Robert Batho

ROBERT T. (BOB) BATHO, 81 Robert Thomas Batho, 81, of Houston, Texas, stepped into his eternal home in heaven on Thursday, August 10, 2017. A celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 10, 2017, at Life Church Katy, 26189 Westheimer Parkway, Katy, Texas 77494. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bob's Outreach Bible fund at Life Church Katy (lifechurchkaty.com). At a future date, interment will be at the Houston National Cemetery. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Thomas C. and Ada M. (Woerner) Batho, his mother and father-in-law, and other beloved relatives and friends. Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Peggy Batho; daughters Beverly Batho, Sheri (Belk) Null, Cindy Batho and Patty Patton; grandsons Matthew, Jacob and Caleb Null; sister-in-law, Peggy Ann Rogers; nephews Dan, Jon and Tim Ziegner, Tripp and Patrick Rogers; niece Laura (Rob) Clark, and many extended family and friends whom he dearly loved. His cherished daughters served him faithfully until his death. Bob was born on October 13, 1935, in Sioux City, Iowa. He was raised in northwest Iowa and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at age 13, at that time the youngest in the US. In 1950, his family moved to Roswell, New Mexico, where he graduated high school in 1953. He attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque to pursue his love of architecture. He joined Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, was president of his chapter and vice-president of the inter-fraternity council. During college, Bob fell in love with sports cars and raced on the New Mexico/Colorado circuit and he loved his little MG! In 1957, Bob joined the US Army, and was chosen as one of the first atomic weapons instructors in the United States at Sandia Base, Armed Forces in Albuquerque. He received the honor of Soldier of the Year his first year in the army and was given many awards during his years in the service. After a long courtship, Bob and Peggy were married on July, 13, 1958, in Roswell. Bob began his architectural career in Albuquerque. The family moved to Roswell, then to Austin, Texas, where he became a Registered Architect in 1972. As a hospital construction specialist, Bob came to Houston in 1973 to become a project manager for CRS. He became head of drafting at Ressler & Applebaum Architects. In 1982, the Lord spoke audibly to Bob and told him "this is the day to give your resignation and open your own firm". Robert T Batho/Architect became a reality and remained active until his death. During his professional career, Bob was a part of many organizations, committees, and groups as he pursued the enjoyment of design with a focus on alternative energy. He was the President of Construction Specifications Institute; chairman of Houston AIA and state committees on energy; founding board member and president of Houston and Texas Solar Energy Societies and many professional associations. In 1983, Bob was awarded the Houston Lighting & Power/Houston AIA grand award for residential energy design. From 2005 to 2011, Bob was the architectural representative on the City of Houston energy sub-committee for review of the Houston Building Codes. Bob never tired of helping people with their projects. Architecture was his professional passion. His other delight from childhood was stamp collecting. He enjoyed assembling, sharing and displaying his stamp albums with everyone, especially his friends at the Houston Philatelic Society. With all he accomplished in his professional life, the most important calling in Bob's life was to share his love of Jesus Christ. He was called an ambassador by many, fulfilling the admonition in 2 Corinthians 5:20: "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God." Because he loved serving God, sharing the Word of God was a great joy. When Bob met someone without a Bible, he would search for the best version and give it as a gift, no strings attached except a promise to read it. The grace, forgiveness and salvation freely offered by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ became the most important truth for Bob to share. He didn't impose his faith on anyone; he quietly lived his faith without apology. Bob served where the Holy Spirit led him...Sunday school teacher, church and ministries board member, benevolence minister, friend to pastors, designer of church buildings, pulpit speaker. He was leader of several ministries, including Pray for Houston's Leaders; Houston chapter of FGBMFI; and Love Your Neighborhood, among many others. Bob's love for Israel and for the Jewish people came alive as he shared at Passover and Feast of Tabernacles. He taught that our heritage in the Jewish faith allows us to discover why we are who we are in Christ Jesus, our Messiah. Revelation 12:11 became close to Bob's heart as his time with us drew to a close. "And they overcame [the enemy] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (KJV). His heart to share with all who knew him would be to say, "Join me in Heaven at the Wedding Feast of The Lamb. Ask my family...they will share the road to travel." Amen, Bob Batho!