Robert Edward Lee Dehnel, Sr.

Robert Edward Lee Dehnel Sr. passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Robert was born January 19, 1932 at home in San Angelo, Texas. He was the eighth of eleven children and the seventh son born to Paul Emanuel and Ava Lee Dehnel (née Rutledge). Robert grew up on Avenue J and attended public school in San Angelo, TX. After graduating from high school in 1950, he enrolled in classes at San Angelo College (SAC). As a member of the college band, he met Doris Gem Downey and they would marry on May 24, 1952 in the chapel at First Baptist Church on Harris Avenue.

Robert worked in road construction around the State of Texas for over 40 years including many sections of the interstate highway system. He began as a general laborer and worked his way up to superintendent ("the white hat"). Robert and Doris had 3 children, Robert Jr.(Eddie) born in San Angelo, Charlotte Diane born in El Paso, and Robin LeFern born in Amarillo. In 1970, they would settle in the Grape Creek community and Robert would continue to travel for work for many years.

After retirement in 1997, Robert was the neighborhood lawnmower repairman. He would never take money for his work and was often "gifted" lawnmowers from people to fix or use as parts. He taught himself to play the accordion, the banjo, and the piano which he would play by ear. He had always played the organ at home and had played the tuba, Sousaphone, and the upright bass in school. He could crochet and in the early years of his retirement he made pillows just to have something to do.

Robert was known to family and friends as "Bob" and in April 2004, he earned the title "Papaw" when his only grandchild Berit Calais was born and would spend his time doting on her. His blue eyes and dazzling smile were a reflection of the big heart of a kind man who would do anything to help anybody in need. He never spoke a negative word about another person, even if it might have been deserved. Until the end, he exhibited his proper southern upbringing with a "thank you", and a "yes sir/ma'am" and a mischievous sense of humor. His last act of generosity was the gift of a tower and the land beneath it to the San Angelo Amateur Radio Club in honor of his two eldest brothers who were some of the original members of the club which celebrated 103 years in 2025.

In May 2022, a celebration with family and friends was held for Robert and Doris to honor 70 years of marriage. With Doris' passing in January of 2024, they were a few months short of celebrating 72 years of marriage.

Robert is survived by his son Eddie Dehnel, his daughter Robin Dehnel and son-in-law Michael Smith, and their daughter (his granddaughter) Berit Smith, his sister Elizabeth McKinney, his brother Paul Dehnel and wife Connie, his sister-in-law Karen Dehnel, 13 nieces, and 14 nephews.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife Doris, his daughter Charlotte, his parents Paul and Ava Lee, his 6 brothers & his 2 sisters and 6 of their spouses: Raymond (Novella), John (Kathleen), Jack (Elizabeth), Bill (Wilma), Martin, Curtis, Margarete (Curtis Crook), Helen (Frank Swartz), his brother-in-law James McKinney, Doris' 3 brothers and 1 sister and their spouses, 7 nephews, and 1 niece.

The family would like to thank all those who assisted Robert in the last year of his life: the Shannon nurses, doctors, nurses aides to numerous to name, the wonderful and compassionate staff at Regency House (who are now family) and Hospice of San Angelo who loved him and made him comfortable until the end, and the employees of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

To honor his memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice of San Angelo, Angelo State University Ram Pantry (Dehnel gift), the Charlotte Dehnel memorial scholarship at Hardin Simmons University, the San Angelo Amateur Radio Club (San Angelo Gives May 5), or a non-profit of your choice.