West Volunteer Fire Department Captain Robert “Bob” Snokhous, age 48, of West, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, while providing the ultimate sacrifice to the community of West.

Robert was born on June 4, 1964, in Hillsboro, the son of Jimmy Rudolph and Louise Marie (Jares) Snokhous. He graduated from West High School in 1982 and received an associate degree from Texas State Technical College in Waco. He was a project manager for Central Texas Iron Works in Waco and was on their emergency response team. Robert had been a volunteer for the West Fire Department, where he had a passion for putting out fires, was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption, and a member of the Knights of Columbus West Council #2305. He loved hunting and outdoor BBQs.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Doug Snokhous. He is survived by his beloved wife of 14 years, Alison (Patke) Snokhous, whom he married on April 15, 1999; son, Robert “Bubba” Snokhous Jr. of Cape Coral, Florida; daughters, Marqee Snokhous of Cape Coral, Florida, and McKenzie Ryan of West; brother, Barry Snokhous, and wife, Sayoko, of Okinawa, Japan; sister, Karen Hoelscher, and husband, Keith, of Ross, Texas; sister-in-law, Donna Snokhous of West; two grandchildren, Kadence and Kameron Snokhous of Cape Coral; and several nieces, nephews, great niece, great nephew, other relatives and many friends.

Robert is loved and missed by all those close to him, and we are proud to have known him as not only our hero, but as many others’ now as well.