Robert Kenneth Burchard

Robert Kenneth Burchard, 88, of Gonzales, Texas passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Robert Kenneth Burchard was born in Gonzales, Texas on August 10, 1937 to Louis Henry Burchard and Mary Mildred Newberry Burchard. He graduated from Gonzales High School in 1955 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas in 1961, serving as Foreman of the Texas Cowboys. After moving to Houston, he earned his Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law in 1968.

Bob married Bonnie Townley Graham of Houston in 1969. They returned to Gonzales, where he began his legal career and continued the family business, Burchard Abstract and Title Company, which he owned and managed for over 40 years. He helped found and then served on the Gonzales Economic Development Council for many years.

Bob was enthusiastic about the history of Gonzales and never wavered in his commitment to telling its story. Motivated by this, he wrote Gonzales: The Beginning, a historical presentation on the founding of Gonzales, which was performed over 100 times, including twice at the Alamo, and inspires performances to this day.

Determined to enhance the city, he served as Chairman of the Gonzales County Historical Commission and Chairman of the Gonzales Beautification Committee. He helped to found Gonzales Master Gardeners and also established the Texas Independence Relay, a 200-mile relay race from Gonzales to San Jacinto, all in an effort to tell the story.

Bob was an advocate for higher education in Gonzales, helping establish the Gonzales Center of Victoria College and then serving as a member of the Victoria College Advisory Board- Gonzales Center and the Victoria College Foundation Board.

Most of all, Bob was passionate about his faith in Jesus Christ, earning a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His legal background and zeal for the Gospel made him quite an orator. In addition to teaching and preaching, he shared his love of Christ through his wisdom, encouragement and quiet generosity. He especially loved writing songs about Christ’s love with his granddaughter.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Graham Burchard and his brother, William Frank Burchard. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Louise Berry, son-in-law, Mark Berry and beloved granddaughter, Bonnie Berry, who brought him so much joy. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law - Kay Kirkland Burchard of Midland, Terry Graham Upton and husband David of Houston, Penny Graham Garison and husband Tim of Houston, and Robin Graham Cowsar, and husband Edward of Fredericksburg. He was also a very proud uncle to his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A private service was held by the family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Victoria College Foundation - “Gonzales Center Support” www.victoriacollegefoundation.org. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com.

Services were under the direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.