Colonel Robert Henry Sholly
Colonel Robert Henry Sholly, 80, statesman and gentleman of great achievement, passed away on January 19, 2019 with his wife, Peggy, by his side. He was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico on April 24, 1938 to Maurice and George Sholly. Colonel Sholly is survived by his wife of 15 years, Peggy T. Sholly; daughters: Kimberly Fay, husband Patrick, Susan Foster, husband Mark, and Cheron Berastaqui, husband Stephen; sons: Keith Housholder, wife Teresa, John “Jay” Housholder, wife Sherie, Mark Sholly, and David Sholly; 15 grandchildren; brother, Dan R. Sholly, wife Tana; and multitudes of others who knew and loved him.
Bob was a man among a men, a humble man of great passion and high achievements who loved to play the piano and sing to his wife, Peggy and to wander the terrain of Big Bend National Park where he had grown up. He was and remains a much beloved husband, father, Grandfather, and a friend to many. He was a witty, gentle and kind man who was a great story teller. Bob was affectionately known as Colonel Bob and GrandBob. He loved his men like sons and his step children as though they were of his own blood.
As a 15-year resident of Pearland, TX, Bob faithfully attended St. Helen Catholic Church. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and retired as a highly decorated Colonel and Combat Veteran after 35 years of service. In 1988 he was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Col. Sholly is a recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Superior Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, along with many more medals and commendations. He was an expert in Counter Terrorism, a professional speaker, corporate executive, National Racquet Ball Champion, Best Selling Author, and an activist for Healing Wounded Warriors with Wilderness. Bob also holds one of the earliest Parachutist Licenses but most importantly he is a beloved Husband, Father and GrandBob.
A funeral mass with Military honors will be said on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 10:00a.m. at St. Helen Catholic Church, 2209 Old Alvin Road, Pearland 77581.
Everyone who knew and loved Colonel Robert Henry “Bob” Sholly are invited to attend. Bob was cremated so there will be no funeral.
Memorial donations maybe made to: St. Jude, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or M.D Anderson, 1515 Holcomb Blvd Houston, TX 77030.
May he Rest in Eternal Peace.
I salute you Colonel; you are an American Hero
Dr. Erasmo “Doc” Riojas
I’m sorry for your loss The Colonel was a great man he gave me a military coin it meant a lot to me. The family is in my prayers.
I am glad I had the opportunity to meet COL Sholly and become his friend
Rusty, will this suffice for Taps?
Peggy and family. I am so sorry for your lost. I know how he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jo Ann Hamilton Davis
The Barclay family sends it’s heartfelt condolences. His legacy among us is that he was a hero that helped bring many men home, that would not have returned had he not been among us.
‘Bobby’ was a dear friend of my mother’s from their shared childhood in Big Bend. I enjoyed knowing him through her stories and then later more personally. May he rest in peace and may his family and friends find comfort in his memory and the knowledge that he now walks with God.
Oh no! I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was an incredible man and inspiration to many, myself included. The relationship you two had was beautiful.
Peace, comfort and prayers for all who feel the loss.
Dion and Cheryl McInnis
I served with Colonel Sholly in the UNSTSO headquarters during the Peace for Galilee campaign. He was a remarkable, kind and superior leader.
I served with then-LTC Bob Sholly at UNTSO from June 1981 to December 1982 when he was the Chief Operations Officer (COO) – G-3 in “US Army talk” – for HQ UNTSO. Years later we reconnected when I bought his book, “Young Soldiers Amazing Warriors”. To my amazement, the book arrived with his autograph and a detailed personal note. Then we lost contact again. This evening, I was trying to contact him again and sadly found instead that he has passed away. He was far more than just my boss; he was truly a friend. I’m very sorry to learn of our loss – but heaven’s gain.
I am so sorry to have just learned of Bob’s passing. He was one of those special people that we all were lucky to have known. I will say a special prayer for Bob and his family.
He was my grand father. I love him.
Peggy, I am so sorry to see Bob gone. I know what it feels to loose someone you love.
Colonel Sholly was my friend’s big brother, Michael J.
Menchise Jr.’s Company Commander in Vietnam. Michael was
in B Company 8th Infantry 4th Infantry Division and was Pfc. .
Unfortunately Michael was killed in an ambush while on Patrol
on July 20th 1967 in Pleiku, ingaging forces of the NVA.
He mentioned Michael and others in his book, “Young Soldiers
Amazing Warriors.”. I spoke to him in 2017 I believe, on the phone and had a
very candid conversation about Michael and that incident. I told him
Michael was proud to have been in his Company and would tell him now if
he could. I would still like to get his book. I know he was a
good man and Officer. God bless to him and his Wife Peggy.
Karl T. Botkin, Iraqi Freedom Vet. ’05-’06 USN, USNR Ret. .