Robert Roy Boettcher

Robert Roy (Bob) Boettcher, age 77, passed away peacefully at 12:05 a.m., February 14th surrounded by the family he loved. He was born at home in Wymore, NE on February 24, 1940 to James and Marion Boettcher, who preceded him in death.

He married his best friend, Lee Gayle (Hord), in 1961 while they were both students at the University of Nebraska. Bob graduated with an Engineering degree in 1965 and was hired by Phillips Petroleum in Borger, Texas. Bob’s career in engineering and construction of major chemical plants, refineries and power plants took him around the world and moved the family all over the USA, Canada and Alaska but when he retired from his position of VP of an engineering firm in Houston in 1999, he and Lee Gayle chose to make Buffalo, Texas their home.

Bob loved his Texas home at Bliss Creek Ranch but remained a Nebraska Cornhusker fan at heart.

Bob was always active in politics and community. Prior to his move to Buffalo, he had served for years on his neighborhood water board and was precinct chairman in the Republican Party. Soon after retirement, Bob was appointed by the late Judge Ken Keeling as Leon County’s first and only Purchasing Agent. He recently served The Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department as secretary/treasurer.

Bob and Lee Gayle have been foster parents several times. In all, they have raised 9 teenagers including grandchildren Mica and DJ, who both graduated from Buffalo High School. In 2009, they were host family to foreign exchange student Aurelien Taillens of Switzerland, a relationship that has endured.

Bob will be fondly remembered as the guy who could fix anything from a broken faucet to a broken power plant or a broken heart. His corny sense of humor, the joy he brought to everyone he met, and the wisdom and love he shared from his big heart will be the legacy he leaves for his family and friends. He considered his faith in God and his love of family to be the greatest blessings in his life. Those he touched were blessed by his humble spirit.

Bob Boettcher was an incredibly good man. He was consistent, strong, ethical and respected. His family always came first, and he was always there for the important moments in life. He was a protector and a provider with a work ethic learned from parents of the depression years.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lee Gayle; his 5 children, Roy (Cheryl) Boettcher, Laura Bird, Robby (Amber) Boettcher, Lucinda (Sean) Fonseca, and Michelle Hughes; his 12 grandchildren, Timothy, Jonathan, Jennifer, Gracia, Abby, Mica, DJ, Kim, Kyle, Ryan, James and Josh; 10 great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Bailee, Lillian, Logan, Lila, Levi, Braylen, Noah, Arianah and Zachary; his sisters, Laura (Mike) Barnes and Dr. Janet (Doyle) Moore; and his brother, James (Marietta) Boettcher.

Bob is also survived by his 97-year-old mother-in-law, Lucille Hord of North Platte, NE.

The family is very grateful to caregivers Traditions Hospice Care of Leon County, TX. Special thanks also to Dr. Donald Head, BSW Hospital/College Station, Pastors Bob and Shelley Winn, missionaries to Nicaragua, and tireless family members Lucinda, Sean, Robby and Amber.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 16th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Celebration Church on Hwy 79 West in Buffalo. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 17th also at Celebration Church on Hwy 79 West in Buffalo. Graveside services immediately following at Buffalo Cemetery. Walters Funeral Home of Buffalo is overseeing the arrangements.