Robert Ray Gibbens Jr. of Fredericksburg (formerly of Karnes City) was born in Uvalde, Texas on July 20, 1963 to Bobby and Laquita Gibbens. He went to his heavenly home on April 29, 2024 with his family by his side.

While growing up, Robert loved being on the sidelines with his Dad at football games, playing sports and spending time in the outdoors hunting and fishing with his Paw-Paw, Dad, Uncles and Cousins. Many great memories and stories came from such great times. And like his Paw-Paw and Dad before him, he loved the ranching life. Working cattle on horseback never seemed to be work to him!

Robert graduated from Karnes City High School in 1982. He loved playing football, basketball and running track. He was a great teammate and friend and was voted class favorite all four years of high school. He then went on to attend Texas A&M University where he earned a degree in Range Management in 1986. Soon after graduating, he began working for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Throughout his career he served in Field offices located in Spur, Tahoka, Floresville, Tilden and Kenedy, Texas. Upon his retirement after 33 years of service in 2019, it was noted that the land and water was in better health because of his service and he received appreciation for his many years of support and partnership with the San Antonio River Authority.

Robert was a member of the Karnes City Volunteer Fire Department where he helped countless people in his community. He was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church while living in Karnes City. Upon moving to Fredericksburg, he joined Bethany Lutheran Church and was a man of great faith and integrity. Robert was a friend to all and never met a stranger.

Of all the accomplishments Robert experienced in life, his most cherished role was taking care of his family. He married his favorite dance partner and love of his life, Shelley, on July 6, 1991. In their near 33 years of marriage, they lived out their vows together and made a formidable team. He was the embodiment of a loyal family man.

Robert is preceded in death by his loving parents, Bobby and Laquita Gibbens; his father-in-law, Whitey Dietrich, and brother-in-law, Neal Schaetter.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Shelley; daughters, Jessie Kate Gibbens of Fredericksburg, Meg Barrett (Regina) of New Braunfels, Lacey Barrett Clemens (Andrew) of Converse; three grandchildren, Brynley Bennett, Kolten Bennett, and Kohen Mills; sister, Diana Backlund (Tim) of Fair Oaks, and mother-in-law, Jeanne Dietrich of Fredericksburg. He is also survived by sisters-in-law/brothers-in-law, Margo Anderegg (Corey), Dana Schaetter, Colette Weinheimer (Don), Colleen Ketron (Logan), Darren Schneider (Heather), Melanie Magre (Pete), Derrick Dietrich (Wendy), Holly Klein (Richard), numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Votive Hospice (Dawn, Liz and Cortny), Dr. Rad Kothmann, and Pastors Lucinda Zesch, Casey Zesch, Kevin Haug and Ray Tiemann.

A visitation was held on Friday, May 3, at 9 a.m., with funeral service following at 10 a.m., at Bethany Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, Texas. Graveside services and interment immediately followed at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given in his memory to the Bethany Preschool Building Fund, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Votive Hospice or to the charity of your choice.

Pallbearers: Pete Gibbens, Dan Gibbens, Pat Gibbens, David Gibbens, Luke Patton, Eddie Haynes, Lester Kinney and Robbie Bussleman.

Honorary pallbearers: Kolten Bennett, Holden Light, Brad Gibbens, Jamie Donnell, Kathryn Menke, Pam Thomas, Joseph Snider, Pat Dzuik, Paul Quintanilla and Robert Contreras.

Arrangements under the direction of Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg, Texas.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fredericksburg Standard Radio-Post from May 2 to May 16, 2024.