Robert Noe Lichtenberger

LICHTENBERGER, ROBERT NOE (1943 ~ 2008). The following is an obituary for Robert Lichtenberger, former commander of the Military Order of the Pruple Heart. The obituary was provided by Weed, Corley, Fish Funeral Home.

Robert Noe Lichtenberger April 7, 1943 – April 30, 2008

Robert N. Lichtenberger, 65, of Austin passed away in his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas to Beulah and Noe Lichtenberger, Robert "Bob" grew up in South Texas and graduated high school in Agua Dulce. He was Salutatorian in his class and a letterman in multiple sports. Turning down a 4 year college scholarship, Bob left South Texas to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army in 1962.

Bob enjoyed a successful military career and was highly decorated for his command abilities and performance in combat. During one of his tours in the Vietnam War as a Cobra gunship pilot, Bob was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart Medal. This medal would play a significant role later in Bob's life. Other foreign tours included the Middle East and Panama, taking his family with him on both assignments. While on active duty, Bob earned his Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude, from Benedictine College in Atchison, KS and his Master of Arts from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS.

Other notable military accomplishments include command of an artillery battalion, foreign area officer for Latin American countries, graduating and instructing at the US Inter-American Defense College, and induction into the OCS Hall of Fame. Bob retired with 28 years of service and the rank of Colonel in 1990. Bob's post military career was spent working in the financial industry and serving veterans as a member and officer of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Bob served as the National Commander of this organization in 2004, advocating veterans' issues at the local, state and national levels.

Bob also spent a significant amount of time working with the Hispanic community by providing financial advice to families as well as coaching and mentoring Hispanic loan officers.

A beloved husband and father, Bob is preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother. He is survived by his wife Sharron Sue Radney Lichtenberger; five children: Son Robert N. Lichtenberger, Jr., his wife Wendi and their two daughters Kaitlin and Ava of Shawnee, KS; Son John P. Lichtenberger, his wife Lynna and their three children Jared, Paige, and Reid of Austin, TX; Daughter Lori A. Thomas, her husband Steve and their two sons Hudson and Weston of Coppell, TX; Son G. Sean Lichtenberger, his wife Lauren and their three children, Ethan, Kaylie, and Kaya of Savannah, GA; Stepson Todd E. R. Bowden, his wife Laurie and their daughter Taylor Kate of Phoenix, AZ; an uncle, Nick Lichtenberger of Freer, TX; numerous cousins; and countless friends.

A visitation will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2008 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel followed by a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill, Austin. Interment will follow at Texas State Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Colonel Robert N. "Bob" Lichtenberger Cancer Awareness Foundation, checks can be sent to Montemayor, Hill & Company, P.C., c/o Archie Montemayor, III, CEO, 3001 South Lamar Blvd., Suite 320, Austin, Texas 78704. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com