwild, CA.
A celebration of Bob’s life was held at 10 am Friday, July 20 at Holy Trinity United Methodist Church in Houston with the Reverend Paul May officiating. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Houston Hospice, Holy Trinity or the charity of your choice.
Published in Houston Chronicle on July 15, 2012