Albert Rice "Bert" Rambo, Ed. D. passed away Saturday, December 18, 2010 with his valiant 12 year struggle with cancer at St. Joseph Manor in Bryan, Texas. Visitation is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 22 at Hillier Funeral Home. A celebration of Bert's life will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Bryan City Cemetery, Rice-Rambo plot 17. He was a proud descendant of a Texas pioneer family, the Henrys, who settled in Robertson County in the 1830's. Bert was born April 30, 1943 to Chaplain Albert Elvin Rambo and Effie Rice Rambo in San Francisco, California. His twin sister, Sammie Ruth, completed the family on May 1. The family moved to Texas in 1947, and he spent much of his life in Robertson and Brazos Counties. Bert graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1961, received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, and his Doctorate of Education from the University of Virginia. Bert was a decorated Vietnam veteran who served in the Army from 1967-1972. He taught in various schools in Virginia and was also employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad before beginning his 25-year career at Blinn College. He was a lifetime member of both the East Texas Historical Society and the Texas State Historical Society. While at Blinn, he authored several study guides, wrote for various journals, and contributed an article on diversity to a recent textbook. Although Bert's health declined in recent years, his faith in a loving God never wavered, and he remained a devoted and generous Christian who supported many causes. He was a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Bryan, for many years, having first joined in 1958. He also served as Emmanuel Lighthouse Mission (ELM) Chairman and Council Member from December 2007 through December 2009. He was also a loving son, brother, and uncle, as well as a devoted friend, who will be greatly missed. He could speak easily and at length on varied topics, was intellectually gifted, and was extremely creative, whether as a teacher, carpenter, or chef. In recent years, he happily cooked in Emmanuel's kitchen, enjoyed Friday night services with his church's young people, relished visiting with friends, and cared faithfully for the farm cats he loved so dearly. Bert was preceded in death by his father, Albert E. Rambo; his mother, Effice Rice Rambo; uncle, Effie Sam Rice, brother-in-law, Tim C. Whitten, and other uncles, aunts, and cousins. He is survived by his loving sister, Sammie Whitten; his niece, Alison (Charlie) Saenz and their children, Kaylie, Terrence, Justin, Ashley and Trent. In addition, Bert is survived by Norma and George Ashley, whom he considered family. Other survivors include a number of cousins, his church family, and dear friends at Blinn. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved him, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. The family wants to thank the host of wonderful and caring doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and caregivers who ministered to Bert during his long and arduous battle. Also, we are especially grateful to the visiting angles from Brazos Valley Hospice, Home Instead Senior Care, and the staff of St. Joseph Manor where he spent the last few weeks for so tenderly caring for him. In addition, we are most appreciative of the many kindnesses extended to Bert by friends from his church, Blinn College, and the neighborhood. Your visits, care, and concern meant so much to him and to us. Pallbearers are Mr. Frank Johnson, Mr. George F. Ashley, Mr. Harley Haussman, Mr. Mario Ramirez, Dr. Thomas R. Stephens, Mr. Nathan Giesenschlag, Lt. Col. Michael I. Duke, Ret., Mr. Stephen Kirkpatrick. Honorary Pallbearers are Mr. Doug Duryea, Mr. W. H. Giesenschlag, Lt. Col. Brian Parker, Ret., Mr. Billy Lightsey, Mr. Gary Lightsey, Mr. Patrick H. Johnson, Mr. Keith Christiansen, Mr. James D'Souza, and Mr. Ronald Wright. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests contributions be directed to the American Cancer Society , Brazos Valley Hospice, Emmanuel Lighthouse Mission (ELM) or the charity of your choice.

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