Robert “Bob” Walsh
Robert “Bob” Walsh, 91, passed away on January 23, 2022, in League City, Texas. He was born on January 31, 1930, in Syracuse, New York to John Leo and Mary Rose (Savard) Walsh. Preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Myra, sister Janet Connor and brother James Walsh, Bob is survived by his son Kevin Walsh (Stephanie); daughter Eileen Walsh, sister, Carol O’Hara (Tom) of Englewood, Florida, sister-in-law, Doris Walsh, of San Rafael, California.
Bob graduated from St. Anthony of Padua High School in Syracuse, NY then went on to earn a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Syracuse University and a MS in Aeronautical Engineering from St. Louis University. He began his career in aeronautical engineering with McDonnell Aircraft in 1952 in St. Louis and proudly supported several different projects, including the F-4 Phantom aircraft and the Harpoon missile.
Bob met Myra in St. Louis when their respective church social groups attended a joint gathering. They married in 1955 and welcomed a son and a daughter in the early 60s. A transfer to Houston in 1974 to support the Space Shuttle Program brought Bob and his family to the Clear Lake area, where he resided until his death. Bob retired from McDonnell Douglas after for more than 30 years of service. He then joined Rockwell International and continued to support the Space Shuttle Program until his retirement in 1995. Bob was most proud of his work as the Ascent Checklist Book Manager and his role in ensuring the success of Shuttle launches. Bob and Myra celebrated 51 years of marriage before her death in 2007.
Bob was a faithful parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Nassau Bay and served for many years as an usher, lector, greeter and Eucharistic Minister.
A visitation and vigil will be held on Monday, Jan. 31 from 6pm-8pm at Crowder Funeral Home at 111 E. Medical Center Blvd. followed by a funeral mass on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s at 18223 Point Lookout Dr. in Nassau Bay, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Bob’s name to PBS: Public Broadcasting Service.
Dear Kevin, Eileen and wider family circle) we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Such a lovely man. I’m honored to have met him. I’m also honored to count his daughter my closest friend. I’m very sad to hear of his passing, but I know he and Myra are together again, and this is beautiful to meditate upon. My deepest sympathies to Eileen and Kevin, and other dear family members.
So sorry for your loss. Bob was a kind and friendly man. I met him during the monthly lunches of the retired McDonnell Douglas employees, when I accompanied my husband, Brian Schoonmaker, to those lunches. He liked talking about his family and his love for biking. He was always friendly with a warm smile. I feel blessed to have met him. May he Rest In Peace.
Bob was my inspiration during the summer and throughout the year. He was a dedicated summer swimmer and a truly dedicated bike rider all year round. Even in coldest temps Bob was helmeted and bundled up for his bike ride.I couldn’t keep up with him on his biking adventures to I45 when NASA on was under construction. Yikes! He was the kindest person I have ever known and I always enjoyed hearing about the latest project for Eileen and Kevin’s academic work. He was so proud of you both. I’m happy that he’s back with Myra because he missed her so. We were fortunate and blessed in every encounter with Bob. Peace be with Bob and Myra and all of us who loved him.
My most sincere condolences for the loss of such a beloved man. Prayers, peace and light for all who knew and loved him.
Condolences, Kevin, Eileen, for your loss. Sent lovingly from Lakeland, Florida and amplified by my wife Cat and children Tilly and Manny.
Uncle Bob was such a positive influence on my life. So honoured to have known him. Deepest condolences Eileen, Kevin and the wider circle of family and friends.
what a wonderful person Bob was. always greeted you with a smile. We will miss him. we were honored to know him and will keep y’all in our prayers.
Liz, Chris and Jacob Miller, musicians at St Pauls
I have missed seeing Bob. A die hard swimmer and bicyclist. Always on the move. Enjoyed our conversations. Very interesting and positive man. Truly cared deeply about his family and friends. My condolences to the family on your loss.
Dear Eileen, I know your father was such a wonderful father and a great friend and colleague to many as well. I remember meeting him once while you and he were bicycling I think. So friendly. No doubt, he will be missed by family, friends, and colleagues. Shann and I both are praying for your comfort and our deepest condolences. Much love to you and your family.
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I am one of his McDonnell luncheon mates. I knew Bob much earlier since we both worked at McDonnell Aircraft. I started in 1953. We did not work in the same department so our time together was just when we might have met in technical meetings. We both came to Houston in 1974 for the Shuttle support contract. I probably got to know Bob much better at the luncheons. We would talk of our days in St. Louis and the various projects we worked on. We were the old men of the group and I will miss him.