Robert C. Johns, Jr. (Bob) of Victoria, Texas passed away on January 29, 2026 at the age of 88. Robert was born on January 19, 1938 in Dennison, Illinois to Robert and Nina Johns and graduated from Marshall High School and the David Renken, Jr. Mechanical School of Trades in St. Louis, Missouri before moving back to Marshall. He married the love of his life, Phyllis, on June 4, 1961, and was blessed with four children, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren after almost 65 wonderful years.
Though he loved growing up on a farm, Robert was gifted mathematically and destined to work as a mechanical engineer designing tools and earthmoving equipment being granted three U.S. patents for his work, and he supervised design of oil rigs before becoming a general contractor later in life after moving to South Texas. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve Infantry in Fort Knox, Kentucky as a Staff Sergeant and Chaplain’s Assistant, receiving noted achievement as an M-1 rifle sharpshooter, and then transitioned to the U.S. Army Reserves for a total of six years.
Robert is preceded in death by his father, Robert C. Johns, Sr. and his mother Nina Doll Johns and his sisters: Roberta Sweitzer and Carol Fitzgerald. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Johns, his sister, Bernadine Allesee, his children: Sara Johns, Libby Heckman (Tracy), Eddie Johns (Cara), and Chrissie West (Jimmy) as well as his grandchildren: Bryce Heckman (Vanessa), Cole Heckman (Danielle), Blake Heckman (Priscilla), Joshua Johns, Nicole Johns, Rebekah Johns Hagood (Colten) and his great grandchildren: Hailee, Kenzie and Ally Heckman.
Visitation will be Monday, February 9, 2026 at 9:00 am prior to funeral services held at 10:00 am at the Northside Baptist Church Chapel with Tim Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Victoria where Robert will receive full military honors. Arrangements are by Colonial Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Robert’s grandsons: Bryce Heckman, Cole Heckman, Blake Heckman and Joshua Johns.
Memorials may be given to Northside Baptist Church where Robert and Phyllis have been long time members and he served as a deacon for many years or Hospice of South Texas in Victoria who served him so well in his last days. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to all those who cared for him and invite you to share fond memories and condolences at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.
