Robert Isaac Gindler

Robert (Bob) Gindler, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024, at the age of 94. He was born in Houston, Texas, on June 2, 1929, to Henry and Esther Gindler of Weimar, TX. Bob was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Laurie Gindler.

Bob graduated as valedictorian from Weimar High School in 1947 and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with honors from The University of Texas at Austin in 1951. Upon completing college, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and attended OCS at Ft Riley, Kansas. After receiving his army commission, he was transferred to Ft. Lee, Virginia, where he met and married Laurine (Laurie) Lam on April 21, 1954. Laurie’s dad, Chaplain Alfred P. Lam performed the wedding ceremony in the Ft. Lee Chapel.

After his military service, Bob joined his brothers, Otto and Davis, in the retail department store business, settling in Hallettsville, Texas. The Gindler Brother’s partnership later opened stores in Gonzales, Columbus, La Grange, Yoakum, and Smithville, in addition to the Weimar and Hallettsville locations. The brothers also owned and operated several Ben Franklin Stores.

In addition to his successful career, Bob was deeply involved in civic and community service. Bob was a past president of The Lavaca, Dewitt, Gonzales Counties Texas Ex-Students Association and organized the first scholarship fund for area students attending The University of Texas. He was a life member and past president of the Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, twice winning the Outstanding Community Citizen Award, a past president of the Hallettsville Lions Club, a member of The American Legion and Masonic Lodge, a past president of the Lavaca River Flood Control District, and a member of the Hallettsville City Council from 1964 to 1970, serving as Mayor Pro-Tem 1969-1970. He served as President of Hallettsville Industrial Corp and was active in The Texas Retailers Association, serving as State Chairman in 1995-1996.

Bob was a Cub Scoutmaster and Explorer Scout Leader and was awarded the Order of the Arrow in 1975 by The Boy Scouts of America. In 1973, he helped organize The Lavaca County Ambulance Service, serving as first president for the Hallettsville unit. He also worked as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician. Bob was an area coordinator for CPR and First Aid Training in the Golden Crescent Area for The American Heart Association, and was elevated to Regional Faculty in 1998 when he founded South Texas CPR Associates, training over 3,000 persons annually in CPR in the region. In 1998 Gindler was selected as Golden Crescent Citizen of the Year and in 2004 he was instrumental in getting AEDs placed in area police and fire departments.

Bob was a man of faith, a member of Temple Israel in Schulenberg and Williams Trace Baptist Church in Sugarland. He was also committed to preserving the history of his Jewish heritage and served at one time as Director of the Texas Jewish Historical Society.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and a positive impact on the lives of those he touched. He is survived by his son David and wife Alyson of Austin, TX, daughter Anne of Austin, TX, grandchildren Drue of Tulsa, OK, Brett and his wife Georgia of Houston TX, his sister-in-law Marian Gindler of Gonzales, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In celebrating the life of Robert Gindler, we remember a remarkable individual whose contributions will be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory be a blessing.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday January 28, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Beck Funeral Home in Pflugerville. The family invites all family and friends to join us at the service and afterwards at Rio Grande Restaurant on Ed Schmidt Blvd. in Hutto where we will celebrate and honor Bob’s love of good Tex-Mex and margaritas.

In lieu of flowers, Bob asked that friends consider supporting Temple Israel in Schulenberg. Gifts can be sent to the Temple using Zelle at tischulenburg@yahoo.com or by sending a check directly to the Temple at P.O. Box 602, Schulenburg TX 78956.