​After a life filled with love, humor and family, Robert "Bob" Haenel passed away in the early morning hours of June 9, 2025, from Alzheimer's.

A memorial service to honor Bob will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 20, 2025, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1208 Fifth St. in Rosenberg.

Bob, 69, was born on April 30, 1956, in Giddings to August "Gus" and Edith Haenel and grew up in San Marcos.

He graduated from Southwest Texas University in 1978. While at the university, Bob served as the editor for the school newspaper for two terms.

In 1978, Bob was hired by the late Bill Hartman to work at the Baytown Sun, mainly as their sports editor. Bob worked at various Hartman publications, including The Katy Times, and The Mirror where he served as the editor. He subsequently became the managing editor of The Herald-Coaster, later known as The Fort Bend Herald, where he served in that role for over 30 years.

When he first came to "The Coaster," the late Betty Humphrey, Family Editor at the newspaper, took Bob under her wing, introducing him to the community and the people of Fort Bend County.

Bob had a strong belief that the newspaper should be there for "the little guy" as well as the major players on the political scene. He was available for all the people in his community. It didn't matter if someone called wanting to publish a "happy birthday" in the newspaper, an "Around the Bend" on the front page or wanted to know why their paper didn't arrive the night before, Bob made time for every call that came his way.

It was not unusual for Bob to personally deliver newspapers to an elderly person in the county who didn't receive his or her paper.

He was adamant that the obituaries were published error free. He believed an obituary might be the only time a person had their name in the newspaper, and their name and information should be correct. He was cautious when caution was necessary and bold when circumstances called for boldness.

Bob especially mentored "green" reporters. He made sure they understood the fundamentals of journalism – both sides count, less is more, and a deadline is a deadline.

During the summers, college students interned at the newspaper, and Bob taught them through example how real-world journalism worked. He was a champion for women and regularly hired women to write for the opinion page.

Bob covered Rosenberg City Council and Commissioners' Court meetings for many years. Bob also enjoyed covering the Fort Bend County Fair auction and the Needville Youth Fair.

When he left the newspaper business in June 2011, Bob was employed as the public information officer for the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office until his retirement in June 2019.

Bob believed in contributing to the community in his personal life. He was elected and served as the Mayor of the Village of Fairchilds for two terms. He was a faithful member of the Rosenberg Rotary Club and was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Recognition Award, the highest form of recognition bestowed by the Rotary Club. It is presented to a Rotarian or a member of the community who has made an outstanding contribution to the community. Bob was also on the volunteer council of Richmond State School.

He also served in various roles on the council at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Rosenberg. Bob mentored high school journalists and volunteered his time and expertise as a University Interscholastic League, UIL, journalism judge. Bob also enjoyed talking to the Cub Scouts who came through the newspaper office on Tuesdays for a tour of the newsroom and the presses.

An avid golfer, Bob enjoyed hitting the course with John and Evan or anyone else who'd grab their clubs and meet him on the greens.

Columnist Bob had a tradition every December. An enthusiastic fan of the movie "It's a Wonderful Life," Bob challenged readers to a quiz to see how well they remembered the movie. He was such a fan, in fact, that his wife, Denise, bought the script for Bob for Christmas one year. She, like many others, believed Bob really was George Bailey.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Ricky "Foggy" Haenel, a sister, Paula Haenel Williams, a nephew, Zach Rollo and a niece, Kristi Williams.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Denise Cryer Haenel, two sons and their spouses, John and Sarah Entralgo and Evan and Marissa Haenel, and three grandchildren, Elwood and Della Entralgo and Braunsen Haenel. Bob is also survived by two brothers and their spouses, August "Billy" Haenel III and his spouse, Robin, and Jimmy Haenel and his spouse Barbara Lev Haenel; a sister and her spouse, Nancy Haenel Watson and her spouse Floyd "Terry" Watson, a brother-in-law, Charlie Williams, numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law Donna Cryer Bryan and her spouse Steve Bryan and sister-in-law Melissa Cryer Rollo and her spouse Jeff Rollo; and brother-in-law James Cryer. Two faithful dogs, Charley and Traveller, were by Bob's side throughout his lengthy illness.

For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made in Bob's name to the Salvation Army.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7.

Condolence messages may be written for the Haenel family at www.garmanycarden.com

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 4th Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.