Robert Edward Urban

Robert E. Urban was born to Dr. Kay Bonner Urban and Carol Smith Urban in Crystal City, Texas on October 12, 1924. Schools attended were in Crystal City and graduated Jacksonville High School in 1942. Colleges attended were Lon Morris and Texas Christian University. Upon return from his service in the Navy following the war, he attended T.C.U earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Robert married his high school sweetheart Frances Bone in 1947 in Jacksonville. They lived in Ft. Worth one year before moving to Corpus Christi. They lived there for nine years where he taught biology at W.B. Ray High School. He left that job to take a position with Merck & Co. as a pharmaceutical representative in the Port Arthur/ Beaumont area.

While raising a family, Robert has been active in church, serving as Presbyterian Elder and Deacon, and Lion’s club, serving as president. Robert and his wife moved to Tyler in 1997. During his retirement years, Robert has continued his church and Lion’s club activities as well as travels. Since his move to Tyler he became known as an “East Texas Humorist” with a large collection of goofy toys and gadgets that he used to entertain his grandchildren and several Senior Citizen groups.

Robert is survived by his wife, Frances, of 64 years; by son David, and wife Melissa, grandchildren Michael Thorn-Leeson, wife Jill, and son Parker, and Patricia Thorn-Leeson; son John Edward and grandson Zachary, son Andrew and wife Teresa and grandsons Justin, Travis, and Connor.

Robert’s parents preceded him in death. Robert is survived by one sister, Joyce, two nephews, cousins, and extended family. He is survived by other family members known as, “The Loved Ones.”

Memorial Service will be held July 23, 2011, 1:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Tyler, Texas , arrangements by Lloyd James Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be sent to First Presbyterian Church.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------