Bobby was born January 21, 1937 to Columbus Mack Maddux and Gladys Barrett Maddux in Idabel, OK. Bob grew up in Blossom, TX where he learned to ride a bike, milk cows, handle a gun and work a garden. Bob was good at basketball and was the leading scorer for Blossom High. He once scored 22 points in a game and represented his school in the regional all-star game.
He served his country in the Army National Guard. He earned the Sharpshooter Badge and Expert Badge for marksmanship.
Family was his greatest joy. Early on in his adult life, Bob worked for General Dynamics, where he met a young secretary named Adela Mae Witkowoski. He married Adela Mae of Fort Worth, TX on May 2,1959. They made their home in Arlington, TX until 2015. He cherished Adela and was so proud of Cindy, Debbie and Teresa! He was happiest when his entire family was gathered around the table. A man with a tender heart, Bob always choked up during the mealtime prayer as he thanked the Lord for his family. He often had tears in his eyes as he recounted the blessing of having three sons-in-law devoted to Christian ministry.
Bob was diligent and loyal. He worked 26 years for Bell Helicopter as a draftsman where he received several promotions. His work involved many helicopter projects over the years, including the V-22. Respected and beloved by his co-workers, Bob was elected President of the Union at Bell, a position that he held for several years.
Bob took on a second job wallpapering in the evenings to help fund his daughters’ college educations – many nights Adela was right by his side. He was proud that all three girls graduated debt-free.
He was king of the grill. Many summer evenings he would sit on the back porch managing the grill from his rocking chair, which was strategically positioned so that he could keep an eye on the Rangers game on TV. He was known for grilled fare such as freshly shucked corn, Hawaiian ham steaks, grilled chicken and tasty pork chops.
Bob was an outdoorsman. In his younger years, he loved to hunt. For most of his life he was drawn to the water. He was in his element with a fishing rod in his hand and his patented “sour grain” with Catfish Charlie nearby. He had lots of fishing buddies through the years: Billy, Mel, Tom, Phil and others. To his buddies at Lake Fork, he was “Catfish Bob.” He taught each of his grandkids how to fish and smiled ear-to-ear every time they caught another one. His fried catfish was incredible!
He was a faithful member at Fielder Road Baptist Church for over four decades. For several years, he and Adela taught the first grade Sunday School class. When their girls were in youth group, Bob and Adela’s home was a regular gathering place for Bible studies and fellowships. Many found a relationship with Christ from those gatherings.
Bob passed away on June 4. Bob was interred at the National Cemetery in Grand Prairie, TX. He is survived by his daughter Cindy and husband Kyle of Athens, TX; daughter Debbie and husband Marshall of Jefferson City, MO; daughter Teresa and husband Troy of Tyler, TX. Grandchildren, Lance, Logan, Gabrielle, Claire, Rebekah, Caleb, Joshua and Levi all knew him as GrandBob. He is also survived by his sister Paralee. His parents and his wife, Adela Mae, preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Hospice of East Texas. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, Athens, TX on Friday, June 7 at 11:00 AM.
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