December 11, 1924 - March 10, 2018
Robert Chambers was born December 11, 1924 in San Antonio, Texas to Alice Duke and Robert Chambers. He went home to be with our Lord on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the age of 93. He is survived by his wife of 72 years Rena Merkin Chambers. He is also survived by his daughter Terry Herrmann (Ralph), son Chris (Cheryl); grandchildren Tiffany Jureczki (Jeff), Carie Bodnar (Chris), Shelley Nicolai (Robert), Micah Chambers (Sunim); and 9 great-grandchildren. Papa's passion was his family whom he enjoyed spending time with! Bob served in the Navy in WWII. He was a teacher/coach, principal, and superintendent in the public schools for over 42 years in San Antonio, Boerne, and Lackland. He was a grand patriarch of the Chambers' family due to his wisdom, integrity, devotion and love. His advice was sought, not only by his immediate family, but also by his siblings, nieces and nephew, friends and grandchildren. He will be missed! Send donations to Thomas Jefferson Historical Preservation Society, PO Box 5567, SA, TX 78201-0557. Family will receive friends from 1-2PM, Friday, March 16th with a Service at 2:00 PM in the chapel at Porter Loring on McCullough. Interment will be private.
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Published by San Antonio Express-News on Mar. 14, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Chambers

Sponsored by Porter Loring Mortuary McCullough.

29 Entries

David Garza

June 8, 2019

Mr. Robert 'Bob' Chambers was my Principal during my years at Jefferson (1966-1969), When I was in my Junior year, he signed-off on me attending Fox-Tech Night School, where I earned my first Certificate as an Electronics (TV) Technician. I remember my late dad Joseph Garza Garza, Jr. (Joe Garza, page 82 class of 43 yearbook) telling me that he and Bob were class mates. Thank you sir for helping me along my career's goals. I spent the next 60+ years as a Communications Cable Specialist in the Air Force, an Electronics Technician/Journeyman Electrician/ Building Engineer, and owner of an Electronics Service Company. See you at the 'Banquet Table' ~~~~

Cliff Brannon

March 4, 2019

During An occasion searches this it is now that we take the time to look back and reflect on how much of an amazing man that Mr. Chambers was. It is With great pride that I can say I was a student of Thomas Jefferson but with that pride also came the input of the leadership Which made Thomas Jefferson the great school that it was terrier at the helm of that ship was Mr. Chambers who was a steady rock for many at this school. In his day he was a very strong advocate for Social change and racial integration. I don't think he ever saw the color of a student's skin. The influences that he left on many of his students are still carried on today by those students.

We thank you Mr. Robert Chambers!

Roger Lachele

March 21, 2018

Mr. Chambers captained a very able ship at Jefferson. No doubt, school budgets were as tight then as now, but he was able to offer us many opportunities through a very professional staff to learn and develop in so many areas despite the trying social issues of the day. I'm glad I was able to convey my admiration to him at one of the more recent reunion events. His memory lives on in the class of '70.

Peter Dahlberg

March 18, 2018

My condolences go out to all of your family. Bob was a great person and role model--not only while I was at Jefferson but going back to when he coached our YMCA baseball team and on into the many years after that as we got to gather with the family up in Boerne.

Mary Ann Sample

March 17, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Chambers passing. He was a great man and boss. When Area 1 superintendent of SAISD he was always there ready to give advice to those serving under him. He was always there to listen to any concern large or small. I appreciated the guidance he gave me. I will remember the family and Mr. Chambers in my thoughts and prayers. Chris was in my math class at Longfellow Jr. Hi.

Dan Rosen

March 17, 2018

Great appreciation for a man who treated students with respect, allowed them the latitude they needed to explore, and showed them the road to responsible adulthood by example.

Jerry McDowell

March 16, 2018

Deepest condolences to the family. Bob was a great role model to all. I thought of him often as I tried to be a better leader, and man. God bless him

Joe Jesse Sanchez

March 16, 2018

My deepest condolences to Mr. Chambers' Family. He was my boss and mentor as I was beginning my career in education in SAISD's Area 1 Office where he was Area Superintendent. He possessed a unique combination of knowledge, wisdom, fairness, and humor which made him the outstanding educator that I knew. His legacy is the students and colleagues that he assisted and advocated for throughout his career. May our prayers provide comfort during this difficult time.

M'Liss Graham

March 15, 2018

Mr. Chambers was first of all the parent who was at all school activities with my classmate, Chris, from 1st grade to graduation. Then, in high school, he became our principal. After 20 years in education, myself, I can genuinely appreciate the role of principal he portrayed with wisdom, integrity, and passion.

Luana Sandifer

March 15, 2018

As a former student from Thomas Jefferson High School, Mr. Chambers was respected as the Principal and authority figure. I have fond memories of his voice and his persona. We need more good guys like him in the school system. Rest in Peace "Sir".

Stanley Larry Taylor

March 15, 2018

Mr.Chambers a man ahead of his time. As a student at Jefferson during some sesmic shifts in country,Mr. Chambers was a advocate for change. Mr.Chambers brought a ton of cultural activities to Jeff,among them John Henry Faulk.
I along with other students ask to form a Black history club,he gave his approval in addition to one teacher who made a impression Judd Holt as club sponsor.
Mr.Chambers was a exemplary educator,well done Mr.Chambers.Condolences to family and especially Chris who was in my 1970 class.

Patsy Loven

March 14, 2018

I thought every principal was like Mr. Chambers...but then I learned that we had a special gem at TJHS. I do believe that God broke the mold when He made him because I've never met another man quite like him. Good man. Great principal and alum of TJHS. May you rest in peace. Thank you for everything! Proud member of the Class of 1973.

Michael CARDENAS

March 14, 2018

Michael CARDENAS,, Thomas Jefferson High School,,,Class of 1974,,RIP Principal Bob Chambers...Mighty Mustangs.

Jerry Bedoy

March 14, 2018

My sincere condolences to you and your family he was a great principle when I was at Jefferson

Sonny Fierros

March 14, 2018

God Bless you, as we all called you, 'Uncle Bob." Sonny Fierros Jefferson 76'.

David Sims

March 14, 2018

He was a great teacher, administrator and role model. He will be missed.

Charles Patino

March 14, 2018

Mr. Chambers was my principal and his integrity, professionalism, and obvious love for all of us kids at Jeff is what guided me in developing my principles. As an old vet I don't cry much anymore, but I did when I heard about Mr. Chambers. God bless you sir and know that your purpose on earth was blessed and is blessed my many.

Judy Wool Julian

March 14, 2018

Mr. Chambers was the principal at Jefferson when I attended, 1968-71. I was in awe of him, in charge of so large a student body, and doing it so well. He had a positive impact on thousands of students. My condolences to his loved ones.

Rose-Marie Schneider

March 14, 2018

So sorry. He was a great neighbor.

Nancy Andrade

March 14, 2018

My deepest condolences are sent to his family. I am proud that he was our Principal for the Class of 1968. Great man and role model.

Yolanda Ochoa

March 14, 2018

Mr. Chambers was our principal at Jefferson High School. I graduated in 1969. I remember he used to walk through our halls every day, no matter what time, just to make sure everyone was safe and keeping out of trouble. He was a wonderful presence, and helped many kids who were struggling. God bless you, Mr. Chambers.

Tom McMahon

March 14, 2018

Condolences to the family from Tom and Sandy McMahon (TJHS '64). Sandy, a former Lasso and me a former "requested" visitor to his office when he was V.P. and Dean of Boys. I always considered him tough but fair and a true gentleman. R.I.P. Mr. C.

Janice Hobbs

March 14, 2018

Dear Terri & Chris, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your precious Dad. I think we all have wonderful memories of our days at Jeff with him, especially standing in the hallway with his arms folded just watching his flock. Why can't there be principals like him now? He will be sorely missed. May he always rest in peace. Janice Granieri Hobbs, class of '66, Thomas Jefferson High School

Ron Renker

March 13, 2018

Great man, he was a big help to me at Jeff and after. He could always make your day. My wife and I were friends with Terry and Chris. My daughter was a friend of his grand daughter, Tiffany.

Vicky Herrera

March 13, 2018

My deepest condolences goes to the family. He was very nice person. Glad to have him for a principle at Jefferson class of 72. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace sir.

Rosemary Parrish - Durica

March 12, 2018

Mr. Chambers was an awesome man. So glad he continued mentoring others after he retired. Positive thoughts and prayers to the family. I know he will be missed by so many.

Carolene Schmidt Zehner

March 12, 2018

I was a Lasso who worked for Mr. Chambers for my senior year--for one hour every day. He was new to Jefferson at the time, early 1960s. He was just a wonderful person and I learned so much from him. All the students liked him for himself and for his fairness.
My sympathy to the family.

Doug Newton

March 12, 2018

We send our sincerest condolences for your loss. We met Bob during the time we knew Bob's sister Octavia and her husband Burke. It was a pleasure knowing Bob and Rena. Also, Kathleen Fergurson Newton, knew Mr. Chambers as her principal 1964-68. There never lived a nicer man.
Our prayers are with you.
Kathleen & Doug Newton

Gary Sauer

March 12, 2018

We have lost one of our true role models and great leaders, in the passing of Bob Chambers. I was fortunate to have been close to the Chambers' family and got to witness and learn firsthand from a man who taught us so much about life, all by example, and most by just being himself. He had a great sense of humor, a love for his family, and a leadership style which brought people together. We'll all miss him!

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