Robert Milam "Bobby" Munson passed away on Monday January 2, 2006, in Houston, Texas, at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. Mr. Munson was preceded in death by his parents, George P. and Louise Underwood Munson, and his brothers, General George P. Munson, Joseph U. Munson and John H. Munson; his sisters, Catherine M. Foster and Laura M. Ingraham; his son-in-law, Fred P. Schumm. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jessica L. Munson; his daughters, Suzanne and husband, Frederick "Sandy" Rhodes, M.D., Elizabeth M. Schumm, and Laura and husband, Jon Comola. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Melissa and husband, Grant Henry, Robert F. Rhodes, Anne Elizabeth Rhodes, Frederick M. Schumm, John U. Schumm, William B. Schumm, and Robert M. Schumm, Jessica Comola and Jacqueline Comola, and by his great-grandchildren, Ellen and Emily Henry, and his sister, Virginia M. McGee.
A fifth-generation Texan, Mr. Munson was born in the home of his great-grandparents, Ammon and Rachel C. Underwood, on October 20, 1918, in East Columbia, Texas, and reared on the family ranch in Bailey's Prairie, Texas, He was a direct descendant of the 300 family Austin Colony who settled Texas in 1823.
He graduated from West Columbia High School in 1936 and attended Texas A&M, Class of 1942. Mr. Munson served in the U.S. Navy, spending much of the war in school training for the U.S. Naval Air Corps.
After the war, he settled in Angleton and met his future wife. He joined the Ben D. Cannan Insurance and Real Estate Company, which later became the Munson Insurance Agency, where he enjoyed his career for more than 40 years. He retired in 1985 and enjoyed travelling, quail hunting, backpacking and was an avid sailor. His favorite hobby was carving birds and sharing these creations with friends.
Mr. Munson was a much-loved citizen of Angleton and Brazoria County. He served as Director of Brazoria Harbor Industrial Development Corporation, Port of Freeport, was a Masonic Lodge member for more than 50 years, past-president of the Noon Lions Club, a four-year member of Angleton City Council, and was a director of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a cherished member of the First Presbyterian Church where he was Deacon, Elder, and Trustee.
Services will be held on Friday, January 6, 2006, at First Presbyterian Church in Angleton, 130 South Arcola, at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Steve Floeck officiating. Burial will be at the Munson Family Cemetery following the service, located on Highway 35 west of Angleton, in Bailey's Prairie. The family will receive visitors in the church followship hall following the graveside service.
Visitation will be at Palms Funeral Home, 2300 East Highway 35 in Angleton on Thursday, January 5, 2006, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Pall bearers are Gaylon Hughes, DDS, Joseph U. Munson, John H. Munson, Henry Munson, William G. [sic] McGee, George K. Munson and James W. Stevens. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe H. Snow, Thurman A. Green, Joe H. Pate and Robert H. Pate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Angleton or a charity of your choice.
