Bob Rodgers

Bob Rodgers, 81, of Abilene, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on June 30, 2022, after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. Bob was born May 18, 1941, near Snyder, Texas. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carolyn Rodgers (2015), his parents, H.W. Rodgers (1997), and Arlie Rodgers (2005), brother Jerry Paul Rodgers (1967), sisters Joyce Drake (2020) and Karen Morgensen (2020). Bob is survived by two daughters, Cindy Robinson (Brett Love) from Buffalo Gap, Texas, and Angela Abbate (Greg Abbate) from Menomonee Falls, WI, granddaughters Adison Abbate, Indialantic, FL, and Giana Abbate, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, sisters Joanne Burney from Snyder, Texas, and Connie Cage from Allen, Texas; brother-in-law Ricky Morgensen, Brownfield, Texas, sister-in-law Josephine Linville Ivey, Sarasota Florida, and loving nieces and nephews.

Bob graduated from Snyder High School in 1959. This is where he met and married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Carolyn Linville. Bob and Carolyn were married 55 years before her passing on November 25, 2015.

After retiring as a National Life and Accident Insurance district manager, Bob continued working in areas he enjoyed. He was the proprietor of Buffalo Gap Arms, located in Buffalo Gap, Texas. He also found enjoyment working at Pratt's Coin Shop for many years. But, most likely, his proudest role was being Pawpaw to his granddaughters.

Bob's life-long love of golfing took him to many courses, including traveling to tournaments with his golfing buddies and many destinations like Las Vegas. A plaque states a testament to his whimsical belief on his patio, "Time spent golfing is not deducted from one's lifespan." At home, he loved enjoying his manicured backyard, where he was known as Chef Bob; he was especially proud of his steaks.

Traveling with Carolyn and family took him to many destinations like Spain, Hawaii, and the East and West coast of the U.S. An added highlight were the many trips to Wisconsin, home of his revered Green Bay Packers. In recent years, Bob looked forward to his trips to Florida to visit family. We would be remiss if we didn't recognize Bob's love of cruising around Abilene in his beloved UT orange Jeep Wrangler. Bob believed in living each day to its fullest and always said, "Doesn't take long to stay all night."

The family would like to thank the professional care Bob received from the ICU unit at Hendricks Hospital (Abilene), Dr. Ganesh Raj, M.D., Ph.D., at UTC Southwest (Dallas), and primary care practitioner Richard Newport, PA-C (Abilene), Encompass (Abilene), Wesley Court (Abilene), Zale-Lipshy (Dallas), Kindred at Home (Abilene), and Caring Senior Service staff (Abilene). Their guidance and support are sincerely appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in honor of Bob's brother, Jerry Paul Rodgers, who died on the USS Forrestal in 1967, to either Taylor County Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 36, or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Those who wish to pay their respects may visit Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, on Monday, July 4, from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. The family will have a private burial at Buffalo Gap Cemetery, officiated by Randy Roy. A celebration of life will be held in Florida at a later date.

The family recognizes Brett Love, Greg Abbate, Johnny Wright, Todd Lawrence, Rodney McClintock, and Larry Smith as honorary pallbearers.

Special recognition to his loving daughter, Cindy, for her attentive care of her dad this past year.