"Bob" Robert Dowe Kendrick

Bob Kendrick, 85, of Waco, entered his heavenly reward on Sunday, July 17, 2022. A graveside service will be 9:30am, Friday, July 22, at White Hall Cemetery in Woodway.  A Visitation will be 5-7pm, Thursday, July 21 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home.

Robert Dowe (Bob) Kendrick was born in Plainview Texas, to Jack and Marion Kendrick. His family moved off the farm and back to Waco were Bob attended school, and he later graduated from Waco High School in 1955. After graduation, Bob joined the U. S. Air Force. While serving, he married Cleta Alice Roth in January 1957, and they had their only son, Brad, in March 1958. Bob was honorably discharged in 1959, and their family of three moved back to Waco where they really started their life together. Bob worked at Davis Iron Works and later moved to the Bridge Office with the Texas Highway Department. He worked there until retirement in 1995. Many of the curved bridges built in the central Texas area during the 1970s and 80s were designed by a team that included Bob.

Bob and Cleta pursed their joint goal of bachelor’s degrees from Baylor University. Bob accomplished his goal in 1970 with a concentration in geology. He always enjoyed trips to New Mexico and Colorado to view the rock formations and learn about the mining history in those areas.

Bob always had a love for being outdoors. He was in the Field & Stream Club in high school and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Every year he would plant a garden and after retirement, he raised cattle for several years. Also after retirement, he and Cleta set out to visit all 50 states which they were able to do in about four years.

Bob loved being around family. Watching his grandsons play sports and “grow up” gave him great joy. Life was not complicated to Bob. Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God did not require a lot of explanation. Just do it.

Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Cleta Roth Kendrick; his sister, Nova Jean Thorn of Waco; his son, Brad Kendrick, and wife, Trae; his grandson, Logan Kendrick, and his wife, Sarah; grandson, Cameron Kendrick, and his wife, Ashley; four great-grandchildren, Conway, Brazos, Sally, and Maggie, with a fifth one on the way; and two nieces, Tori Sorsby and Rene McDowell.

Of all things, family mattered the most to Bob. In lieu of flowers or a memorial, he would want you to take your family out to dinner and spend time with those you love.

Registry for Bob Kendrick