Robert Footman

Robert Footman was born on April 9, 1935, in Washington, D.C., to Robert Footman and Irene Marbley. The third of ten children, he attended public schools in Washington, D.C. As a young man, he demonstrated a gift for building and repairing things, as well as drawing and writing music. Like many Black men of his generation, Robert did not complete high school. Instead, he joined the Army to help support his family financially. During his two years of Army service, he obtained his GED and was honorably discharged at the end of his service.

Robert continued his service to his country by enlisting in the Air Force, where he served for over 20 years. Early in his enlistment, while stationed at Carswell Air Force Base (now known as the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base) in Ft. Worth, Texas, he met the love of his life, Freddie Mae Thompson. Robert and Freddie married in 1957 and had a daughter, Nigel. During his assignments in Japan and Germany, Robert enjoyed traveling the globe with his wife and daughter.

Robert served honorably in the Air Force until his retirement in 1975. He then moved his family from Oklahoma to Ft. Worth, Texas. Over the next 20 years, he worked for the City of Ft. Worth, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Postal Service, from which he retired.

Robert was a loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. His loving presence extended to his nieces and nephews, Ruth Jackson, Hershel McDonald, Nicole Thompson, Monique Thompson, Malcolm Jackson, Angela Moultrie, Therron McDonald, Sr., and Bille Jean McDonald, and family friends, Ruth Hill and Gregory Hill, Jr. Each held a special place in his heart.

On October 22, 2026, Robert departed this life and now joins his wife, Freddie Mae who he often lovingly called his “Mae-Mae;” parents; and siblings, Joe Jordan, Billie Lee Jordan, Bobby Lewis, Carl Lewis, Charles Lewis, Elroy Lewis, Jerry Lewis, and Dorothy Lewis.

Robert leaves to cherish his memories, his daughter, Nigel Gant; son-in-law, Craig Gant; grandchildren, Craig Gant, Jr. (Akebra) and Robert Gant (Jessica); great-grandchildren: Sterling, Joy, Kenjii, and Jaxson; brother, Willie Footman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones, and friends.

Strong yet gentle, Robert will be lovingly remembered for his kindness and generosity. His memory will live forever in our hearts.