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BORN
1938
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Killinger Obituary
01/06/1938 - 06/29/2025
Robert Peter "Pete" Killinger of Houston passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 29th.
Born January 6, 1938, Pete grew up in New York City; Marion, Virginia; and Washington, D.C. He attended The St. Albans School in Washington, treasuring his Episcopal education and long-time St. Albans friends. At The University of North Carolina he played varsity soccer and was a Phi Delt and English major. Most importantly, Pete developed a lifelong passion for the Tarheels, and he proudly let everyone know! In 1960 he married his childhood sweetheart Peggy Sutton, and in 1962 he graduated from The University of Virginia Medical School. From there they headed to Houston where he completed his residency in pediatric cardiology at Houston's Methodist Hospital. In 1965 Pete deployed to Vietnam as a doctor with the 1st Marine Brigade and completed his medical training as a lieutenant commander at The U.S. Naval Hospital in Annapolis. In 1969 Pete returned to Houston to start his pediatric practice. He cherished his forty-plus years in the Ragan, Adkins, Killinger and Caudill pediatric partnership, and "Painless Pete's" patients were his second family. He adored sharing jokes, sports trivia and life's challenges with patients and their families.
Pete deeply loved his three children, his wonderful grandchildren, family dinners, old friends, good books, The Kinkaid School, the family dogs, Post Oak Little League, timely jokes, trendy technology, extended family, ACC basketball, Dinner Club, the Houston Medical Center, tennis, golf, Cross pens and more.
He is survived by his wife of recent years Marilyn Gray Killinger and her welcoming family; his children Leslie Yzaguirre (Max), Mimi Killinger (Eric Pandiscio) and Bob Killinger (Elizabeth); his beloved six grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and one great-grandchild; his brother George Killinger (Joyce); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife of many years Peggy Killinger and his "Sis" Van Callahan. The family would like to express special thanks to Pete's cousin Nancy Marymee and to his devoted caregivers, including the remarkable staff at The Brookdale Galleria and At Your Side.
A small family service was held. If so desiring, a gift can be made in Pete's memory to Texas Children's Hospital https://www.texaschildrens.org/support/ways-to-give.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Killinger
Sponsored by Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors.
Jerry Towne
August 17, 2025
We were blessed to have Dr. Killinger as our pediatrician for all three of our children. One great story is when Dr. Killinger asked one of our children to hop on 1 foot, our son refused so Dr. Killinger said that he would pay him five dollars, at which point our son jumped on one of Dr. Killinger`s feet. He paid our three-year-old son five dollars. What a phenomenal man.
Wm. Pannill
July 27, 2025
Dr Killinger lived on my floor at BrookDale. He was wonderful. I´ll miss him.
Wm. Pannill
Sandy wyles
July 16, 2025
As a nurse to Dr Killinger many years ago, his joy and humor were contagious and he was very easy to work with. He was a great man and certainly a favorite of mine. To his family; it was evident how much you all meant to him.
Nancy Rutherford
July 14, 2025
At one point or another, Dr. Killinger saw all my children. He was always kind, compassionate and funny. May God bless him and his family today and always.
The Foster Family
July 13, 2025
He was an AMAZING doctor and family favorite! God Bless!
Otis and Sally Foster
Stephen, Susan and Lauren
DONNA PIERCE
July 9, 2025
dr Killinger was our children´s doctor - all four - he was wonderful . His obituary only reinforced how terrific he was . We were fortunate to know him . The Pierce Family
Diana White Riis
July 8, 2025
Dr. Killinger was my pediatrician from when I was a little girl until college, a very long time ago. I think everyone in my neighborhood Tanglewilde went to his practice back in the late 60's - 80's. I remember him and his colleagues very fondly. My deepest condolences to his family.
Phyllis Vaughan Moody
July 8, 2025
My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Killinger. He was our pediatrician, and we loved him. Once she outgrew his practice, we didn't see him too much, but my husband, Dr. Joe M. Moody did see him several times before Dr. Moody died. Maybe they will meet in Heaven. He was a good doctor, and man.
Cheryl Jeter
July 8, 2025
The Jeter family just adored Dr Killinger. He took care of all 3 of my boys since birth into their 20´s! He always had wonderful stories to tell and the retelling of some of the funniest stories. We always left his office with a big smile on our face. Rest in Peace Dr Killinger. You above all deserve it!!
Mea
July 8, 2025
I´m so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you all. Please know that your loved one is safe in God´s memory (Proverbs 14:14,15). Just as he brought his son Jesus back to life, he will do the same for your loved one. May God give you comfort and strength to help you cope during this difficult time.
Judy Lee
July 7, 2025
Oh Leslie, I am very, very sorry for your loss. You know he was our favorite doctor ever!! He always told us funny jokes. He will be missed. Sending you and your family lots of love. Judy and Frank Lee, Grace, Parker, Perry and Jay Lee
Penny Lowe Graves
July 7, 2025
Dr Killinger worked in the clinic my kids went to and my grandmother (Mrs. Noble) and mother ( Mrs. Lowe) handled their accounting books way back in the day. I´m so sorry for your loss. RIP
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