OBITUARY
Dr. Robert "Bob" Rouse
May 24, 1922 – February 24, 2013
Dr. Robert “Bob” Lyle Rouse, a.k.a. “Papa,” the great orator, favored professor, intuitive research analyst, honorable war veteran, and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather, “went to sleep” on Sunday, February 24, 2013, doing one of the activities he loved most: watching a Texas Tech basketball game, his university that he faithfully supported and followed for decades. He had just returned home after taking his wife of 67 ½ years, Elta, to church and lunch, ending his eventful Sunday watching Texas Tech Sports in his favorite study. He was 90 years old. Indeed, a peaceful exit to a beautiful life full of service, generosity, and love that emanated throughout the entire West Texas Region and beyond. Born May 24, 1922 in Vinton, Iowa, Bob married little sprightly Elta on August 30, 1945. As a Professor, Bob taught Economics, Business Administration, and Finance, beginning at the University of Iowa for 2 years (1948-1950), then, returning to Texas where he taught at Texas Tech University and Lubbock Christian University on related topics from 1950-1999 and served on numerous Academic Committees. Moreover, Bob also served as an Elder and Sunday Bible School Teacher at Broadway Church of Christ for decades. He has gone before his soulmate of 67 ½ years, Elta (Carroll) Rouse; his two children Judy (Rouse) Looper (married to Larry Looper) and Randy (Lyle) Rouse (married to Judy (Harrisberger) Rouse; his four grandchildren Rob Looper (following in Bob’s footsteps as a professor), Amy Looper Goodyear (married to Marcus Goodyear), (Richard) Layne Rouse (married to Xueling “Apple” Cai Rouse), and Jenness Rouse; three great-grandchildren, C.J. Goodyear and Lyle Goodyear (Marcus and Amy’s children), and baby Salayna Rouse (Layne and Apple’s daughter); as well as his sister-in-law Opal (Carroll/Paden) Willoughby (married to Charles Willoughby) and her sons (Bob’s nephews) Spencer, Russel, and Brad Paden, and their spouses and children; five nieces, Karen Anderson, Donna Scudder, Peggy Quinn, Enid Moore and Kerry Edwards; one nephew, Jimmy Rouse; along with many friends and comrades throughout Texas, including those at the Carillon Windsong Retirement Center, where he had recently made a name for himself as a great orator, teacher, storyteller, and friend.
We love you Papa! We miss you and know that you are playing “Nola” on your new Grand in Glory, awaiting your family to join you. See you soon. (Written in love and admiration by granddaughter Jenness Rouse). Visitation will be held Thursday, February 28, 2013 at Resthaven Funeral Home from 5:00-6:30pm. Memorial Service will be Friday, March 1, 2013 at Broadway Church of Christ at 2:00 pm under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.
Services
- Visitation Thursday, February 28, 2013
- Memorial Service Friday, March 1, 2013
REMEMBERING
Dr. Robert "Bob" Rouse
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RECEIVE UPDATESMarch 6, 2013
Elta and Family,
We just read about your loss of Bob and wanted you to know how much we loved Bob, as well as you.
You are in our thoughts and prayers and hope to see you soon when we travel to Lubbock.
In Christ,
Joe and Elayne Cornett
Mark&Diane Ochs
March 4, 2013
What a man! I am disappointed that I didn't know him. However, knowing his family seems to be close to knowing him. Beautifully written obituary, Jenness. Your family is in our prayers.
March 1, 2013
The world lost two great pianists this week, both Texans namely Van Cliburn and Bob Rouse! I'll never forget his and Elta's support of me and my dream of becoming a professional singer. Music was such a great part of his life and my favorite memories of him center around listening to his booming baritone voice filling his house as he accompanied himself on the piano. Godspeed Brother Rouse. The Heavenly Choir just gained a beautiful singing soul.
J Lee ROBERTS
February 28, 2013
Brother Rouse made a great contribution to the teaching staff while he worked with Lubbock Christian
Becky Hudgins
February 27, 2013
I had the privilege of working with Dr. Rouse in the Department of Economics in the 70's. Even though I was just a student assistant, he made me feel special and valued. Blessings to his family at this time.
Glen Cary
February 27, 2013
Dr. Rouse was my favorite Professor at Texas Tech. If he taught it. I took it. He was also a great personal friend and mentor.
Toni Krebbs
February 27, 2013
I loved listening to Dr. Rouse's stories over coffee at Market Street. He loved learning and teaching, but he loved his beatiful wife and family the most. He was one of the most intelligent persons I have ever known.
Ann Seidenberger
February 27, 2013
Bob was a good man and will be greatly missed. I always enjoyed listening to him speak of the many places which he visited. He had so much knowledge. God Bless to the family.
Andy Hutchison
February 27, 2013
Dr Rouse was great Christian example. As a professor he never exhibited anything but integrity and effective principles that could/should be used in the professional world! I'm sure his influence will be felt for years.
February 27, 2013
Elta:
We are so sorry to learn of Bob's death!! We have great memories of the welcome you two extended us when we moved to TTU 43 years ago.
We extend our love and prayers to you in this time of sorrow. May your deep faith and the love of family and friends sustain you in your grief.
Linda and Carl Stem
Matt Malouf
February 27, 2013
Dr. Rouse was one of my favorite professors, and had a great way with students. He was a great asset to Texas Tech and Lubbock, and will be missed!
February 27, 2013
Dr. Rouse was one of those special influences on a young person's life that I never forgot. I was very lucky to have had classes from him as a student at Texas Tech and will remember
forever. God bless his family.
Norris Thompson, Georgetown, Texas
February 27, 2013
Ronnie And Virginia Dulin
Curtis Goss
February 27, 2013
Dr. Rouse was my introduction to economics, something which I have continued to use frequently. May all who knew him take comfort in the fact that he lived a full life well and died well still enjoying life.
James Johnston
February 27, 2013
Robert helped us so much as a volunteer Treasurer at Family Counseling Services for a really long time. We appreciated his expertise. He is truly missed. James Johnston
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Dr. Rouse, PhD., about to give my commencement speech for my Undergraduate Degree. (May 2009)
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa, being robed by his wife, Mum, for his Commencement Speech, prepared for his Granddaughter's Pr
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa donning his professorial cap (May 2009)
FROM THE FAMILY
Checking his appearance and contemplating his speech (May 2009)
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa,reviewing the Degree (May 2009)
FROM THE FAMILY
The 3 Rouse Generations, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance (May 2009)
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa's Speech begins (May 2009)
FROM THE FAMILY
A great orator and professor, Papa's speech was intriguing, humorous, inspirational, and moving...(M
FROM THE FAMILY
He gripped us all with his wisdom,his little "jabs" at teasing his granddaughter's childhood antics.
FROM THE FAMILY
This is why I chose HIM for my Graduation Celebration (May 2009).
FROM THE FAMILY
He set the stage for all of us to "go for the gold" when it comes to life and dreams...(May 2009)
FROM THE FAMILY
A great man to lead a great family (May 2009).
FROM THE FAMILY
Elta helps Bob disrobe following his speech (May 2009
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa, Ness, and Mum, Graduation Reception (May 2009)
FROM THE FAMILY
Bride Amy (Looper) Goodyear, with her grandfather, Papa Rouse, at the dance reception (1995)
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa with his great-grandchild, Lyle Goodyear, Amy Goodyear's son, and Papa's namesake.
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa with his great granddaughter, Salayna Victoria Rouse (Sept. 2012)
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa's Christmas Basket from his new granddaughter-in-love, Xueling (Christmas 2008)
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa and Mum opening Christmas Gifts.I just like this picture:"Like Peas and Carrots" (Christmas 08)
FROM THE FAMILY
Celebrating Christmas with their son, Elta, Bob, and Randy (Christmas 2008)
FROM THE FAMILY
A New Year's Tribute (honored by Dianne Bianchi, "adopted" daughter, their daughter-in-law)2009.
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa, Mum, and another "adopted daughter," Debbie Staggs, who is Randy (their son's)ex. assistant.
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa was a BIG supporter of his family! Here, he came to see Jenness in Music Man (July 2011).
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa's 89th bday, May 2011. Here, he stands with his son and wife, visiting with Charlie Willoughby
FROM THE FAMILY
The Bday Man Himself, looking mighty Dapper with that hat! (May 2011)
FROM THE FAMILY
Celebrating Papa's Bday! Mum; Judy & Randy Rouse; Charlie and Opal Willoughby and Papa,May 2011.
FROM THE FAMILY
The picture swap with Jenness next to Mum (May 2011)
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa, the great orator, giving a speech at his Bday dinner, May 2011.
FROM THE FAMILY
A chat with his son, Randy, Thanksgiving 2012.
FROM THE FAMILY
HAPPY THANKSGIVING ROUSE HOUSES (Thanksgiving 2012)
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa with his Wife and Son, discussing sports at Christmas 2012.
FROM THE FAMILY
A Christmas Present from his granddaughter a tribute "to the man, who brought music into our lives.
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa with a Texas Tech Clock( from Jenness) .It went in his Study. (New Year 2009)
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa LOVED the UnGame.His personal request to play it the last holidays in Lubbock (Dec. 20012)
FROM THE FAMILY
One roll, and Papa asked Layne (per Game rules) to pray a blessing over him...(Dec. 2012)
FROM THE FAMILY
Dinner with the Rouses, being honored by his grandson, Layne, at the meal. Dec. 2012.
FROM THE FAMILY
Xueling Apple with Papa and Mum. (Taken at the Overton, Christmas 2010)
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa, Mum, and the Rouse House come to see Jenness in the opera, Carmen (Feb. 2010).
FROM THE FAMILY
The Rouse Folks with their Son, Randy, Christmas 2008.
FROM THE FAMILY
CJ, Lyle, and Papa, "frollicking" on the couch in Lubbock.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dianne and Ed come up to see the Rouses in Lubbock, joined by Randy and Judy as well.(Jan,2012)
FROM THE FAMILY
Thanksgiving in Kerrville, Papa and Mum ,their daughter, and firstborn, Judy Looper(Thanksgiving 09)
FROM THE FAMILY
Newly weds together with Papa and Mum! (2007?)
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa enjoying his family during a Thanksgiving Day in Kerrville(Nov. 2009)
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa, the great storyteller, reads a story to his first grandchild, CJ, held by his granddaughter .
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa holds his firstborn great grandson, Lyle for the first time.
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa reads to BOTH his great grandchildren at his home in Lubbock.
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa playing the piano with his namesake, Lyle.
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa reads to his Great-Nephew, Colter Paden (2004, Arizona).
FROM THE FAMILY
Happy Thanksgiving! Layne, Apple, Randy, Mum, Papa, Judy, Amy (back), CJ (front), Lyle, and Marcus.—
FROM THE FAMILY
Great Papa and Great Mum with their Great Nephews and Nieces (Elta's Sister's family) (Fall 2003)
FROM THE FAMILY
Lindsay and Jonathan Wilkerson, with their "adopted" grandparents.
FROM THE FAMILY
Here, he is with one of his nephews, Brad Paden (Arizona)
FROM THE FAMILY
Christmas 2010: the 3 Rouse Generations: Richard Layne, Robert Lyle, Randall Lyle. (Dec 26, '10)
FROM THE FAMILY
Here, he is with his grandson, Rob Looper, at his High School graduation.
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa is with his other grandson, Layne Rouse, at HIS High School graduation ceremony. (May 2000)
FROM THE FAMILY
Some Oldies! Here's Papa in HIS High School years!
FROM THE FAMILY
Cadet Robert Rouse, Navigator for B-17 Bomber, his Navigation School photo.
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa's plane was shot down over Switzerland,and after a little healing up, he went skiing.
FROM THE FAMILY
Bob and Elta's Wedding picture (August 1945). BEAUTIFUL couple!
FROM THE FAMILY
Here's the picture in the photo album - look at the captions
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa is a DADDY! Here he is with his little girl, Judy, 1946.
FROM THE FAMILY
And here he is with his boy in his sailor cap! Robert L. with Randall L. 1952?
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa, Mum, with their son Randy (my DAD!!) and daughter, Judy! (1960?)
FROM THE FAMILY
Bob and Elta at their son's wedding, Judy Harrisberger with Randy Rouse(my parents!)Aug. 16, 1975
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa was a great pianist, and LOVED to play the old war time tunes of the 40s.
FROM THE FAMILY
Mum and Papa with Rob in this picture - Rob is responsible for giving "Mum" and "Papa" their names.
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa, the great orator, giving a speech at a convention (50s?)
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa was HIGHLY honored throughout his lifetime. Here is a page in their photo album.
FROM THE FAMILY
Here, Papa visits with his grandson, Rob Looper.
FROM THE FAMILY
Here, he is teaching Amy how to play chopsticks, or maybe even "Nola".
FROM THE FAMILY
Here, he shows little Layne (who is about 2 or 3) how to push on the keys, which makes noise.
FROM THE FAMILY
This photo was one of their favorites during the 80s. This is how I remember them.
FROM THE FAMILY
And their updated picture; their 65th wedding anniversary shot (August 14, 2011).
FROM THE FAMILY
Here, Rob, about 16 or 17, gather Easter eggs...
FROM THE FAMILY
Papa celebrates little Jenness's bday 7 as she proves her "grown-up-Ness" by cuting her own cake.
FROM THE FAMILY
Elta and Bob Rouse, newly weds, with Papa in his full Airforce Regalia. (August 1945)
FROM THE FAMILY
The following 3 pictures are the Obituary that I wrote. You can see why we Rouses adore our Papa.
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF