Robert Frank “Poppy” Grundy, 89, of Buda died Tuesday night, December 14, 2010. Grundy was an authentic Texan and a long-time pillar of church and civic affairs. He was a devoted member of Hyde Park Christian Church for six decades; a longtime member of the Downtown Austin Optimists Club, Buda Masonic lodge, active in Habitat for Humanity, Shriners and a Republican.
Born in the Panhandle town of Quitaque in 1921, Grundy came to Austin to attend the University of Texas, where he acquired both an engineering degree and the love of June Barge, who became his wife. Together they raised a son, Scott, who inherited his father’s interest in travel and South America.
The elder Grundy worked for LCRA in its early years before taking a job in Venezuela, while working for Exxon. After retirement, he continued to enjoy the Venezuela retirees at the annual Creole reunion. He and June returned home to the Austin area in the 1970s, living first in Austin itself before relocating a decade ago to Hays Country Oaks, a rural-style subdivision west of Buda, where son Scott, his wife Donna and their two children had made a home.
June preceded Poppy in death, and the family lost Scott to a heart attach earlier this year. Poppy continued to live in Buda and be cared for by Donna and the boys, Collin and Hunt.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 18 at Hyde Park Christian Church in Austin.
Robert Frank Grundy’s memory will be kept alive by those who knew and loved him, including his brother, Roy; grandsons Hunt and Collin Grundy of Buda; Donna Grundy; nephew, Jarius Beck of Austin and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.