Robert James Sneed

Robert James Sneed, 82, a longtime resident of Harlingen, TX, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025 in New Braunfels, TX.

He was born on June 13, 1943, in Elmhurst, Illinois, to Jesse James Sneed and Helen Elizabeth Hawkins and was the eldest of three children. He grew up in Arizona and southeast Kansas, where his father worked as a farmer and his mother worked for the United States Census Bureau. In high school he participated in track and played football, and left home to serve in the United States Navy immediately following graduation.

After completing basic training and technical school, he was assigned to the USS Long Beach (CGN-9) as a Fire Control Technician – Surface Missile Fire Control (FTM) where he ultimately earned the rank of FTM2 (E5). While serving two tours during the Vietnam War, he was decorated with a Purple Heart for being wounded while attempting to rescue a fellow sailor.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended Wichita State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English and History with an all grades teaching certificate. He began his career with Xerox in 1969 as a Customer Service Engineer and remained until his retirement in 2003.

After retiring he volunteered at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, TX while working part-time. In 2011, he and his wife moved to New Braunfels, TX to be near their son. While continuing his retirement in New Braunfels, he volunteered at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church Thrift Store.
In his spare time he enjoyed reading, gardening, and doing volunteer work.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Helen; sister, Sue; brother, David; and son, Timothy.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Fay Sneed; daughter, Dawn Michelle (Huw) Williams; and son, Michael Patrick Sneed; granddaughter, Danielle (Tim) Ceron; grandson, Chase Johnson; great-granddaughter, Daisy Marie Ceron; and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Lux Funeral Home in New Braunfels. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, followed by a reception in St. Mary’s Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to a charity of choice.