Obituary of Robert Allen Rippel

Robert Allen Rippel, 69, passed away Friday, March 17, 2017. He is preceded in death by his parents, Christy and Ruth Rippel. Bob was survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sandra Rippel; daughters, Beth Boyes and husband, Robert, Melanie Thomas and husband, Bill; sister, Jane Komaromy and husband, Paul; grandchildren, Ali Langston, Ashley Langston, William “JR” Thomas, Amber Langston, Lauren Boyes, Dustin Thomas, Tyler Langston, Carlee Thomas, Adam Boyes; great grandchild, Hunter Thomas; and a host of other family and dear friends. Bob was an unbelievable husband, dad, and grandpa! There was never a question about his intentions in life. He knew he had a purpose to live as a disciple of God and lived it to his fullest. His love for the Lord was mighty. Bob was a strong Christian and taught his whole family to keep their priorities straight, putting God above all. As a family, if we had to choose three words to describe him, they would be loving, faithful, and social. Bob was definitely a social butterfly. He could have a conversation with almost anyone. Even his local community could recognize him and call him by name. He sure knew how to make people's day. Bob also valued education. He was a proud Mountaineer and attended West Virginia University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and taught us all to work hard for the blessings we want. Another special thing in his heart was taking annual vacations with his loving wife of 51 years, Sandra Rippel. His last trip took place in July 2016 for his 50th wedding anniversary to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse. It was obvious he loved to travel. He went from calling Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, California, and lastly the good ole lone star state of Texas, home. Nevertheless, those are just the places he lived. He took vacations all over the country, with favorites being Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, and Colorado to see the beautiful Garden of the Gods. If you knew Bob, you knew that he absolutely loved nature. He loved it so much that he would gladly watch the Windows channel just to see the scenery of God's breathtaking creations. You could ask him any question about mountains, lakes, plants, and flowers and without a doubt he'd have an answer for you. He was the most gracious man and made sure to always provide flowers for his beloved wife. Bob even loved nature so much that he grew and maintained his own garden in his backyard. He and his grandkids would take buckets outside and pick all the fruit he grew such as peaches, lemons, grapefruits, apples, and tangerines. Bob had his fair share with fishing. He was, as he always said, “an avid fisherman.” He loved to take his grandkids fishing every chance he could! He also loved to hunt, and most importantly, spend time with his wife and grand kids. He had an all-around kind loving soul. Everyone who had the opportunity to meet him knew how special of a person he was. He always had a big smile on his face with those sparkling blue eyes. He called all his grandchildren his widgets. You would never catch him in anything other than a collared shirt with a huge front pocket. We all knew who to ask for a pen because his pocket would be full of them at all times. As for the grandkids, he was the best grandpa we could've ever asked for. He supported us in each and every event we took place in. From wearing his ball cap and shades to sit out at the ball field all day to watching dance competitions. He was a true supporter. He taught us several valuable lessons that we will cherish forever. Grandpa's house was always open for grandchildren 24/7. Just as grandparents are stereotyped, he always had food to offer us, from the personal mini pizzas to his all-time favorite Blue Bell ice cream. We all knew where to run when in need of a helping hand. He would comfort us with anything and everything. We are forever grateful for the sweet loving servant of God that he was to all of us. He directed us to follow our dreams as long as we gave God all the glory. As we part our ways, it's not a goodbye, it's a see you later. Because someone we love is in heaven, there's a little bit of heaven in each of our homes. We love you so much dad, grandpa, and outstanding husband. You are truly a gift from God. Services for Bob will be held at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581. The visitation will be held Tuesday, March 21, 2017 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. The funeral service will take place Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 11:00 am with Reverend Marie Fuhrken officiating. Interment will follow the services at SouthPark Cemetery in Pearland, Texas.