Robert Odum Whitley, age 86, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024 after suffering ongoing health issues for a number of years.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Whitley (married 66 "long" years, according to both of them); his four children - Jennifer Barrera (Alex Barrera), Devin Hathaway, Michael Whitley (Nathan Hall), and Karen Whitley; his grandson Alex Barrera III (Jessika Roesner), and sisters Helen, Lucille, and Eva Jo.  Awaiting him in Heaven were his parents, Elijah J. and Stella Mae Whitley; brothers Jack, Bill, James David, and Charles; and his beloved grandson, James Daniel Barrera.

Robert was born in Birmingham, Alabama.  He joined the Air Force after high school, and soon afterward met and married the love of his life – Shirley Osminer.  Ten months later (Shirley's mom counted!) they had their first daughter.  Ten years after that, doctors predicted a very large boy during their third pregnancy, and Robert nearly fainted when the second baby popped out during the delivery.

After the Air Force, Robert had a long career in the private sector, most notably working 15 years at Brown and Root and 16 years for Harris County.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in General Studies from the University of Houston after diligently attending night school for a number of years.  Along the way, he thoroughly enjoyed camping vacations with his family, and later, summer vacations with his grandsons, Alex and Danny Barrera.  He will be sorely missed.

A vigil for Robert will be 5pm-8pm Wednesday, September 4, at Klein Funeral Home, 16131 Champion Forest Drive – visitation 5pm-6:30pm, rosary at 6:30pm, and vigil service 7-8pm.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Thursday, September 5, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 7810 Cypresswood Drive. There will be a reception immediately after Mass, in McGivney Hall.

Serving as pallbearers are Alex Barrera Jr, Alex Barrera III, Donna and David Bernsen, Sharron Murphy, and Grace Woll.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the scholarship fund named in honor of his beloved youngest grandson – send to Knights of Columbus, Council 10861 (put Danny Barrera Memorial Scholarship in the memo), 7810 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77379.