Robert Benjamin Estes

September 10, 1933 – November 25, 2025

Robert Benjamin Estes, age 92, of Harker Heights, Texas passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Robert was born on September 10, 1933, in Peacock, Texas to Fred and Lola May Simpson Estes.

Robert married Sallie Joyce Estes on August 25, 1957, in Goree, Texas. Together they had three beautiful children and one beloved granddaughter.

Robert was a man of unwavering faith and quiet wisdom. He graduated from Grand Canyon University before earning his Bachelor of Divinity at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Robert and Sallie were the first missionaries to the Sioux Tribal Nation in South Dakota.

Robert was commissioned as a chaplain in the U.S. Army, serving his country with honor and distinction for 20 years, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was a veteran of the Korean War, and he served as a combat veteran in the Vietnam War. The many honors, awards and service medals he received was the tangible proof of his devoted service to God and the men and women who defended our country. His ministry eased the pain and advanced the spiritual growth of innumerable service members and their families. Beyond his military career, Robert worked at AMVETS where he continued to serve and support our veterans.

As a founding father of Trinity Baptist Church, Robert served as Associate Pastor to Jack Milligan and David Morgan. He also served as the Sunday school teacher for men and young adults, and a co-teacher for adult Sunday school.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his devoted wife Sallie, his daughter, Traci Elaine Estes, his sister, Freda Mitchell, and brother, Dale Estes.

Left to cherish his memory are two sons, Scott and Gary Estes, his beloved granddaughter, Katie Campbell, and his sister, Shirley Durant, and brother, James Estes.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 South Fort Hood Road, Killeen, Texas. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, December 11th from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Trinity Baptist Church, 403 E. FM 2410 Rd, Harker Heights, Texas. The burial with full military honors will follow services at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, Texas at 2:00pm.