Bobby Glenn Lebow

He was born on July 21,1946, in Anahuac, TX. He graduated from Anahuac High in 1964. In those days, he could be found blazing the track, running the football field, or as noted in the yearbook, “standing up again, giving the teacher more trouble than she deserves. He always did have a hard time trying to sit still.” Later in life, he would harness that same energy and return to the classroom as a teacher. Bobby also participated in the FFA program where he excelled in meat judging and livestock projects. Speaking of his days wearing the blue and gold always brought a smile to his face.

The day after high school graduation, Bobby was dropped off at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville with no car and no desire to attend college. He quickly found plenty of adventures and friends while working on the college farm, eventually graduating as a proud member of the class of 1968 from Sam Houston State University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Technology and a minor in Biology. After his days at Sam Houston he worked at Fish Engineering and Construction. Soon afterwards he was drafted into the United States Army. He spent two years of active duty. His first assignment was to the Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Then served a year in Vietnam where he was a Veterinary Technician in the Rabies Diagnostic Lab in Da Nang. During his time in Vietnam Bobby earned the Bronze Star Medal which is the fourth-highest combat award in the U.S. armed forces.

Upon returning from Vietnam he married his best friend, Barbara Jane Janac, on August 21st, 1971, in Houston. Their fifty-five years and two months of marriage were filled with much love, laughter, epic stories, adventures and sweet memories which far outweighed the trials of life they faced.

In 1971, Bobby went back to college at Texas A&M and earned his teacher certification. He touched many lives as an educator in the fields of science and vocational education during his 30 years at Bryan ISD. He left his mark on countless students and was revered as a teacher who made a significant difference in their life by recognizing a hope for their future. He was able to see their potential! Many students stated that he always made them feel valued, respected and loved. In 1999, Bobby was named Secondary Teacher of the Year for Bryan ISD.

He had a love for history and science, he enjoyed reading and sharing his knowledge through deep discussions with anyone who was willing to engage. Each night, he faithfully read his Bible and cherished discussing its teachings with his family. He encouraged us to read a Proverb in the morning and a Psalm in the evening. Bobby found joy and peace in the outdoors through hunting, fishing, and gardening. Throughout the years, many people were blessed with his garden produce. Bobby was a skilled carpenter who could fix anything, but you had better get out of his way while he was fixing it! He took pride in working with his hands and making things for others. Over the past several years, he worked joyfully to make wooden works of art, including benches and crosses for many family and friends. On most he added a favorite verse and the words, “God’s work” as his way of acknowledging God for anything good he did and anything good in his life. He also enjoyed watching baseball, football, and westerns, and those moments were even more special when a child or grandchild joined him to watch. One of his greatest joys was attending his children and grandchildren’s events. He was always their biggest fan and always offered a boost of encouragement with humor and usually a catchy line or rhyme. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, finding happiness in the simple moments and the people he loved most. Nearly every afternoon he could be found on his back porch enjoying a cup of strong coffee, watching wildlife and visiting with family or friends.

Bobby walked through life with a humble heart, a deep love for others, and a faith that shone through in the way he lived. He loved God, he loved God’s creation and he loved the life God gave him. He was a blessing to so many, giving freely of his time, talents, and love without ever expecting anything in return. He could often be heard telling someone, “The Lord has been good to me, I’ve had everything I ever needed and more than I could have ever wanted.” He was a faithful member of his church, Calvary Fellowship, for over fifty years. He was quick to step in when anything was needed, including painting the church and often standing up to pray during service. He truly lived out his faith by serving others and making a difference in the lives God placed in his path. Bobby never encountered a stranger, a “quick” trip to Kroger could last two hours. He noticed other people and took the time to take an interest in their life. He was known to strike up conversation with anybody and everybody, and within minutes knew much of their life story.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Reuel and Daphane Lebow, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ginger and Jane Janac, brother George Lebow, and son-in-law Ryan Taylor.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, son Christopher Lebow and daughter-in-law Heather and children Hannah, Hadley and William; daughter Kate Taylor and children Madelynn, Abigail and husband Garrett Coiner, Lucy, Sydney, and Joanna; daughter Beth and son-in-law Tony Newton and children Ella, Dean and Rosser. As well as his brother, Parks Lebow (Brenda); sister, Veggie Beal; brother-in-law Joe Janac (Lou); brother-in-law David Janac (Leslie) and sister-in-law Mary Landreth. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, many dear friends who were family to him, and many former students whom he loved and stayed connected to over the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bryan ISD Education Foundation or an education foundation of your choice or the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 2nd, at 2 p.m. at Calvary Fellowship, 2009 Cavitt Avenue Bryan, TX. The family invites everyone to join for fellowship after the service.