Bobby Clinton Mansel

1942 - 2025

Bobby Clinton Mansel

Jan 9, 1942 - Mar 16, 2025

Bobby Clinton Mansel, 83, of Bryan departed this life for his eternal reward on March 16, 2025, in Panama City, Florida. He was surrounded by all four of his children, as well as many of his grandchildren and other loved ones.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Saturday, March 22, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Msgr. Gleissner Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 5 – 7 pm Friday with a rosary at 7:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan.

Bobby was born to Eugene "Bud" and Pauline Mansel on January 9, 1942, in Normangee, Texas. He married Frances (Bienski) on June 7, 1964, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Bryan, Texas. Bobby was a devoted member of St. Joseph's, serving as president of the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Board for many years. He was recently recognized for 50 years of continuous service in the St. Joseph Ushers Club. Bobby and Frances owned and operated Mansel's Wheel Alignment where he worked until retiring at age 80.

His hobbies were deer hunting, fishing and playing slots (Quick Hits!) He was a man who loved his family deeply--a father figure to many, welcoming all to a seat at the family dinner table. He was incredibly witty, had a nickname for everyone and offered gentle wisdom every day. Everyone who spent time with him learned something, whether it was about fixing a car or mending a broken heart. He had a memory like no other, which he used to entertain everyone. He could still recite Shakespeare's Mark Antony speech word for word. He had a mental catalogue with thousands of jokes and quips that rolled off his tongue with perfect timing.

He had a favorite saying that he lived by: "Just love 'em." There were many times that his best advice was to "just love 'em" when his children or grandchildren would seek advice in life and love. There were moments of humor, too, when a child came into the house covered head-to-toe in mud or asked for yet another helping of dessert. Someone would ask, "What are we going to do with this kid?" He would shrug and say, "Just love 'em."

Many who knew him as a mechanic probably didn't know how tender-hearted he was. While raising the kids, the bedtime routine was that he would sit on the side of the bed and bounce the edge while singing the kids to sleep. He would sing Sweet Low, Sweet Chariot, substituting their names for the lyrics throughout the song. When Frances was in hospice care, the adult kids surrounded her bed and asked Bobby to sing those old songs. While he did, his wife of 53 years took her last breath. The whole family cherished the fact that he sang Mama Jo right into Jesus' arms.

Bobby was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Frances; grandson Dylan Corbin; and sister Caroyl Howard. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Kim Mansel; daughters and sons-in-law: Rhonda Mansel and David VanBlaricom, Janet and Jerry Blanchard and Staci and Chris Corbin; best friend and brother Curtis Mansel; sister-in-law/casino buddy/dear friend Carol Towns; ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren and numerous beloved family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dallas Hearing Foundation https://dallashearingfoundation.org/.

One final thought: Bobby read The Eagle obituaries every single day. He would often say that he just needed to "make sure his name wasn't in there." Well Dad, you finally made it to the obits!!