Robert Mullins

Robert Orr (Bob) Mullins, 81, passed away Dec. 16, 2013 in Dallas, TX. He was born in Mexico, Missouri on September 5, 1932 to Zack and Nelle Mullins. He grew up in Quincy, Illinois and graduated from Quincy High School in 1950 and attended Harvard College, graduating in 1954. On June 25, 1954, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Florence Leece.

The newlyweds moved to the San Francisco area and Bob began his career in the construction equipment industry with the Geo. M. Philpott Co. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 through 1956. After serving his country, Bob resumed his career, rising to the position of Sales Manager.

In 1961, he moved to Dallas to start R.O. Mullins Co., now ROMCO Equipment Co. Under Bob’s leadership ROMCO grew to be one of the largest construction equipment companies in the state of Texas with ten branches. As ROMCO celebrated its fiftieth year in 2011, Bob expressed pride that his company continued to be family owned and operated. In 1995, he was elected president of the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), the industry’s national trade association. Bob was awarded AED's Distinguished Industry/Association Service Award in 2008.

In 1970, Bob became a member of the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and served as President in 1986. The organization, its cause, and his fellow members were very important in his life. He also served as President of the Board of the Dallas Easter Seal Society.

Bob served on the Town Council of Highland Park from 1984 to 1990 and served as Mayor from 1990 to 1992.

One of Bob’s long time loves was the family farm and home he owned and managed in Pike County, Illinois. Robert’s corn and soybean farm has been in his family for over a hundred and fifty years.

Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at their East River cabin in Almont, CO.

Bob is survived by his wife, Florence, and children, Leeca and husband Jay Peeples, Martha and husband Craig Burkert, Robert and wife Laura Apeland Mullins and Sarah and husband Stuart Allen and eleven beloved grandchildren. Bob’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service at Highland Park Presbyterian Church at 4:30pm on Friday, Dec. 20. A graveside service will be held near his family farm in Pike County, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Salesmanship Club of Dallas or the charity of your choice.