Robert Aby Gordon II

Robert Aby Gordon II, better known as Bob, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 25, 2025, at home in Fort Worth, Texas. Bob lived to be 81, a remarkable feat considering all his male ancestors had died by the age of 66. While this was quite an accomplishment, it was more meaningful because his wife of 61 years was by his side.

Bob was born to Robert Aby "Dick" Gordon and Doris Marie Austin Gordon on November 19, 1943, in Seminole, Oklahoma. He lived most of his young life in Oklahoma, graduating from Duncan High School in 1961. The family later moved to Texas when his father became an independent oil producer.

Being a cowboy at heart, Bob attended Sul Ross College in Alpine, Texas, as an agriculture major, then transferred to Texas Tech in Lubbock. He was working part time on a ranch when his horse spooked, causing his left leg to hit a utility guide wire. His badly injured knee required surgery and rehabilitation, thus forcing him to drop out of college. When he recovered, he enrolled in Lubbock Christian College. On Friday the 13th of December 1963, he needed a date for a race car banquet, so he asked a friend at Texas Tech if she knew anyone. She did. Bob and his blind date, freshman Patsy Johnson, married April 11, 1964.

Bob worked in the oil fields for a short time, until he was burned in an accident. After he healed, the couple moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he helped open Sears and Roebuck in the newly built Coronado Center and welcomed the birth of daughter Kimberly Dawn. Later he worked for his dad's oil company in Abilene, Texas, but returned to Sears as a department manager at the new Valley View store in Dallas. There he welcomed the birth of son Robert Aby III. In 1973, Bob was transferred to the Sears Seminary South store in Fort Worth. He continued to work for the company in various positions until he took a buyout in 1986 as the company's fortunes began to decline.

The couple stayed in Fort Worth, where he and his wife opened a combination art gallery and gift store, Pueblo Art, in 1987. Five years later, they closed the shop so he and his son Rob could pursue a business developing and owning ice rinks. Parlaying their success in the rink business, the duo opened a hockey equipment distribution warehouse in Fort Worth that evolved into the design and manufacturing of their own equipment. After American Hockey Company closed, Bob remained in the ice hockey business with the Fort Worth Brahmas until 2007.

Having left his mark on the ice hockey industry, the Okie cowboy and his wife Pat started a genealogy and history book business, Books & Things, in 2007. Following Pat's retirement, the couple spent several months a year travelling while pursuing their interest in genealogy. They loved learning about their family histories and enjoyed selling books at large genealogical conferences. During the pandemic, they were forced to create an online bookstore (mygenealogybooks.com), which is still active.

Bob lived a full life that took him to many places and on adventures where he made lasting friendships. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking on his dad's 1956 custom-made barbecue pit, attending his children and grandchildren's activities, and searching with friends for Lost Adam's Goldmine, which is still lost today. Bob was a salesman at heart as evidenced by his many careers in the retail world.

Bob is survived by his wife Pat; daughter Kim Cook and her partner David Hart; son Rob; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother David Gordon and his wife Lou; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

All are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 4, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Lone Star Tower Clubhouse at Texas Motor Speedway, 3575 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth, Texas. Burial at a later date in Oplin (Callahan County) Texas Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice for their compassion and care during this difficult time as well as a special thanks to Jimmie, Josh, and JQ.