Robert Lee Zelt

Robert (Bobby) Lee Zelt was born on November 21, 1957, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Earl and Margaret (Peg) Zelt. The youngest of five siblings—Richard, Cheryl, David, and William (Billy)—Bobby grew up learning how to be quick with a joke, tough in a game, and generous with his heart. He and Billy were the only two born in Texas, and perhaps with that came the fiery red hair and even fierier spirit. Whether it was the heat, the heritage, or just good fortune, Bobby carried a spark that never faded.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother David, and is survived by his siblings Richard, Cheryl, and Billy; his loving wife of 42 years, Donna; his children Toby, Samantha, and Trace; his grandchildren Cayden, Madilynn, Elijah, Leighton, Finlee, and Emerson; and his daughters-in-law Halee and Amy.

To his family, Bobby was a rock. To his friends, he was passionate, loyal, and fun-loving. To some of his coworkers, he was Zelt or “Red,” a nickname given by Billy Stephens. He spent nearly 50 years in the parts and service industry, most of it with Five Star Ford, where he led with integrity, humor, and a knack for making people feel like they mattered. He lived by the motto, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” and he proved it every day. Those who knew him best likely found themselves on the other side of a good, old-fashioned debate. No matter the topic, Bobby loved to engage. But it was never about being right; it was about being in it with you. If he was arguing with you, it meant he cared. And if you were lucky, he might even let you think you won.

Bobby loved golf, football (especially his TCU Horned Frogs), and hosting people. If there was a game on, the pool was warm, and the brisket was smoking, you could bet Bobby was in his element, grinning, storytelling, and making sure everyone had a plate and a laugh.

He had an irrational fear of doctors and an even stronger fear of burdening others. He often joked that when the time came, he wanted his body “thrown off the side of a ship,” despite having only been on one a few times. He was fiercely independent and never wanted to end up in a nursing home or have anyone change his diapers. That was Bobby: honest, witty, and always thinking of others.

He instilled in his children the value of competition and hard work. He used to say, “There’s always someone out there who’s better, but do you have what it takes to outwork them?” That mindset shaped not just careers, but character.

Bobby’s legacy lives on in the people he loved and the lives he touched. His stories will echo at backyard barbecues, in the roar of a football crowd, and in every brisket that tries to live up to his. He was one of the good ones—funny, loyal, and full of heart.

We’ll miss him more than words can say. But we’ll carry him with us, in every laugh, every game, every “Sunday Funday” and every moment we choose to love life the way he did.

A memorial service for Robert will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, TX 76034.