Robert Lee Pfluger

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Robert Lee Pfluger, who departed this life on Saturday, October 11, 2025 peacefully in his home in San Angelo, Texas. Born on February 17, 1930 to Walter L. and Jewel Blanche Pfluger of Eden, Texas. Robert grew up in a family with a deep ranching heritage and lived a “golden boyhood life” on the banks of Brady Creek until the start of WW II. While his father served in the military, Robert was cared for by his extended family of grandparents and uncles in Eden. He loved to reminisce about his club house buddies and their fun childhood antics. Telling a good story along with his contagious laugh was a gift everyone appreciated and one for which he will be well remembered.

Robert graduated from Texas Tech University earning a degree in Animal Husbandry from the College of Agricultural Sciences. He then began his lifetime career of ranching in Sutton County. Starting his ranching business during the early 1950’s was a most difficult time due to the drought, and Robert learned many hard lessons of how to make a living from the land. These lessons stuck with him his entire life and caused him to appreciate a good rain anytime of the year. Many a time he remembered how Angora goats got him through the hard times. He had a deep love for good quality livestock – especially Angora goats and Hereford cattle. Robert and his wife Susan enjoyed trips to Montana to purchase Hereford bulls to make his Herefords the best they could be. He highly valued good quality livestock and worked hard to improve and care for his livestock.

Robert took his lessons from the ranch and applied them to his leadership roles in many organizations. He served his ranching industry as president of the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association and as president of the Mohair Council of America. He served his alma mater as a member and as chairman of the Texas Tech University Board of Regents. During his tenure as chairman of the Board of Regents, Dr. Lauro Cavazos was hired to serve as President of Texas Tech University and the university received accreditation of its medical school, an accomplishment he remembered with pride. Robert was honored to be recognized as both a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas Tech University and of the College of Agricultural Sciences. Robert served his community as a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas State Bank which led him to serve two terms on the Dallas Federal Reserve Board.

Robert was a servant of Jesus Christ and was a faithful and devout lifetime member of the Lutheran Church leading his family in faithful devotion and as a good steward to the Christian faith. Faith, family, and ranching were his reasons for enjoying such a wonderful life.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Susan Meadows Pfluger; his children, Walter W. Pfluger (Sheryl), Audrey L. Williams, Robert E. Pfluger (Katrina), of San Angelo, Texas; and Claire Field (Steve) and James Cowden, of Austin, Texas; his grandchildren, August L. Pfluger II (Camille), Genevieve Pfluger Mejia, Karl R. Pfluger (Cecilie), Sara E. Griffin (Lukas), Hayley J. Williams, Carson R. Pfluger (Meredith), and Pierce D. Pfluger; and great grandchildren, Vivian, Caroline and Juliana Pfluger; Analiese, Mary Carlisle and Adeline Mejia; Johnny, Hunt and Alys Pfluger; Elaine Griffin; Lyla and Colette Pfluger. The family would like to thank Visiting Angels, especially Marisol Sullivan for her compassionate care and devotion to Robert’s well-being over the last three years. Jesus Sorola was also a special person and friend in Robert’s life as he cared for his livestock, farmland, and ranchland in Concho County as his ranch foreman for many years.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 16th, at Trinity Lutheran Church, beginning at 11:00. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Robert are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of someone so dearly missed. A private family graveside service will be held prior to the memorial church service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice.