Robert Romines' Obituary
Robert Romines - also known as "Budgie" - died suddenly on Monday, March 29, 2010 at the age of 67. Bob was born in Henderson, Texas in 1942 and attended Carlisle school his entire 12 years. He graduated in 1960 and attended Kilgore Junior College and Stephen F. Austin University finally graduating from Stephen F. Austin in 1970. Bob used to say he majored in "fraternity". Serving as President of Delta Sigma Phi, Bob established lifelong friendships and enjoyed the annual fraternity reunions.
Bob joined the US Army in May 1967. Upon graduation from flight training at Fort Rucker, AL in May of 1968 Budgie was assigned to the Republic of Viet Nam as a medical evacuation helicopter pilot. He spent a full year in Viet Nam were he flew over 1000 hours, completed over 3600 combat missions and evacuated almost 1500 patients. Among his combat awards for heroism during his Viet Nam tour were the Distinguished Flying Cross and 30 awards of the Air Medal.
He was promoted to full Colonel in January 1992 and assigned to Fort Sam Houston again later that year. Fort Sam Houston was Colonel Romines? last assignment and he retired in January 1997 after a wonderful 29 years and 10 months serving our great United States in the US Army.
Bob?s military friendships were numerous and longstanding. Merle Snyder, Jere Foust, Nick Johnson, Lee Washburn were some of Bob?s closest friends. Merle and Bob served in Vietnam together and made their dream of playing Ballybunion in Ireland a reality in 2006.
An avid sports fan, Bob was a staunch supporter of the Dallas Cowboys, the San Antonio Spurs and the Dodgers. He loved the game of golf and enjoyed his "regular group" at Oak Forest Country Club.
Bob was a devoted son and brother. He worshiped his Dad, Richard Taylor Romines and cared for his mother Ruby Gamble Romines Manning in her declining years. And was a big brother to his little sister Judy. Most of all Bob was dedicated to his brother Leroy Romines and his wife Betty Lou Romines and their children. Bob was so proud when Leroy won the Boys Basketball State Championship in 1992 and was completely devastated by death of Leroy?s and Betty?s son Taylor. Bob?s nieces Jana Sellers and Jennifer Romines adored their "Uncle Budgie".
Bob?s greatest joy and proudest moments revolved around his sons. While married to Ellen Moore, Bob became the father of Michael Neal and Robert Douglas. The love for his sons was boundless. He was so proud of the men they have become and of the wonderful fathers they are to their children. Bob was completely devoted to his grandchildren and tried his best to never miss a baseball, soccer or basketball game.
In 1982, Bob married Cindy Lair. Together, they moved around the United States as Bob pursued his military career. They traveled extensively and loved to play golf and spend as much time together as possible. Their bond and marriage was inspirational to young married couples. The joy and love they shared was endless.
Quick-witted and quick-tempered, Bob was fondly known in the military as "Ragin? Robert". He had the gift of gab and was a great storyteller. A great patriot, an unfailing friend, loving husband, devoted father and affectionate grandfather, Bob will be greatly missed.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Ruby Romines of Carlisle / Henderson and an infant brother Wayne and his beloved nephew Taylor Romines. Bob is survived by his wife of 27 years, Cindy Romines of Longview, his sister and her husband Judy and Rex Rogers of Henderson, his brother and wife Leroy and Betty Lou Romines of Longview, sons and daughters-in-law Michael and Jenny Romines and Robert and Jennifer Romines of Tyler, grandchildren Dylan, Ethan, Christina, Taylor, Ally, Benjamin, Jakob and Meghan, nieces Tiffany Reeves and her husband Trevor of Henderson, Tasha Mims and her husband Jason of Salado, Jana Sellers and great-nephew Rhett of Longview and Jennifer Romines of Tyler. Also, Bob is survived by his brother-in-laws Rick Lair and wife Diane of Elizabethtown, Kentucky and Edward Franklin of Lexington, Kentucky, sisters-in-law Jackie Conn and Jane Harrison and Jane?s husband Howard and their children Alex and Olivia all of Ozark, Alabama.
Services will be held at 2 PM, Thursday, April 1, 2010 at New Heights Church in Longview with Chaplain Jessie Thornton officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Rosewood Park. Services are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5-7 PM at the funeral home.
Honorary Pall bearers will be Bob?s Oak Forest Golf Buddies, Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity Brothers, and All Comrades in Arms.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
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