Bobby was born on December 23, 1932, in Clovis, New Mexico, to Carol Clyde and Mamie Jo Bennett. He spent most of his life in El Paso, where he graduated from Austin High School and built a life rooted in Family, Friendship, and a deep love for the outdoors.
From a young age, Bobby embraced the cowboy way of life. He worked as a ranch hand alongside his uncle in Colorado and rode in rodeos. These experiences shaped his lifelong love of camping, fishing, and open spaces. During his first marriage to Zella Sally Hinton, Bobby became the proud father of four children: Jim, Sherlyn, Vicky, and Richard (Ricky). He eagerly passed his love of the outdoors on to them, often taking the family camping and to the dunes for unforgettable sandhill parties.
When Jim and Sherlyn were young, Bobby attended the University of Texas at El Paso, studying veterinary medicine. After three years, he left school to begin a long and dedicated career with Chevron, where he worked for forty years.
On December 14, 1991, Bobby married the love of his life, Hilda Ramos, and became a caring stepfather to her children, Ignacio and Veronica. Together, Bobby and Hilda shared a joyful and adventurous life. Bobby had a true love for life and a wide range of interests. He was an accomplished Duch Oven cook, competed in chili cook-offs, and took great pride in building a custom jeep from the frame up-one of his most treasured possessions. He loved boating at Elephant Butte, traveling to Terlingua, and spending time with his wide circle of friends.
Bobby and Hilda especially loved traveling together in their motor home to visit family and friends. They shared a love of country and ranchera music and were excellent dance partners. Bobby also cherished traveling and vacationing in Mexico.
A handsome man with unmistakable style, Bobby was rarely seen without pressed jeans, a crisp western shirt, and polished boots. He loved Texas deeply and lived in a way that reflected the values and pride of the cowboy life.
Known affectionately as “Grandad” and “Cowboy Grandad,” Bobby was a steady, loving presence in the lives of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As a grandfather, he was both firm and kind, always encouraging his grandchildren to work towards their dreams and reach their full potential. He showed his love through his actions- often traveling long distances to attend graduations and important milestones, making sure each grandchild knew how proud he was of them.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Richard; his son-in-law, David; and his grandsons, David, Houston, and Joshua.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Hilde; his children Jim, Sherlyn (and her spouse, Bryan), and Vicky Lynn (and her spouse, Robert); and his stepchildren Ignacio and Veronica (and her spouse, Manny). He is also survived by ten living grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren: Sherami (Pablo, Harisson, Hudson), Ryan (Bryanna, Leia, Trace), Jessica (Zachary), Rachael, Heather, Robby, Sara (Kenedy, Cooper), Kaitlyn (Aidan, Liam, Sawyer), Huston’s children (Nolan, Peyton, Logan), Joshua’s Children and grandchild (Joshua Jr., Josiah, Neyela), Zack (Isabella), and Gabbi.
Funeral Details will be announced by the family.
