Bob Naumann died peacefully at home on Saturday, February 8, 2025, after a long illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Robert Naumann. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sally Wendel; his three sons, Wendel (Jubilee), Charles (Suzy) and David (Adelaide); his four wonderful grandchildren, Paul C. Foard (Elyssa), R. Foard, and Emily; and his brother, David (Debbie).
Bob was born in Gillespie, Illinois and moved with his parents to Birmingham when he was seven. He attended Ensley High School and The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa where he studied physics and gained his Ph.D.
Bob and Sally moved to Huntsville after their marriage in 1959, where he became one of the original employees of NASA when it opened. He retired from NASA in 1988. After retirement he was a professor at UAH for 17 years, during which time he served as Dean of Material Sciences, held a number of patents, and penned academic papers and textbooks, including An Introduction to the Physics and Chemistry of Materials.
Bob enjoyed traveling, especially by train. He was also a talented builder and made many improvements to his home over the years. He was often described as a good guy, which he was. He was a caring husband, father, grandfather and friend, and will be missed by many.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Church of the Nativity, with a reception following.
The family would like to thank Edward Harvey, Katherine Latham and Aveana Hospice for their faithful caregiving.
If you wish to make a contribution in Bob’s name please make it to The Church of the Nativity, The Ark, Wikipedia or your favorite charity.
