Rob was raised in Sweetwater, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M in 1962. He married Geneva Thomas and they had one child. He was an electrical engineer for more that 40 years.
In his spare time Rob enjoyed golf, fishing, and traveling. He was also an accomplished pilot and amateur carpenter. Rob lived in Alaska for over 30 years and continued to miss the mountains after his return to Texas.
His family and friends will always remember him as an enthusiastic Aggie and a dedicated husband and father. He stayed very involved in his church, Colonial Hills Baptist, and always felt most fulfilled helping others.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Geneva; his daughter, Kimberly Foster and husband Alder; granddaughter, Sasha; brother, Joe Shipley and wife Donna; two nephews and their families.
A visitation will be held on, Friday, February 6, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Colonial Hills Baptist Church, located at 7330 S Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75703. The funeral service will follow at the same location at 2:00 pm.
A graveside service is scheduled for, Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Potosi Cemetery, Abilene, TX 79602.