Roll Call Tribute

Robert E. Erisman, Jr.
December 8, 1939 - May 13, 2022

Robert Elmore Erisman, Jr. was born December 8, 1939 to R. E. “Doc” Erisman and Mittie Louise Ross Erisman in Fort Worth, TX. Unexpectantly, he departed from his earthly family in the early morning hours of May 13, 2022 to join the Heavenly Chorus.

When Robert was still a young child, his family made their home in Ennis where Doc served as a veterinarian. Robert, or “Butch” to many, was often known to work alongside his father on calls all about the county. It was during these times with his dad that he learned early the stories and inherent pride that was passed down to him of his beloved Texas A&M University, his father’s alma mater.

After attending school in Ennis and graduating alongside his cherished classmates in the class of 1958 where he served as Class President, Bob journeyed south to College Station. He graduated from Texas A&M and was a member of the Corp of Cadets Class of ‘62. It was while in Aggieland that he married his sweetheart, Peggy Lynn Chandler, in the summer of 1961.

After graduation, Bob and his young family moved to Tulia, Texas where he worked as a Field Underwriter for Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Company. Eventually, Farm Bureau brought him back to his hometown of Ennis as an Agent where he continued his 43 years of service with them before retiring in 2007. During these years, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was a Master Mason. He spent over a decade as a member of the Ennis ISD School Board and served as President. As a Charter Member of the Ennis A&M Club, he helped to raise scholarship funds for local future Aggies and in the 60 years since that time, he missed Aggie Muster only twice. He had a fervent Christian faith instilled by his mother and raised his family in membership at Tabernacle Baptist Church where he and Peggy served as Sunday School teachers. Bob was also a member of the Central High Volunteer Fire Department where he served as Captain, and a founding member of the Pineywoods Hunting Club. After his retirement, he took great joy in substitute teaching in the Rice ISD. He was loved and appreciated while there, both for his humor and engaging stories, but as much for the integrity and true passion with which he approached every student, every day. Regardless of the daily curriculum, there was always a life lesson he had to teach as well.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Peggy, and his two sisters: Neita Satterwhite of Heath, TX and Myrna Ranne of Canton, TX. He also leaves to cherish his memory three children: Robert E Erisman III, Jamie Smith and husband Paul, John Erisman and wife Michelle, his five grandsons: Robert E. Erisman IV and wife Becky, Jay Hashop, Joel Hashop, Chandler Erisman, and Kyle Erisman, and five great-grandchildren: Lillian Grace Newport, Ava Lynn Erisman, Robert E. Erisman V, Aubrey Nicole Erisman, and Madison Rae Erisman.

The family will host an open visitation at J.E. Keever Mortuary, 408 N. Dallas Street in Ennis, TX on Tuesday evening, May 17th from 6-8 PM. A Celebration of Life will be officiated by Mark Richardson on Wednesday, May 18th at 10 AM in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel followed by interment at Myrtle Cemetery, under the direction of J. E. Keever Mortuary, Inc. In honor of his wishes, please feel free to dress casually for his final Aggie farewell.

Pallbearers for the service are grandsons Jay Hashop, Joel Hashop, Chandler Erisman, and Kyle Erisman; nephews Kyle Ranne and Ed Green, Jr.; and family friend Bob Henderson. Honorary pallbearer is oldest grandson, Robert E Erisman, IV, presently overseas.