Robert Gist

Robert Gist - Born on 8/28/1940 in Tyler, TX to Judge Bascom and Carlynn Gist. Survivors include wife of 35 years, Victoria Gist; daughter, Melinda Lorenz, son-in-law, Steve Lorenz, grandsons, Mark and Eric, Riverside, CT; sons: Jason Gist, granddaughter, Reagan, Edmond, OK; Tyler Gist, daughter-in-law, Bonnie, grandson, Ian, granddaughter, Lita, Plano, TX; and, his beloved cocker spaniel, Lucy. Upon graduation from Tyler H.S., attended Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX on full scholarship, BA (1962); member Phi Delta fraternity; Bachelor of Laws (1965), graduating Summa Cum Laude. Bob was a brilliant attorney with amazing business acumen. After practicing law for a prestigious Dallas law firm for several years, Bob served as Secretary/Legal Counsel for Texas International, parent company to several subsidiaries with emphasis on oil and gas and real estate holdings. Later served as Executive Vice President, ultimately becoming President. Attorneys in NY City likened him to Will Rogers, regaling them with stories about fishing, hunting and a myriad of business ventures/deals, including one which was memorialized in Forbes, 1977, when "Michael Milken opened up the capital markets to fledgling firms by putting together a $30 million bond issue for a small company called Texas International." Served on board of directors for Patterson Energy Corporation, Snyder, TX until his retirement. Despite his achievements and accolades, Bob remained humble to his core and referred to himself as a redneck in a 3-pc. suit. He was both generous with his friends and charitable to causes, such as (CASA) Court Appointed Special Advocates (where Victoria has volunteered since 1995). His hobbies included fishing (local lakes, Canada and Mexico); hunting; tennis; cursing the stock market; and was a voracious reader, especially regarding manifest destiny, the universe, cosmos, infinity. The universe, which so mesmerized Bob, is diminished by the passing of a unique human being who left his indelible mark while here. His family grieves, and his old friends bid farewell. God bless your journey! Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, October 13, 2009, in the Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel, with interment following in Resthaven Memory Gardens.