Published in Waco Tribune-Herald from July 26 to July 27, 2011
Robert E. Penland
Robert Emmett Penland, 64, of Waco, went home to be with his Lord and Savior July 24, 2011, after a courageous battle with leukemia. A funeral service celebrating Bob's life will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Waco, with a burial service
following in Oakwood Cemetery. Friends are invited to a visitation with the family 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Grace Gardens.
Bob was born May 7, 1947, in Uvalde, Texas, to Robert and Mary Penland. He grew up in Los Alamos, N.M., and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1965. After attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, Bob received his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering
in 1969 and his MBA in 1971, both from Texas A&M University. He remained a loyal fightin' Texas Aggie all of his life. His daughter, Shelli, remembers that her only lullabies were the Aggie War Hymn and The Spirit of Aggieland!
He worked many years for Carrier Corporation in Mississippi and Texas before settling in Waco in 1979. Bob worked at Hercules, Inc. in McGregor until 1993. After Hercules closed, he stayed in Waco to be near his children and began his career at Allergan, Inc.
where he worked until his passing. Every fall for over 30 years, Bob could be found most Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays officiating high school and college football games all across Texas and Oklahoma. Spring was devoted to officiating basketball games
and coaching his children's sports teams. He loved to hunt and fish, but most of all, loved being with his family and friends. He was a loving, kind- hearted man who was a friend to all.
Bob is rejoicing in Heaven with his parents, Robert and Mary Penland.
And because "those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time," he will one day be reunited with those who survive him. Survivors include his best friend and wife, Brenda (Byford) Penland; son, David Penland and wife, Laura, of Mocksville,
N.C.; daughters, Shelli Penland of Temple, and Jasmine Garcia of Waco; step-grandchildren, Brian and Brandon Acton and Felisha Hartrum of Mocksville, N.C.; sisters, Sue Penland of Aurora, Colo., and Martha Kruger and husband, Joe, of San Antonio; and brother,
Dick Penland and wife, Joyce, of San Antonio. He also leaves many other cherished relatives and friends. Everyone who knew and loved Bob will forever cherish how much richer their lives are because of his presence. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
The family would like to thank all of the friends and co-workers for the many prayers and encouragement over the past year while Bob fought this hard battle. A special thank you also goes to all the caring doctors, nurses and employees of MD Anderson Hospital
who cared for Bob.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the charity of your choice.
Please sign the online register at www.gracegardensfh.com.