Former county attorney Bob Scheske remembered for service to community

Longtime former Gonzales County Attorney Robert “Bob” Scheske passed away at his home Sunday, Aug. 11, at the age of 77.

Scheske served as the county’s primary prosecutor for misdemeanor offenses from January 1981 until his retirement in December 2008, a period of 28 years. Not only was Scheske member of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association (TDCAA) since 1981, but he also organized and developed the Rural Prosecutor’s Organization. He also was a life member of the Gonzales County Bar Association.

Scheske also served his hometown of Gonzales in a number of other ways, including as a former president and board member of the Gonzales Chamber fo Commerce & Agriculture and as a board member of the Gonzales Area Development Corporation since its inception in the 1970s.

Born in August 1946 in Gonzales, Scheske was one of the first players in the Gonzales Little League as a boy. He graduated from Gonzales High School in 1964 after serving as class president and manager for the Apaches football team.

Scheske attended Texas A&M, studying business administration as a member of the A&M Corps of Cadets. A member of the Class of 1968, he would later be a member of the Gonzales County A&M Club, serving as president and Muster chairman. He was also a member of the Century Club of the Former Students Association at Texas A&M University and the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Association Alumni.

After graduation from Texas A&M, Scheske entered the US Air Force after graduation, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He then went on to attend University of Texas Law School in Austin before coming back home to Gonzales to practice.

Seeking to honor the heritage of Gonzales County, Scheske played a crucial role in the incorporation of Pioneer Village, securing land and preserving historical structures. Wanting to protect the community, he created and served on the board of Gonzales County Crime Stoppers, educating students on drug prevention dressed as McGruff the Crime Dog. A friend of education, Scheske served on the Citizens Advisory Committee for Gonzales Vocational Schools and led the Boys State Leadership Program at the American Legion Hall for more than 20 years.

After being sponsored by Elgin Heinemeyer, Scheske became a member of the Gonzales Noon Lions Club in the 1970s and served more than 46 years, including as president, Tail Twister and a member of the board. His work on major projects, including the Lions Club parks, Pavilion, Playscape, and Lions Club Carnivals, significantly enriched the community. He was also a life member of the Gonzales Elks Lodge for more than 46 years as well.

Scheske honored fallen high school classmate Tommy Chenault in 2019 by helping establish the Come and Take It Memorial Golf Tournament which awards thousands in scholarships annually. For all of his community involvement, Scheske was given the Chamber’s highest recognition, the David B. Walshak Lifetime Achievement Award, in 2023.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to The Community Foundation of The Gonzales Area (CFGA), providing Gonzales County, students and faculty educational scholarship opportunities, continuing Robert's lifelong commitment to service, education, and community. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 75, Gonzales, TX 78629.