On October 16, 2019, Robert William Case, “Bob”, passed away peacefully at his home. Bob, a part of the Greatest Generation, was born on September 1, 1925, to Carl and Lulu Case in South Bend, Indiana. He grew up on a farm until age 18. Then, in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps “so he could get off the farm”, thinking serving in the Marines would be easier than life on the farm. While in the U.S. Marine Corps, he served on the field in communications and fought in the South Pacific, in Okinawa among other locations. He was the radio carrier in WWII, and completed his duty in 1946, as a Corporal. Through the GI bill, he attended Purdue University where he played football. He was soon recruited by the Florida State University (FSU) football coaching staff who were searching for ex-Marines to build FSU’s first football program in 1948. He played for the Seminoles and this first FSU football team became the champions of the Dixie Conference. Bob graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education. While at FSU, he was a member of the National Honor Society and Pi Kappa Alpha. He met Patricia Ann Shelmerdine, a FSU beauty queen, and married on August 19, 1948. They moved to Madison, Wisconsin where Bob earned a Physical Therapy Certificate from the University of Wisconsin. Subsequently, they moved to Texarkana with their son, Robert W. Case,Jr., in 1952, looking for a warmer climate. Bob worked for Southern Clinic in Texarkana for three years. Then, in 1954,
he opened up his private practice, Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Center, on Olive Street. Bob treated and helped tens of thousands of patients throughout his 60 year career.
Bob’s dedication and service to the Texarkana community was vast. He served with the Texarkana Rotary, Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, and the Texarkana Jaycees. Bob was a member of St. James Episcopal Church for over 60 years and served on the vestry. He was also a member of the America Physical Therapy Association. Together with his wife, Patricia, they started the Olympian, which offered dance and group exercises classes. Bob served as president of the Texarkana Jaycees and founder of Double Dynamic (1966-67). an organization which brought awareness to the tri-state area for the advancement of businesses.
Bob was a visionary for building better schools. He partnered by Dr. Rory to begin St. James Episcopal Day School. In 1960, he received the prestigious Sports Illustrated award in NYC for the development of youth sports for Texarkana ISD. He served as the Physical Therapist for the first and only semi-pro football team, the Texarkana Titans, in the early 1960’s.
Bob loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, camper and water skier. He enjoyed tennis and golf when taking a break from community service. Bob always displayed his lifelong pride of the U.S. Marines and Florida State University Seminoles. He maintained a sound mind and a sound body his entire life. Bob dedicated his life to family and community service.
,In 1967, he married Anne James and they had on son, Jeffrey D. Case. Together they raised Anne’s daugther, Mary Lynn Estes. They later divorced and Bob married Sandra Hill Case until she passed away after 20 years of marriage.
Bob is survived by his children: Robert W. Case, Jr. of McAllen, Texas; Deborah Case Kryzak and her husband Jimmy Kryzak of McAllen, Texas; William Shelmerdine Case and his wife Karen Letsos Case of Houston, Texas; Mary Lynn Estes and her husband Jason of Texarkana, Texas and Jeffrey D. Case of Texarkana, Texas. Bob is survived by his grandchildren: Othal Brand, Jr. and his wife Rachel of McAllen,Texas; Michelle Brand Trbovich and her husband, Jimmy of San Antonio,Texas; Heather Brand Dyer and her husband Graham of Chicago, Illinois; William Shelmerdine Case, Jr., James Robert Case, Michael Letsos Case, and Christopher Thomas Case of Houston, Texas, Morgan Wilhite of Texarkana, Christopher Freeman of Texarkana and Emma Case of Texarkana and five great-grandchildren.
Bob’s humorous spirit, boundless energy, trusting heart, healing hands, visions for a better community, joy for life and love of family will forever be missed by those who knew him.
The family would like to express gratitude and appreciation to Heritage Home Health and Hospice for their loving hands, kindness and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bob Case to St James Day School, 417 Olive Street, Texarkana, TX, 75501 or Heritage Home Health and Hospice, 4605 Texas Blvd, Texarkana, TX, 75501.
Funeral Services to be held at St.James Episcopal Church, 417 Olive Street, Texarkana, Texas on October 18, 2019 at 3:00 pm, with Rev. Douglas Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends and guest in the Great Hall at St. James Episcopal Church, immediately following the funeral service. Private burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park under the direction of East Funeral Home-Downtown prior to the funeral.
Online tributes can be posted at www.eastfuneralhomes.com
