Robert "Bob" Elkins Sikes

Obituary For Robert "Bob" Elkins Sikes

Robert Elkins “Bob” Sikes passed peacefully at home in Bowie, Texas, on October 13, 2024, aged 87.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2PM Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Methodist Church of Bowie.

Bob was born April 23, 1937 to Harry and Sara (Elkins) Sikes in Hays, Kansas. The family relocated to Texas where the family had roots in Jack and Palo Pinto counties.

Bob graduated from Jacksboro High School in 1955. He then attended Texas Tech University where he obtained a degree in petroleum engineering, and subsequently a degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin. He was an active member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

After graduating from UT, Bob attended the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School and served in the Navy as an officer. He retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve with the rank of commander. Bob’s Navy service was a source of deep personal satisfaction.

Bob had a long professional career with Shell Oil working in petroleum engineering and audit. His work took him to Houston, Denver, and ultimately Bakersfield.

Upon retirement from Shell Oil, Bob returned to North Texas and worked the family ranch land in Palo Pinto county. Bob was a passionate caretaker of this land. He married Rebecca Orton Gary of Bowie in 1993 at which point Bob settled into the Bowie life.

Bob enjoyed life. He took great pleasure in reading, fishing, golfing, “old” movies, and travel. He loved his family and he loved his friends, and he followed their pursuits with keen interest.

Bob was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Bowie. He served the church in many roles over 30+ years. Bob actively supported the Friends of the Library in Bowie. He found great friendships in the town where his down-to-earth manner and wit were appreciated.

He is preceded in death by parents Harry and Sara, brothers Nick and Marty, and sister Becky.

Robert Elkins Sikes is survived by his wife Rebecca; his children with his first wife, Linda, daughter Sara Sikes, son Gary Sikes and wife Jana, grandchildren Nixon, Bracken, and Witten; step-children Jim Gary, Sydney Gary, and Marcus Gary, and their families.

The family extends their gratitude to the caregivers of “Team Bob” who made his final days comfortable.

Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie, Texas.