Robert Pruett Larkins

"Bob Larkins: if you knew him, he's dead," is what he wanted us to write. But we'd be remiss in not providing additional details about the life of Robert Pruett Larkins, a man of great intelligence, integrity, and unwavering Christian faith. Bob was born in Baytown, Texas, on February 10, 1933, and passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on June 24, 2024.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Souvern Pruett Larkins and Mary Coe Larkins; by Sidney Lister Larkins, his beloved wife for 16 years and the mother of his children, John and Stacey; and by Bobbie Ann Kimmel Larkins, his beloved wife of 41 years.
Bob is survived by son, John Larkins; his wife, Rose; and their children, Calvin and Robert; and daughter, Stacey Rice; her husband, Jon; and their children, Belynne and Jonathan Culwell.
Bob graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas, in 1951. He earned a B.A. and B.S. from Rice University in 1955 and 1956 and an M.S. and Ph.D. in 1957 and 1959 in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He joined Humble Oil & Refining Company (now ExxonMobil) in 1959, as a process engineer in the Technical Service Department of the Baytown Refinery.
After falling in love at Rice University, Bob and Sidney were married in 1958. Sidney developed breast cancer and died in 1974. Sidney was a wonderful person and a loving mother; her sweet disposition lives on in Stacey.
Bob and Bobbie Ann Kimmel were married in 1976 and enjoyed 41 years together before her death on January 14, 2017.
Over his 37 years at Exxon, Bob held over 17 positions in Refining, Corporate Planning, Marketing, Coal and Minerals, and Synthetic Fuels. He retired as President of Exxon Coal and Minerals Company in 1995.
Following his retirement, Bob and Bobbie Ann enjoyed frequent cruises and travels to Maui.
Bob strongly believed in hard work but also, being generous and sharing his blessings. He raised funds for the University of Houston, Bobbie Ann's alma mater, Rice, and P.B.S. Channel 8. In 2020, Bob established the Larkins Charitable Trust as an ongoing way to give to needy organizations.
Bob belonged to Chapelwood United Methodist Church for over 40 years and faithfully supported Chapelwood's Christian ministry through his prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. He taught adult Sunday School and served on numerous committees, the Chapelwood Foundation, and the Board of Stewards. He also served for several months as interim business manager following the death of his good friend, Bill Marshall.
The family wishes to express grateful appreciation to Bob's care team and nurses. We also want to express loving gratitude to Charlene Jefferson, who first came into Bob's life as Bobbie Ann's caregiver and stayed for more than 15 years, caring for Bobbie Ann, Bob, and managing their care teams.
A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay, Houston, Texas, on July 8, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. The family will greet friends and family at a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, Bob requested that contributions be made to the Chapelwood Foundation, 11140 Greenbay, Houston, Texas, 77024, or a charity of your choice.
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Published by Houston Chronicle on Jul. 3, 2024.
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