Bobby Allen Marks

Bobby Allen Marks, 85, of Bryan, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026.

Bobby was born on New Year's Eve, 1940, to A.L. and Carrie Marks. He was the youngest of ten children and the last surviving sibling. Raised in the Little River/Academy area just outside Temple, Texas, Bobby graduated from Academy High School in 1959 before proudly serving his country in the United States Army.

In 1964, Bobby met the first love of his life, Stella Jo "Jody" Childers, and the two were married in Temple. Jody was the ninth of ten children, and when both families gathered, the reunions were unforgettable. Bobby embraced his role as the family griller and was often spotted in his trademark outfit - shorts, flipflops, and a bandana - always ready to feed a crowd and share a laugh. Bobby had a quick wit and a mischievous grin - usually a warning that a oneliner was coming, often quiet and under his breath. His saucy sense of humor was evident, even in his last days.

Bobby and Jody settled in Irving, where they began raising their three children, Kristy, Ricky, and Todd. Their journey later took them to Grapevine, drawn by Bobby's lifelong passion for quarter horses. Much of the family's free time was spent in Colleyville at Ross Downs Racetrack, where Bobby was a quarter horse owner, breeder, and trainer. Alongside his best friend Jack Kirkland, and with the help of Dr. Gene White, and Doug "Snuffy" Hatfield, Bobby celebrated many proud moments in the Winner's Circle-experiences that brought him immense joy and lasting friendships.

Raised on a farm, Bobby was no stranger to hard work and, until retirement, rarely slowed down. A true outdoorsman, he eventually purchased the land he had long dreamed of south of Fort Worth, where the family thrived. Whether tending his property, hunting, or ensuring he had the best yard in the neighborhood wherever he lived, he found peace and purpose outdoors. He was also deeply involved in his children's 4H activities, working hands on with cattle and sheep and instilling in them the values of responsibility.

After Jody's passing, Bobby sold their land and moved to Burleson, where he began to start life again. Not many can say they get another chance at love, but he eventually did. This is yet another example of his perseverance.

Bobby met his second great love, Loretta Cadro Peterson. He loved telling the story of how, while driving between Dallas and Houston for the US Mail, he frequently heard Loretta's voice over the CB radio. He liked what he heard and knew he had to meet this strong woman. Once they did, he was certain. They married in 1995, blending their families - Bobby's three children and Loretta's daughter, Deidra. Together, they recently celebrated 30 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love. Their partnership healed many broken pieces in our family, and we are forever grateful for a stretch of highway and a CB radio, not to mention a great story of how two people met.

Bobby was preceded in death by his first wife, Jody; his oldest granddaughter, Lacey Anne Youngblood-Hernandez; an unborn great-grandchild; his parents; five sisters; four brothers; and his best friends, Jack Kirkland and Paul Driggers.

He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love and family. Survivors include his loving wife Loretta L. Marks of Bryan; his children: Kristy Pemberton and wife Lesli of North Richland Hills; Ricky Marks and wife Melissa of Bandera; Todd Marks of Eagle Pass; and Deidra Wallin of Bryan and her husband Keith. Bobby is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Taylor Marks of Austin; Hunter Marks of Roanoke; Mallory Marks of Fort Worth; Morgan, Ruby Anne, and Luka Marks of Bandera; Jillian Peters of North Richland Hills; and Rick Hernandez of Saginaw and a special added grand-daughter Macarena Vizueta of Santiago Chile. The icing on Bobby's cake was the joy of becoming a great-grandfather to Levi and Jett just last year.

A special thank you for their love and amazing care: Mimi and Robin from Legacy Nursing Home and Camille at Brazos Valley Hospice. Your care for Papa Bear really touched our family.

A celebration of life for Bobby will be held at a later date in Little River, Texas with final resting place in Wilson Valley Cemetery.

Papa, we will miss you so much, rest high on that mountain.

In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances can be sent to the following:

Little River Wilson Valley Cemetary

PO Box 457

Little River-Academy, Texas 76554

Sharp Cemetery Association

c/oFarrell Prewitt,

110 CR 138b

Burnett, TX 78611

Bandera Methodist Church "Youth Programs"

1103 Cedar St, Bandera, TX 78003