Roll Call Tribute

Rudy Gayle Loehr 

March 12, 1952 - January 19, 2026 

Rudy Gayle Loehr, a beloved Burleson County rancher, passed away on January 19, 2026. Rudy devoted his life to the land he loved, raising cattle, baling hay, farming corn, cotton, wheat, grain and stewarding the family ranch with care, grit, and quiet pride. Ranching was not just his work; it was his way of life. He was committed to his family, who faithfully supported him in the daily rhythms of ranch life.

Rudy was born on March 12, 1952, to Gladys Lightsey Loehr and Rudolph Walter Loehr. Alongside his older sister, he grew up in Cooks Point, Texas, on the family ranch that would shape his life and values. He attended Caldwell High School, where he played football and was active in the FFA. During his junior year, his father unexpectedly passed away, and Rudy—still a teenager—stepped up alongside his mother to help take over the operation of the ranch. He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1970 and went on to pursue an Aggie ring.

While continuing to run the ranch, Rudy earned a degree in Marketing from Texas A&M University, graduating in 1974. After a brief stint in the insurance business, he quickly realized that city life and wearing a suit were never meant for him. He returned to his roots and followed his heart into farming and ranching full time.

Most days, Rudy could be found at the ranch in his uniform: a dark denim pearl snap shirt, dark denim jeans, cowboy boots, and either a brown felt hat or a straw hat when the Texas heat demanded. At the end of each summer, his straw hat was thrown into the baler, marking the close of custom hay baling season.

In 1982, Rudy married Karen McGown Vick and they made their home in Bryan, Texas. Along with the title of husband, Rudy became Dad to Valerie and Bryson, and together he and Karen welcomed Preston and Colton into their family of six.

Never known to be in a hurry or to ever drive fast, his days began early and ended when the sun went down. In the cold winter months, it wasn’t uncommon for his coat to need washing after he wrapped up a newborn calf and held it in the truck to get it warm. In the summer, the kids enjoyed the ranch rodeos he put on and all learned to swim in the tank, often with their swim instructor fully clothed in his long sleeve shirt, jeans, and hat. Even through the ups and downs of ranch life, like the time a lightning strike burned down the barn including a tractor, several implements and a year’s worth of hay, Rudy remained even-keeled and kept his humor. A man of few words, he was known for his dry wit and well-timed one-liners.

As his sons grew older, they, along with friends and hired hands, worked the ranch alongside him. His morning calls to each of them, checking in on the day’s plans, and working cattle together were among his greatest joys. The shenanigans, stories, and laughter shared by this multigenerational group of family and friends while farming, baling, penning, doctoring, and working cattle will be remembered and retold for years to come.

Rudy embraced his favorite title of all: “Tex.” His seven grandchildren were a great joy to him. Sundays were his favorite day—worshiping alongside his grandchildren, followed by lunch with family, watching football, and spending time together. Time with the grandkids often meant fishing, teaching them to drive the truck (which sometimes included donuts in the mud), or target shooting. He kept the tanks stocked so the fish were always biting, was always ready for a driving lesson, and never missed a chance to deliver donuts and breakfast tacos in the morning.

Cooks Point Methodist Church played a central role in Rudy’s life. He was baptized and raised in his family church, sharing many meaningful years there alongside aunts, uncles, cousins and eventually his own family. Rudy served faithfully as Administrative Board Chairman, Trustee Chairman and taught Junior and Senior High Sunday School for many years. He was famous for his hayrides at the Harvest Party and delicious chili at the covered dish lunches. His legacy continues, as his family remains active members of Cooks Point Methodist Church, with his grandchildren representing the sixth generation of Loehrs to worship there.

Let it be known that when you get to heaven and you hear a truck horn beeping, it’s just Rudy calling the cows in to be fed.

Rudy is survived by his loving family: his wife of 43 years, Karen McGown Loehr; his children, Preston Loehr and wife Sarah Ely Loehr (Lightsey and Peyton) of Bryan; Colton Loehr and wife Kelsey Alford Loehr (Hallie and Callan) of Aurora, Colorado; Bryson Vick and wife Sarah Northcutt Vick of Bryan; and Valerie Vick Floren and husband Josh Floren (Jackson, Brooks, and Charlotte) of Coppell. He is also survived by his sister, Dianne Loehr Johnson and husband David Johnson of Bellaire, his mother-in-law, Jeane McGown of Bryan; brother-in-law Mike McGown and wife Judy McGown of Montgomery, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph Walter Loehr and Gladys Lightsey Loehr and his father-in-law Charles Brooks “Buddy” McGown.

Visitation will be held at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 5:00–8:00 p.m. Funeral services will take place at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial at Cooks Point Methodist Church Cemetery. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.