Robert C. Brackett

I knew Robert Brackett as a young man...last visited with him prior to a Lubbock High School reunion about 20 years ago. It sounds like he had a good, fulfilling life. Am sorry he had a long illness, for his family's loss.

I will never forget Dr. Brackett. As a fellow attorney, I admired his honesty and dedication to truth. He was the only lawyer I ever met who insisted that his clients submit to a lie detector test, for he would not agree to represent anyone who was not willing to be completely honest. He was kind and generous. His warmth and sense of humor made him a pleasure to be associated with. He had a limitless quest for knowledge, and a stubborn insistence on doing everything the right way. Not one word in his obituary is exaggeration or hyperbole. He truly was bigger than life. It was an honor to have been able to call him a friend.

Just heard of Dr. Brackett's passing. The Tetzlaff Family has wonderful memories of all encounters with him and sends condolences and regards.

When I was 37 years old, I was diagnosed with severe periodontal disease. My dentist said that the only guy who might be able to save my teeth was Robert Brackett. What a shock when this large man with a deep and booming voice walked into the room wearing a huge cowboy hat and cowboy boots. He agreed to do the drastic surgery needed but only if I were sincere about following his cleaning instructions every day for the rest of my life. He said that if I weren't the type to keep my promises and was only fooling around that he didn't want to waste his time doing the surgery. I saw a lot of me in him and I knew that I would do what he asked. I really liked him. I always kept the promise I made to him that day. I am now 75 years old and still have my teeth, just as he said I would. I have a list of ten people who made my life a better life, and Dr. Brackett is on that list.

I met Robert in the fifth or sixth grade at Central Ward Elementary/Carrol Thompson Jr. High where he first appeared wearing short pants and cowboy boots. Soon after our meeting he raised his shirt, pointed to a bad scar on abdomen, and declared that his brother had shot him. A scar and boots. The scar was later explained as the result of a ricochet from a handgun Boone accidentally fired down into the floor. The boots inspired our sixth grade teacher, Mr. Gee to call him "Cowboy," a nickname forever shadowing for many who knew and loved him. I have many fond memories of Robert that lead me to celebrate his life. I am greatly sadden by his death. My condolences to his family and other friends.