Dr. Robert Schaper

Johnnye said her husband was often ill and in the hospital, and that all his time spent as a patient made him a stronger administrator.

"He was in and out of the hospital often," she said. "I think that's why he was such a good administrator. He could see what needed to be fixed. He empathized with families having to go that far downtown. It was his goal to have all those facilities close to the community."

The Schapers moved to Tomball in 1976 and raised their three boys—Clay, Cale and Lance Schaper—in the community.

"We liked Tomball and decided to take roots in Tomball," she said. "My husband said, 'I will stay here as long as they will have me.' It's very unusual for CEOs to stay in one place as long as he did. They're like coaches—he had so many people to keep happy so the hospital would keep growing and expanding."

In 2004, the hospital named its new heart center after him—The Robert F. Schaper Heart Center, within Tomball Regional. He was honored by the designation, Johnnye said.

"My husband was admired and respected by doctors, employees and the community," she said. "He loved that hospital. The hospital was like his child. He liked watching it grow just like his own children."

In 1997, Robert was named Tomball's outstanding citizen of the year by the Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2004, the North Harris County Business Forum awarded him the leader of the year award.

Robert was an active member of the American Hospital Association and served on the National Legislative Committee, she said. He was a member of the Texas Hospital Association and a charter member of the Tomball Lions Club.

In 1980, he was the chairman of the Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce.

Robert's goodwill spanned to youth as well. He started a scholarship fund to help Lone Star College students going into health care careers. In addition, Robert opened a vacant lot owned by Tomball Regional to youth sports groups.

Robert was born July 2, 1944 in Galveston. He was married to Johnnye for more than 40 years.

Robert received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Sam Houston State University and earned his master's degree in health care administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Robert died in August of 2005. He is buried at Klein Cemetery in Magnolia.