Robert Leslie Deshazo

Robert "Bob" Leslie DeShazo, 74, of Austin, passed away in his home on August 8, 2023. Bob was born on September 17, 1948, to Ira and Nellroye DeShazo in Memphis, TN. After graduating from Memphis Central High School in 1966, Bob found his way to the University of Texas at Austin and studied Architecture, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1971. After graduation, Bob worked in various night clubs as a bartender and managed a music tour for John Prine. He provided design consultation and drafting services for small development projects in Austin prior to accepting a Drafting position with the City of Austin Public Works Department in 1977. Bob taught drafting and blueprint reading courses part-time as an Associate Professor at Austin Community College from 1980-1983. He passed the Architectural Board Exam and became a Registered Architect in the State of Texas in 1986. In 1985, Bob met Sue Heumann at the City of Austin and they wed in 1989. Bob and Sue welcomed daughter Emily Lynn into their family in 1990. He was a magician and enjoyed doing sleight of hand magic tricks and soon taught Emily to do the same. He also shared his love for coin collecting and gift of creative writing with her over the years. Bob was a big fan of attending Happy Hour and would meet many friends at his favorite spot, The Filling Station on Barton Springs Road. During Bob’s 26-year tenure with the City of Austin he managed a wide range of projects such as: Senior Activity Centers, Park Improvements, Austin Energy Buildings, Health Clinics, and was known as the “roofing guy” in later years. His management of the Zachary Scott Kleberg Theatre project was his proudest accomplishment. Bob retired on Halloween 2003 and received many awards from various departments, including a proclamation from the City Council for his exemplary work over the years. Bob was predeceased by his mother Nellroye, father Ira, and close friends Richard Martratt, Stanley Kozinsky, Joel Buccy, Paul Medley, and Ron Davis. He is survived by his brother Bruce DeShazo of Jackson, MS, his daughter Emily Lynn, and former wife Sue Heumann of Austin. A gathering of Bob’s friends and coworkers will be held Sunday, September 17, 2023, on what would be his 75th birthday, from 3:00-6:00 pm at the South Austin Senior Activity Center, 3911 Menchaca Road, Austin, TX 78704. In lieu of flowers, funeral expense donations are greatly appreciated. Donations can be made through Cashapp: $shastatx or Venmo: @shasta512

Robert Leslie Deshazo

September 17, 1948 - August 8, 2023