Robert Leslie Krenek

Robert Leslie Krenek Sr., also known as “Gran,” was born to Leslie Krenek and Eulamae Welborne Krenek in Burkburnett, TX on November 18, 1935. He peacefully passed away at his home on the evening of October 23, 2024, at the age of 88.

Robert grew up in Wild Peach, TX and was the 2nd oldest of 8 children, he had 3 brothers and 4 sisters. He graduated from West Columbia High School in 1955. During his senior year he met the love of his life Augustine “Mary” Bertram. Robert and Mary dated for several months, married on November 25, 1955, and have been writing their beautiful love story together for over 68 years.

After graduating, Robert began a career in the oil field and spent over 60 years climbing the ladder with several companies before retiring as a oil and gas consultant at the young retirement age of 82. He loved the industry but the friends he made along the way even more. In the oil industry when they say “struck gold” I believe they would be referring to having Robert as an employee and friend. He was truly invaluable to so many jobs he worked on.

If you knew Robert, then you know his love for fishing and hunting. His interest began at a very early age and grew throughout the years. If you ever wondered where Robert was, you knew you could find him at a local fishing hole anytime. On more than one occasion he would go to court Mary yet end up fishing or hunting with her father, Oscar. One of those times his mom and dad came looking for him only to find out he had been with Oscar for three weeks! He loved to hunt in Seguin or Uvalde with his son, grandson and friends. Robert ventured to Colorado many times, even into his 80’s he was ready to go climb those mountains for a good hunt. Throughout the year there was always some fish to catch or game to hunt while making memories. 

His sense of humor was always on point, maybe in the morning you would hear him say “woooo chow!”; or “if you’re waiting on me, you’re backin up” or maybe “I had a bigger scratch on my lip and never quit whistlin”. How about when you bought a new car, you know he had to ask, “Did you have to get out and let your butt snicker?” He had a line that would fit in just the right place to make you laugh. These will be used for years to come and guaranteed to always warm our heart and put a smile on our face.

Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His path was a light to others because of his love for Jesus. He was an elder at the Brazoria Church of Christ and gave all he had to showing God’s love to others with his kindness. Mary wrote this note to Robert in April 2011 and wanted to share it with us: “I love all my family very much. Thank you Robert for being such a wonderful husband and friend, but most of all for teaching me about Jesus. You are one of a kind. We’ve had lots of fun in our life together with all our kids, grandkids and great grandkids. I love you with all my heart and I’ll see you in heaven. Your loving wife, Mary” 

Robert is predeceased by his parents Leslie Krenek and Eulamae Wilborne Krenek, brother Harold Krenek and sisters Francie Gray, Carolyn Thornton and Sandra Krenek

He is survived by his wife Augustine Mary Krenek; daughter Teri Krenek and Daniel Cocking; son Dr. Robert Krenek Jr. PhD (wife, Michelle); son Dr. David Krenek, DC (wife, Suzanne); grandchildren Dr. Shane Krenek, DC (wife, June), Rachel Mayo (husband, Eric), Rebecca Burnett (husband, Jeffrey), Laurel Masso (husband, Jordan) Morgan Krenek and Krystal Krenek; great grandchildren Anton(wife, Sarah), Anna (husband, Quincey), Nathyn, Blake, Kennedy, Paxton, Annabeth, Evan, Jonah, Wade, Lilah, Dean, Silas, Jase; brothers Paul Krenek (wife, Susan) and Lloyd Krenek (wife, Marie); sister Nelda Janak (husband, Herbie) and many other family members and friends that were a big part of his life.

Funeral services will be held at Baker Funeral Home West Columbia, TX Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with final resting place immediately to follow at Yelderman Cemetery in Damon, TX. Visitation will be Monday, October 28, 2024, from 5:30p.m.-7:00p.m.