Robert William Sundermeyer

Robert W. Sundermeyer (Bob) passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on February 4, 1943, in Jefferson City, Missouri, to William and Irene Twehaus Sundermeyer. 

During Bob’s childhood, his family moved to House Springs, Missouri, where Bob was raised. He graduated from Bishop Du Bourg Parish High School in 1961and later attended the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he studied chemical engineering. 

Bob later moved to Port Arthur, Texas to begin working at the Gulf Oil Refinery. Shortly thereafter he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two years of active duty in Huntsville, Alabama, as a chemical warfare instructor. In 1968, he was awarded a Certificate of Achievement recognizing his teaching ability and contributions to the Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Division. After completing his active-duty service, Bob returned to work at the Gulf Oil Refinery in Pt. Arthur while finishing his remaining two years in the U.S. Army Reserve. 

After 35 years of dedicated service with Gulf and Chevron, Bob retired in 1992. He later continued working as a consultant with an engineering firm until 2005. During retirement, Bob and his wife enjoyed traveling and dancing together. He especially loved dancing with his sisters, daughters, and granddaughter. Bob treasured the time he spent with his siblings, particularly during holidays and special family gatherings. He was also an active member of the Senior Club at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Port Arthur, where he enjoyed playing bingo, touring churches in Houston and Louisiana and visiting with fellow members. Bob also served a term as president of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Council. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Martha Sundermeyer, his daughters, Mary Katherine Hansen and René (Dave) Thomas; and his grandchildren, Andrew (Berenice) Johnson, Rachael (Scott) Tran, and Robert (Kaitlyn) Johnson; his great-grandchildren, Dylan Johnson, Maxwell Johnson, Adrianna Johnson and Evangeline Johnson; and his siblings, Thomas Sundermeyer, Peggy (Tim) Plant, James (Katie) Sundermeyer; Tamra (Michael) Thus and multiple nieces and nephews. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, William and Irene Twehaus Sundermeyer. 

Visitation will be held on March 11, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. with a Rosary at 10:30 a.m. at Melancon Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Port Arthur, Texas, with a graveside service a Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. 

Bob was loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He was adored by all who knew him. Bob’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.