Robert Paul Dreher

ROBERT (BOB) PAUL DREHER
Robert (BOB) P. Dreher passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2017, after a 14-month battle with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. Born June 19, 1941 in Cambridge, New York, where his father, Paul Anthony Dreher, and mother, Maybelle H. Dreher, resided and managed a large farm for the Atlantic & Pacific (A&P) Tea Company owners. His Dad’s expertise and strong work ethic earned coveted State awards for a premium herd of Champion Guernsey cattle. His mother was not happy on a farm and moved back to Newton, NJ followed by a divorce of Bob’s Dad. His mother then married Jack Trinkle who belonged to a hunting club. Bob roamed the woods hunting squirrels, birds, snakes, possum and deer and HIS LOVE FOR HUNTING, WILDLIFE AND NATURE developed, grew and continued all his life with emphasis on Elk and also called himself “Texas Bob, the Huntin’ Fool”. He was a Lifetime Member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Wildlife Forever. The Rocky Mountain Range was his favorite range but he loved South Texas, West Texas, Central Texas and the Van De Walle Ranch for hunting deer with Jason, Jackie’s family and his huntin’ buddies.

After graduation from Newton High School he enlisted in the U. S. Navy. His tour included being a “plank owner” of the USS Enterprise. He was a long-time member of the American Legion Sesquicentennial Post 592. He was a Sales Manager for Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages (one of the Baby Bells later reverted back to AT&T) for 31 years. His love for travel was insatiable. He, his wife Jackie, son, Jason, grandson Jacob were blessed to go on extended travels across the United States, Canada, Alaska ,British Columbia, Australia, Europe and New Zealand. Of course these travels normally included Elk, Bear, Caribou, Buffalo, Sheep, Goats, Pheasant, Dove, & Quail hunts as well as Salmon and Halibut fishing. Bob traveled in and across the entire United States of America except Hawaii. Bob and Jackie flew over it twice and was on Bob’s bucket list to complete when his cancer progressed. He also loved RVing across America, Alaska and Canada.

Bob made friends in Newton High School who maintained their relationships and Bob and Jackie attended his class reunions. He enjoyed the closeness, comradery and fun of those who were close and so caring during his illness especially, Ed “The Woj” and Fran “Sheppy” who sent him flowers every month.

Bob attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical College in pursuit of an aviation degree. A wonderful opportunity arose for a job for Southern Bell in Daytona Beach, FL so he began a career in sales with Yellow Pages. Bob had a very successful 31-year career with AT&T/Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages as a Sales Manager achieving the company’s highest awards of the CEO and Vice President’s Awards. He always lived by the mantra: “Work Hard then Play Hard”, “Plan your Work and then Work your Plan” and the only way to be successful is do the right thing at all times to all beings and animals.

The family sends a special “Thank You” to Bob’s Kindred Hospice Nurse, Dorothy Muir, for her professionalism, extraordinary caring, compassion, extensive knowledge and grace to help Bob and the family through the final transition. “Thanks to Roger Narvaez, CAN, for the personal care.

Bob Is survived by his wife, Jackie Van De Walle-Haas-Dreher; his daughter, Wendy Dreher-Bliss, Twin Grandsons, Collin Bliss, and Evan Bliss; his “son” Jason T. Haas, daughter-in-law, Andrea and Grandson, Jacob T. Haas; sister, Jacqueline “Jackie” Heimbuch and several cousins with his closest, favorite “Cuz” as he called her, MarieT. Morriss. Also survived by his wife’s brother and sisters, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, several nieces, nephews, tons of cousins and many friends who cared, prayed and supported him in life and on the final journey. Bob had a deep faith in God, love of his Country, and was not afraid to die.

A Celebration of Life will be celebrated at The Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Canyon Golf Road, San Antonio, TX 78258, on Sunday, April 30th, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at the same location in the Gymnasium.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. Scholarship Fund, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation or Wildlife Forever.