Robert “Pat” Souther

Robert “Pat” Souther, 78, of Baytown, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2009, in a hospital in Houston. He led a wonderful and blessed life surrounded by loving family and a successful career. He was born as an only child to loving parents, H.I. and Lois Souther, and raised in Wichita Falls, TX. He had an idyllic childhood with many happy memories growing up in the extended family of his parents, which included a multitude of aunts, uncles and cousins in the Souther and Elder families. He enjoyed scouting and became an Eagle Scout. He went on to graduate from his beloved Texas A&M University, class of ’52, with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He was a member of the Corp of Cadets and upon graduation he was a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force. He proudly served his country for two years prior to beginning his 43 year career with Exxon (Humble Oil).

During the two years of military commission near Frankfurt, Germany, he met the love of his life, Patricia McGowan Souther, who was also serving our country as an Air Force Nurse. In storybook fashion, they met, fell in love and became engaged amidst the beautiful European backdrop. Their love never stopped growing over the span of six decades, and the lifetime of love and devotion between he and Patricia was one that rarely can be compared. Their married life began in Baytown, TX. He was blessed with three children and two daughters-in-law; Kathy Souther, Gary Souther and his wife, Lisa, Mike Souther and his wife, Becky.

His successful lifetime career with Exxon involved relocations to Walnut Creek CA, and Florham Park, NJ, before returning back to Baytown where he ultimately retired.

During his retirement years, he enjoyed the opportunity to develop and further many interests and hobbies. Those included golf, travel, cooking (he was known for his famous BBQ brisket and sauce!), fishing at the Galveston condo, and above all else, spending time with his wife Patricia, children and four grandchildren; Shelby and Shane Souther ( sons of Gary and Lisa Souther) and Avery and Ben (daughter and son of Mike and Becky Souther)

He was an active member of Grace Methodist Church and also especially enjoyed his time as a member of Kiwanis. It was a true blessing and honor for those family members and friends who were so lucky to have known him and the very special man that he was. He was the ultimate example of a great and loving man. The legacy of his strong character, loving, patient and generous spirit and wonderful sense of humor will live on forever in the hearts of those who were so blessed to have known him. He will be missed in more ways than words could ever express, but it gives us much peace to know he has returned home to be with our Father in Heaven.

The family received friends at Crespo & Jirrels Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2009, at Grace United Methodist Church, with Rev. Beverly Tune officiating. Burial will follow at White Cemetery in Highlands, with military honors. Memorial donations may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Baytown or St. James House.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crespo & Jirrels Funeral and Cremation Services, 6123 Garth Rd., Baytown 77521, 281.839.0700. To view the obituary or post a tribute to the family, www.crespoandjirrels.com