Robert Harold Pahl

North Richland Hills - Robert (Bob) Pahl, 77, passed peacefully into the arms of his
Savior on Monday, June 12, 2023.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 a.m.
Monday, June 19th, at Lucas Funeral Home in Grapevine, Texas. A time of fellowship
will follow from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Bob and Ginny Pahl
Family Scholarship Fund at Missouri University of Science and Technology,
Hasselmann Alumni House, 1100 N. Pine ST, Rolla, MO 65401 or to UT Southwestern
by going to https://engage.utsouthwestern.edu/donate-now and selecting “cancer
center” in the drop down menu.
Bob was born in the St. Louis, Missouri area on June 2, 1946, to Harold L. Pahl and
Edna M. Pahl (Boggs). He graduated from Affton High School and continued his
education at Missouri University of Science and Technology (MS&T). Bob was married
to his high school sweetheart, Virginia (Ginny) Bugg for 57 years. They have two
children, and three grandchildren. After over 30 years, Bob retired from Phillips
Petroleum. In 2013, after living in Bartlesville, Oklahoma for 40 years, the Pahls moved
to North Richland Hills, Texas.
Bob was incredibly active in every community where he lived. When he was young, he
was a school crossing guard, ran track, swam competitively, and was an Eagle Scout. In
1964 he began classes at MS&T where he earned his BS, MS and in 1974, his PhD in
Chemical Engineering
After college, Bob earned multiple awards from MS&T, managed several projects at
Phillips Petroleum, and authored and co-authored technical papers and presentations.
Bob was adored by all those who worked with and for him. His gentle spirit and kind
heart made him an incredible, fair and respected boss. His own children, however,
periodically had to be reminded to stay in line. This was easily accomplished by a swift
look from the world famous “Pahl hairy eyeball”. Bob was particularly proud of his work
on hydrogen fuel cell research and development. Much to the dismay of those who
inquired about his progress, he always had a powerpoint presentation on the topic
ready to go. Although he was incredibly analytical, somehow Bob was still warm and
loving. He could easily put aside a technical project to help his grandkids with a lego
set or cook dinner for his friends.
Throughout the years, Bob remained extremely involved in the University. He and Ginny
were thrilled to be members of the philanthropic organization Order of the Golden
Shillelagh. Because Bob was so humble, his family was surprised to learn after his
passing of all the positions he held and all of the awards he had won. It has been said
that Bob “was on the list of Most Interesting Men, and should have had his own
commercial spot.”
Bob served on the HOA’s of their residences in North Richland Hills (NRH) and Bethany
Beach, DE, was Treasurer of the NRH Pickleball Club, and volunteered with and
supported Fort Worth Habitat for Humanity. Bob loved to spend time with Ginny hiking,
snow skiing, playing pickle ball, cooking, and traveling the world. These trips often
included their core group of friends. Their adventures together spanned 50 years and
much of the globe. To the the delight of their family, each of these trips was
meticulously documented with no less than 2,000 photos. Upon their return, Bob would
treat the family to a virtual tour that typically lasted between four and six hours. Falling
asleep during these “virtual tours” was frowned upon and would quickly prompt a look
from the Pahl hairy eyeball.
The Pahls were involved in short term mission work in multiple countries including
Uganda, where they met and fell in love with their “adopted” daughter, Harriet. They
also spent time in Japan with Mayumi and her family. Mayumi joined the Pahls as an
exchange student during her high school years. She quickly became a member of the
family. Both Mayumi and Harriet adored Bob and considered him their dad.
For over 40 years, the Pahls were active members of East Cross United Methodist
Church in Bartlesville and 121 Community Church in Grapevine. Bob served the Lord
joyfully in these churches as well as in several other charitable organizations over the
years. Of all of his accomplishments, Bob was most proud of his kids and grandkids.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Edna Pahl; and his brother Tom
Pahl.
Bob is survived by his Wife, Ginny Pahl (North Richland Hills); Daughter, Michelle Pahl
Brown; Son-in-law, William Brown; Granddaughter Victoria Brown (Maryland); Son,
Robert Pahl; Daughter-in-law, Jill Pahl; Grandson, Joshua Pahl; Granddaughter, Olivia
Pahl (Keller, TX); Sister, Shelia Lynch (Missouri); Many Nieces, Nephews, extended
family and close friends.