Robert Harris "Bob" Dyer

1929 - 2015

Robert Harris (Bob) Dyer, 86, departed this life on June 7, 2015, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Bob was born Feb. 18, 1929, in Olustee, Okla., to Geneve Ledford Dyer and Joe I. Dyer. He grew up in Henderson, Texas, attended New London Elementary School and graduated from Henderson High School in 1946. Bob went on to graduate from The University of Texas in 1951. He played flute and piccolo in the UT Marching Band and was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

Bob married Dona Jean Forshee on April 19, 1952. After serving in the army at Fort Chaffee, Ark. as a rifle instructor, he moved his young family to Big Spring, Texas. Bob taught chemistry at Big Spring High School and Howard College. He joined Cosden Oil and Chemical Company, which later became American Petrofina, and traveled extensively throughout Europe, Canada and the United States. He was an active member of The Rotary Club of Big Spring and Saint Mary's Episcopal Church Vestry. In 1973, Bob took a position with The Gulf Coast Authority and the family moved to Houston, Texas. Bob and Dona returned to West Texas in 1987 and established their business, Permian Medical Billing, in Midland.

After Dona's death in 2004, Bob was fortunate to find love, again. He married Mary Louise Deats Dec. 9, 2006. Bob and Mary enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. She was his loving companion and devoted caregiver until his death.

Bob was a lifelong student of history and politics. He delighted in discussions of family history, church history, the Civil War and current events. Holidays usually included a lively debate at the dinner table concerning the latest news item. We will always remember his easy smile, kind spirit, loving heart and abiding faith in God.

Bob was a member of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, where he was active in the Men's Club. He also belonged to The Petroleum Club and The Racquet Club.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Dyer; sons, J.R. Dyer and wife, Jeanne; Dr. Joel Dyer and wife, Pam; daughter, Ann Dyer Wardlaw and husband, Stephen; grandchildren, Joel Harris Dyer; Lauren Dyer Bean and husband, Alan; Byron Harris Wardlaw; Stephanie Wardlaw Ledford and husband, Jeff; and great-grandsons Jack, Max and Garrett. He is also survived by John Deats and wife, Carol; their daughters Caroline Deats and Abigail Stevens, husband Trevor and baby Adeline; Annabeth Deats Miller and husband, Drew; and their daughter, Annaclarice Miller.

He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Dona Jean Dyer; his parents, Geneve and Joe Dyer, and his infant sister, Jo Ann.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Legacy Ranch Alzheimer's Special Care Center and our dear friends, Don Breeden and Russell Shaffer.

A family service and burial will be held on Friday, June 12, 2015.

Memorials may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, 1412 W Illinois Ave., Midland, 79701; St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 4000 W Loop 250 North, Midland, TX, 79707; or Legacy Ranch, 4800 Briarwood Ave, Midland, TX, 79707.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.