Robert Carl Sterling passed away on Friday, August 21 at Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. He was born on May 20th, 1925 in Grand Rapids Michigan, to Carl and Clara Sterling. He resided in Michigan until the age of 90 at which time he relocated to Houston, Texas. He was 95 years old. Mr. Sterling attended Central High School as a young man. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country during World War II. During his tenure in the Navy, he was stationed in California, Oregon, and Washington as a dental lab technician. However, service alone was not enough for Robert, as he also spent his leisure time in the Navy performing in various Big Band ensembles to provide entertainment for his fellow servicemen and the local community. He was a talented musician, playing the clarinet, saxophone, and piano for countless years. As fate would have it, while performing as a musician, Robert would meet the love of his life, Emmy Lou Greene. Robert and Emmy Lou would go on to get married and spend their post-war days raising their 8 children in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Upon his return to Grand Rapids with Emmy Lou, Mr. Sterling attended Aquinas College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. Once graduated, Robert joined the work force as an industrial salesman, selling paper products initially, which later led him to a position as Sales Manager for the distribution of janitorial products. Robert continued to work until he reached the age of 90 for the Amway Corporation at the Grand Plaza Hotel. While his dedication to providing for his family was without end, it did not cease there. Robert was also dedicated to his community and spent much of his time as an active member of St. Stephens Catholic Church. For leisure, Robert was an avid tennis player and a cocktail aficionado, playing tennis until the age of 88 years old, he was not afraid to enjoy himself. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Emmy Lou, his daughter Mary Potter, and son in law Tom Deverman. He is survived by his children, Nancy Schalk (Rick), Robert Sterling, JoAnn Lipscomb, Barbara Deverman, Sue Bennett, Martha Ray (Robert), and Tom Sterling. He has 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. There will be a private grave side memorial for his family.
