Robert L. Wacaser

Robert L. Wacaser of Ben Wheeler, Texas, passed away on January 18, 2025, in Tyler, Texas.
He was born March 22, 1958, in Denison, Texas, and grew up in Tyler. He was baptized in the Methodist faith and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1977.
Robert married Melinda Matthews of Canton, Texas, in 1982. They lived in Canton raising their two sons for many years before moving to their farm in Ben Wheeler in 2017 where Robert enjoyed being in nature, watching wildlife, and tending to his garden.
Robert's hobbies included hunting and fishing. He was an excellent metal worker, building several fire pits and barbecue smokers for family and friends. He enjoyed cooking ribs and brisket for gatherings, tending a good campfire, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Trips to the Texas Hill Country were his favorite place to spend time and he enjoyed many years at his deer lease in Brady, Texas.
In 1981, Robert began working for Brown & Root as a millwright, installing and repairing machinery in Tyler. From there he worked for Dresser Clark as a compressor service representative for many years, traveling the world to places including Mexico, Venezuela, Israel, and Canada. He went to work for La Goria Oil & Gas (now Delek Refinery) in 1987 as a rotating equipment specialist until his retirement in 2019.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Richard L. Wacaser; mother, Josephine McFarland; sister, Linda Pickett; and brother Richard Wacaser.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Melinda Wacaser of Ben Wheeler; his sons, Leighton Wacaser and wife Joanna of Lafayette, Louisiana; and Andrew Wacaser and wife Lauren of Canton; his grandchildren, Aiden, Carter, and Isaac Wacaser; his sisters, Lisa Ward and husband Mike of Fort Worth; and Leslie Wickham and husband Bob of Tyler; and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life takes places at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 9 at Pine Ridge Schoolhouse in downtown Ben Wheeler, Texas.