Robert was born in Amarillo, TX in the hunting season of November 1956. He attended Palo Duro High School and OU, where with "Robco's" unique "twinkle toes" talent, life revolved around his football passion. But life also revolved around Robert's other passions of hunting, fishing, and of course, his very large and beloved family which included his parents HC and Claudine Sillivent (both deceased), brother Wayne, and sisters Charlene (deceased), Linda, Faye, Debbie, and Cathy (which later would include spouses Vondie, Tracy, Milford, Larry, and Drew, as well as 14 nieces and nephews, 27 great nieces and nephews, and 11 great, great nieces and nephews). Robert also began at that time what was to be his life long career in the paving construction and sand and gravel business where he learned the business inside and out and the ability to operate any/all machinery.
Shortly thereafter, Robert began the next chapter in his journey of life with the marriage to the mother of his two older sons, Shane and Brady. Together, he and Trish Farris had many wonderful years raising and enjoying their sons and Trish's family, Ken (deceased) and Nonie, Paul, and Pam in Guymon, OK.
Robert began his last and deeply treasured journey with marriage several years ago to Shelby Jean Sliter, celebrating in heart, mind, and soul, their wedding anniversary a few weeks ago. Robert shared his passions with his wife, who embraced all (even learning football!). Their shared passions of hunting, fishing, dominoes, cards, gardening, barbecues, family, and good ol' country music consumed them and brought great joy in the many past years, along with the addition of Robert's then new and beloved family of Bill and Mickey Sliter (deceased), June Sliter and Ivan Booger King and Jessica Jones Robertson, Jamey and Jane and Christian Rose, and the blessing to continue with the raising of yet another beloved son, Devin Hinds. The recent addition of daughter Amanda Burdett Cruz and more grandchildren (Destine, Victoria, Thomas, and Jaxson) was a great source of joy to Robert, as well. Robert gloried in mentoring his children and grandchildren. His great supervisory skills and caring heart carried over into his teaching all how to fish, mow the grass, and hunt, to name just a few.
Robert's ever growing circle of love expanded with the marriages of his son Shane to Holly, then bringing forth precious Annabelle and Logan, and son Brady to Audrey, completing his circle of love in this life's journey, with precious Wyatt.
Robert had a kind and gentle soul, embracing all who crossed his way. There has been great enjoyment by all with his exuberant and natural story telling ways. Robert could weave a story and the more, the merrier. Robert loved to entertain and hear the laughter of those around him. This would incite him into more story telling and more laughter. Robert loved his recliner and his TV, which brought him relaxation and laughter. He really loved to eat and especially loved his home cooked meals and desserts, waiting in anticipation for his meal to be prepared and served to him. Robert also loved working in the yard - mowing, vegetable garden, roses, and flowers - and with the work done, kicking back with a beer in his hand and admiring his handiwork.
Although Robert's career began with J Lee Milligan, working there on and off for many years and enjoying many friendships as he traveled along other pathways as well, he finalized his career at XIT Sand and Gravel Pit, enjoying close relationships with Wally Johnson, Don Higgs, Junior, Daniel, and Jarrod, to name a few, but caring for and about all. Wear your masks, guys!!!!!
Robert was a lucky person. He was the one to see the animals, catch the fish, win at the slots. He reveled in his family role of "Busdriver", driving and navigating on all fishing and hunting trips. He knew and remembered all roads traveled. If he didn't know something, he "winged it" and knew it anyway!
Robert's true joy was his and Shelby's R&S Hunting Ranch, a honey hole in Childress County. They could be found there at least every other weekend. If not hunting, then they were filling feeders, hauling water, mowing, plowing, planting week, looking at game camera pics, and then playing - enjoying meandering around the country roads, enjoying nature, the stars, the moon, sharing stories, and listening to their music. Robert harvested HIS first big buck, an 8 point, and his last one, an 11 point, at their very own place. Rob enjoyed a great relationship with the best Texas Game Warden ever, Gary Self, now retired, and could not wait to see him to share stories and pictures. His old hunting buddies, Poncho and George, and his new hunting buddies, Chris and Terry, were another source of great fun to Robert.
And Robert's last residence... in the country with the cool breeze, quiet, train whistles. It has been a source of great peace. And with landlords, Mike and Denise Koetting, more people to swap hunting stories with!
Robert felt so lucky, but more than that, he felt very, very blessed. What he did not realize, was that he was and will continue to be a blessing to all who crossed his path.
Robert embraced First Baptist Church with the many kind souls there. Thank you so much, Corky. Robert knew no stranger. Even in the past weeks, he opened his arms and heart and embraced many new friends into his life, as they embraced him with kindness and caring, as well.
The family thanks Dr. Baker, Dr. Ray, and Dr. North for their compassion and caring, as well as the BSA ICU unit staff, especially Angie and David, and the chaplain, Linda.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church in Amarillo, his comfort and joy.
WE LOVE YOU, ROBERT! Yes, we will take you to your final resting place on your 60th birthday! Looking so very forward to seeing you one day soon. Thank you, God, for the gift of Robert, and for all the rainbows.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life Service
First Baptist Church Chapel
1208 S. Tyler
Amarillo, TX 79101
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
2:00 P.M.