Robert Arlin Kendrick

On October 27, 2026, Robert (Bob) Arlin Kendrick passed away peacefully at the age of 79, one week shy of his 80th birthday. Bob is now free from the burdens of this earthly life and rests in the peace of his Lord and Savior. He was born on November 3, 1946, in Groom, Texas, to Mert and Marion Kendrick. Bob was the youngest of their three children.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Mert and Marion Kendrick, and his sister, Ann Kendrick DeLoach.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dian; his brother, Bill Kendrick (Pam); his children, Lindsay Kendrick Edmiston, Crysti Case Monroe (Jody), and Michael Case; and his grandchildren, Reece Edmiston, Nicole Monroe, and Joseph Monroe. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who meant so much to him.

Bob grew up on the family wheat farm in Groom, Texas—home of the famous 190-foot-tall Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a close-knit community where neighbors support one another with kindness, friendship, and love. After graduating from Groom High School, Bob moved to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech, where he earned his engineering degree. He went on to build a successful career in the oil and gas industry, traveling extensively to many parts of the world.

After retiring, Bob devoted his time to maintaining the acreage they had purchased in 1989. Working alongside Bob, Dian learned many invaluable skills in maintaining their property, especially after dementia entered their lives.

Throughout his life, Bob’s greatest loves were his Lord and Savior, his family, Texas Tech, his hometown of Groom, his pets, and the many friends he cherished. He maintained lifelong friendships with classmates, neighbors, and members of the Groom community. Most who knew Bob remember him as the class clown with a quick wit and an unforgettable sense of humor. His infectious smile, dry humor, and ability to make others laugh became his trademark, bringing joy to countless people throughout his life, especially his grandchildren. Papa’s grandchildren, Reece, Nicole and Joseph, when younger in age, were his most appreciative audience.

Christmas was special in many ways, but especially on Christmas Eve when Papa became Santa in his suit of red and white. His sleigh was parked out of sight, of course, behind his shop. That became the great mystery -- the kids were more interested in seeing the sleigh with reindeer than in the gifts being delivered. Papa, the entertainer, was the star during the many sleepovers at Nanny’s and Papa’s. In addition to the fun and laughter, Papa loved to teach the grandkids how to catch catfish, safely shoot a shotgun at a clay target, and drive the old Polaris Ranger. There were memorable camping trips to Garner State Park, skiing and fishing at the lake, family trips, and fun gatherings with family here at home.

When he wasn’t working on their land, Bob enjoyed spending time outdoors with friends; fishing at Port O’Connor and hunting ducks, pheasants, and doves. He and his buddies occasionally made trips to the Texas Panhandle to hunt prairie dogs that were damaging farmers’ and ranchers’ fields. Some of his favorite memories were attending sporting clays matches with friends from the oil and gas industry. True to his farm upbringing, Bob would gather spent shotgun hulls to reload at home in his workshop. He had a gift for fixing things and rarely replaced anything he could repair. Whether welding broken equipment or rebuilding machinery, Bob took pride in solving problems with his own hands.

Bob was a member of First Methodist Conroe and loved his Sunday school class, the Beacon Class, where he occasionally taught. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.

The family thanks the caregivers of SCR The Villas Memory Care and Hospice 365 for their loving care and special attention to Bob. We shared tears, laughter, prayers and hugs during Bob’s stay.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Methodist Conroe or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.