Robert Carlton Browning

Born in Beaumont, Texas on March 14, 1948, Bob spent his youth between there and his beloved grandparents’ family farm in Doucette, where he learned from them how to do, and make, just about anything. He would later build his own home, with his own hands, on the same land. Bob proudly took after his grandfather with his unlimited ingenuity, resourcefulness and honor. They were both highly respected members of the community.

The Piney Woods were both classroom and playground to Bob and his siblings, providing lifelong lessons and memories. Big sister Paula was ever honing her Martha Stewart skills on them all, while little brother Dan was always at his heels as a ready and willing assistant, and go-cart test pilot. The three of them held a close bond, which grew even stronger as they raised their own children. Losing both siblings to cancer was a heartbreak that some think may have actually broke Bob’s heart.

Bob enlisted in the Navy at age 18, honorably serving his country for four years during the Vietnam War. As the “Browning serendipity” would have it, he returned safely to Texas after a tour that would take him to multiple ports in the Mediterranean. He would also return to the position he previously held at Southwestern Bell (now AT&T), and build a solid career that would last more than 30 years.

Upon returning from the service, Bob’s very brief first marriage ended, and he wedded Ruth, who would bring him two bundles of joy named Jennifer and Jesse. His “forever” love, Sarah Jayne, and daughters Jessica and (the late) Amber, proved that the more you give love away, the more you have. He cared and provided for them all with the strength and steadfastness of his Texas roots. His homestead became a family gathering place where the children, grandchildren, and extended family visited, played, jumped in the leaves and gave thanks for many years. Bob and Sarah continued to host the family regularly at their retirement home on Sam Rayburn reservoir and later at their home in Marble Falls. He loved these times, and while all the family gatherings were “so special”, everyone knew that Thanksgiving was Bob’s day. His pecan pie and coconut cream pie were unparalleled.

Gold watch in hand, but not ready to slow down, Bob began his “retirement” gig, buying and selling automobiles, motorcycles and RV’s, first from Rayburn Country, and later from his car lot in Spicewood. He was a fair and successful businessman, and enjoyed the added benefits of RV “test drives” to various parks in Texas, Florida, Colorado and New Mexico where he and Sarah met up with various friends and family for camping, sight-seeing, and e-biking.

Robert’s sudden and unexpected departure on December 29, 2019, was preceded by daughter Amber Roxanne Browning, sister Paula Ruth Walsh (William), brother Daniel Prater Browning (Margaret ”Peggy”), niece Shannon Colleen Walsh, Mother Sadie Ruth Browning, father Prater Paul Browning, and grandparents Robert and Bessie Conner.

He is survived and will be greatly missed by wife Sarah Jayne (Snider) Browning; daughter Jennifer Baker, son Jesse Browning (Jessica); daughter Jessica Browning Parker (Lance); grandchildren Lester Baker, Alayna Baker, Kara Baker, Weston Browning (Zoe), Emma Browning; Rylan Parker, Jude Parker, Hayes Parker; brothers in-law William “Bill” Walsh (Charlotte “Vicki”), Audie Snider (Marji), and Kirby Shepherd (Robin); sisters in-law Margaret “Peggy” Browning, Audrey Pelly (Leonard), Susan Russell (Kenny); step siblings in-law Roger Shepherd (Mary), Phyllis Celestine, Shirley Rawls (Charles), Janice Bevan (Jim); nephews and nieces Casey Simpson (Steve), Brent Walsh (Nida), Paul Browning (Priscila), Alexandra “Ali” Browning , Joseph “Lee” Pelly, Christopher Pelly, Tamara Willman (Chad), Samantha Snider, Reesa Hays (Tommy) and many great nieces and nephews.

Bob’s always enjoyed a good time, and tried to practice the words he preached, as passed down by his father - “everything in moderation.” His patience and good-natured disposition endeared him to everyone. May Robert Browning’s kindness be an inspiration to us all - “in the end, only kindness matters.”