Robert Emmett "Bob" Steger

Mertzon – Robert Emmett Steger went to meet his Lord on February 18, 2021, at the age of 83. He had suffered a very debilitating stroke seven months ago but was at home with his family. He is survived by his wife Peggy, of 62 years, and a son Kenneth Wade. He is also survived by his brother, Jim Steger and his wife Ann. Bob was born April 18, 1937, to Earl and Jacqueline Carr Steger in San Angelo. TX. The family moved to Mertzon in 1947, where he graduated from Mertzon High School in 1955. He married Peggy Wuemling on December 27, 1958. In June 1959, Bob announced he was now ready to pursue his college education. So, together they worked as a team to get his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education from Texas A&M University in 1962. Bob took 22 to 24 hours per semester and Peg worked as a secretary on campus. Bob, at the urging of Dr. Knebel of TA&M, began his master’s degree at Montana State University. However, the US Army wanted him more, so he had to get his military obligation over before his masters could be completed. After the military, they went back to TA&M and Bob got his Masters in 1964. He then went to the Sonora Experiment Station and from there to teach at Sul Ross. Then it was time to pursue his Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming which he completed in 1970. Bob served as an Area Extension Range Specialist for West Texas and then New Mexico State Extension Range Specialist. However, he still felt a calling to come back to West Texas and follow his dream of ranching. So, he came back to Texas as an Area Range Specialist at San Angelo and embarked on his ranching career. This enabled him to teach at ASU and he began his consulting work with ranchers and taught courses in Holistic Range Management. Thus, this endeavor took him all over the western US, Canada, and Mexico. Bob served as a volunteer for the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association, Plant Judge 1973-2008, Market Lamb Show, and is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Association; Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association Director and was instrumental in organizing HRM of Texas. A Visitation will be held from 5:30pm- 7:00pm, Friday, February 26, 2021, at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 11:00am, Saturday, February 27, 2021, at the First Methodist Church of Mertzon with burial to follow at Sherwood Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joe David Ross, Art Roane, Gary Loftin, Raymond Meza, Dan McClung, and Clayton McCowan. Services must be attended with mask and social distancing will be required.