— Robert "Bob" W. Shannon of Palacios passed away early Sunday morning, Aug. 15, 2010 in his home by the bay surrounded by his family. 

He was born at Randolph Field on July 21, 1942, the first of four children to Frank B. Jr. and Jocelyn Foerster Shannon. 

He graduated from San Marcos High School in 1960; from Lamar University in 1964 with a Bachelor's degree in Physics; Officer Candidate School at Lackland AFB in 1964; and Post graduate degree in Meteorology from Texas A&M in 1965. 

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1964-1976 with assignments at Moody AFB, Ga.; Hurlburt Field, Fla. ; Nakhon Phanom, Thailand; Webb AFB, Texas; and Randolph AFB, Texas, having flown the A-1 fighter during the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal, both with oak leaf clusters.  He reached the rank of captain prior to his honorable discharge from the Air Force.  He earned his law degree from St. Mary's Law School in San Antonio, and then worked as an attorney for Exxon in Houston from 1980-2001.

While stationed at Webb AFB in Big Spring, Robert married Patricia Rhoads on April 10, 1974; they have one son, Robert Matthew Shannon.

Robert is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years Pat and son Matthew of Palacios, mother Jocelyn Shannon of San Marcos, sisters Karen (husband Hugh) Moreland of Fort Worth and Donna (husband Doug) Andrew of San Antonio, and brother Paul (wife Tonia) Shannon of Universal City.  Other survivors include beloved nieces and nephews, great-nieces/nephews, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his father Frank B. Shannon Jr. of San Marcos.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Sept. 4 at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland St., San Marcos, with the Reverend Arden Dorn officiating.  Visitation with the family will follow immediately after the service at the church.  Labor Day weekend was always a laid-back family-get-together time for Bob, and casual attire is certainly appropriate for this time of honoring his memory.

In lieu of flowers, Robert and Pat suggested donations in his memory to Point Comfort United Methodist Church, 92 Wood Street, Point Comfort, Texas 77978; the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org); or the local church or charity of your choice.

The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful doctors and medical personnel at MD Anderson in Houston, and to the Hospice of South Texas care team from Victoria.