Robert Lee Chennault

Bob (as he was known) served in the Navy from 1952-1955 aboard the fueling ship, Navasota.

He was a wonderful cook who loved to be in the kitchen and managed Red Lion Steak House, Furr’s Cafeteria, as well as other restaurants.

He also owned and operated Lubbock Sign Company, Gallery West Framing Studio, and One Horse Gallery. He finally decided to use his natural and God given talent as a means of a profession.

He was a self-taught artist whose original style of art is known throughout New Mexico and Texas. His love for art was evident throughout his life. His eye for color, horizons, clouds, and windmills are depicted in the majority of his work. Bob received Recognition of Creative excellence by the Lubbock Advertising Federation in 1978. He also received the Arrowhead Award by American Plains Artists in 1982.

Bob was one of the founding members of the Old Mill Trade Days. His artwork was featured on three covers of the KLLL West Texas Almanac. He was active in the Lynn County Art Association as well as the Post Art Guild. His paintings were featured in the Artists of Texas in volume II and volume IV. In 1999, his work appeared in the nationally syndicated Lummus Corporation calendar. His most prolific painting was The Crystal Tree, a snow scene of the Caraway mulberry tree and the windmill (which still stands on Indiana and 50th street). Later the fall, spring, and summer versions were painted.

Although Bob received many awards and accolades, he was always humble and ready to give back to the community by donating any artwork when asked. He also loved to share his talent by providing many oil painting workshops in the Lubbock area. He was a big talent and had the same big love for his family.

Bob is survived by two daughters who cherish his memory, Michelle Fields and Cam Johnston, husband, Kyle from Lubbock. He leaves behind his grandchildren who will miss him desperately, Jason, Casey, Tye, Tanner, and T.J. as well as eight great grandchildren who loved their PaPa Bob dearly. He is also survived by his loving siblings, sisters Ann Henry, Ginny Shuman, Carol Johns, and Nancy Kelly.

He was preceded in death by his greatest love, wife Christine. Also by his mother, Irene Davis, his stepfather, Bill Davis, brothers, Phil Chennault, Stanley Chennault, Bill Davis, Mark Davis, and by sisters,

Winnie Graves, Shirley Crosnoe, and Deanna Rhyne.

Although he will be missed, we can only imagine where his view takes him now, good thing he took a paintbrush….