Robert Chapman Mays

Robert Chapman Mays, 79, of Fredericksburg, died Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, in an Austin hospital.

A memorial service was held Saturday, Jan. 11, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Schaetter Funeral Home with the Rev. Percy Smerek officiating.

Visitation was held beforehand.

Interment of the cremains is planned at a later date.

Mays was born June 25, 1934, in El Paso, the son of William Rogers (Jack) Mays and Elizabeth Chapman Mays. He married Julia Sleeth on Sept. 16, 1955, in San Antonio, and she survives.

Mays was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving from June 30, 1955, until Nov. 30, 1976, and was ranked as a lieutenant colonel at the time of his discharge. He was awarded numerous medals and citations for his service.

In addition to his wife, Mays is survived by one daughter, two sons and spouses, including Ford Chapman and Alison Mays II, of Fredericksburg; Andrew Hugh Mays, California, and Mary Elizabeth Mays, Tyler.

Survivors also include five grandchildren, and two brothers, William Rogers Mays and his wife, Haazra, and Ford Chapman Mays, all of Fredericksburg.

Mays was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, James Chapman Mays.

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, Gillespie County Texas A&M University Scholarship Fund, the Wounded Warriors or to the charity of choice.