Dates
Robert Andrew Pace, a good and faithful servant of our Lord, answered the Master's call and quietly transitioned from his earthly labor to his heavenly reward on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at West Texas Hospice in San Angelo. Mr. Pace was born on November 17, 1938, in Beaver Falls Pennsylvania to the late William and Beatrice Pace, the third child of four. He was preceded in death by his older brother Bill Pace and sister Barbara Pace Sears.
He was a 1956 graduate of Beaver Falls High School. After high school, Robert enlisted in the U. S. Air Force. There, he pursued a 26-year career as an Electronics Avionics Technician, serving in Libya, Japan, Greece, Vietnam, and Turkey, as well as serving in several locations within the United States. While in the service of his country, Robert met and married Ernestine Virginia Byers in 1959.
Appreciating and understanding the importance of an education, Mr. Pace attended the University of Maryland. He later received both his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Angelo State University. He acquired his teaching certificate as well.
In keeping with his spiritual upbringing, Mr. Pace became a faithful member of the St. Paul Baptist Church in 1976. He was ordained as a deacon in1990. Over the years, he served as a trustee, and as an instructor in the Sunday School and BTU. Robert was a dedicated and diligent member in the church and participated in the weekly prayer meetings and Bible study at St. Paul.
Having been a resident of San Angelo since 1965, Mr. Pace was very active in community affairs. He was the Social Service Director of the San Angelo Health Department and later taught Psychology at Howard College and Angelo State University. Civically, he served for seven years as president of the San Angelo branch of the NAACP. He also served as Board President for the Fort Concho National Historic Landmark; he served on the United Way Board and served as a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
In his spare time, Robert loved collecting coins, he loved history, he loved the Pittsburg Steelers, and he loved his hometown hero Joe Namath. His favorite scripture is Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV):
"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Robert's favorite hymn is "Pass Me Not". God heard Robert's humble cry. God did not pass him by.
Left to cherish fond and loving memories are his wife, Ernestine Pace of the home; a daughter, Arlene Pace of Austin, Texas; a son, Kevin Pace of Shelby, North Carolina; a sister, Rebecca Jones of New Haven, Connecticut, and a host of other relatives and friends.
The family of Robert Pace is grateful for all the love, kindness, care and sympathy that you have shown during this time of bereavement.
Special thanks to the Nurses and staff at Meadow Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Fresenius Kidney Care of San Angelo, West Texas Hospice of San Angelo, Dr Nwokoye and the Shannon Medical Center for their love and care.
Public viewing will be from 10:00 Am until 8:00 PM Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Funeral services will be to 1:00 PM Friday, March 14, 2025, at St. Paul Baptist Church with Rev. Ronnie D. Hawkins, Jr., pastor of Christian Fellowship Baptist Church and Rev. Sankirk Bailey, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens with military honors afforded by Goodfellow Air Force Honor Guard under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.