Robert Penland

Robert Emmett Penland, 64, of Waco, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 24, 2011, after a courageous battle with leukemia. Bob was born on May 7, 1947, in Uvalde, Texas to Robert and Mary Penland. He grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1965. After attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, Bob received his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering in 1969 and his Masters in computer science in 1971, both from Texas A&M University. He remained a loyal fightin’ Texas Aggie all of his life. His daughter, Shelli, remembers that her only lullabies were the Aggie War Hymn and The Spirit of Aggieland! He worked many years for Carrier Corporation in Mississippi and Texas before settling in Waco in 1979. Bob worked at Hercules, Inc. in McGregor until 1993. After Hercules closed, he stayed in Waco to be near his children and began his career at Allergan, Inc. where he worked until his passing. Every fall for over thirty years, Bob could be found most Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays officiating high school and college football games all across Texas and Oklahoma. Spring was devoted to officiating basketball games and coaching his children’s sports teams. He loved to hunt and fish, but most of all, loved being with his family and friends. He was a loving, kind- hearted man who was a friend to all.
Bob is rejoicing in Heaven with his parents, Robert and Mary Penland. And because “those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time,” he will one day be reunited with those who survived him. Survivors include his best friend and wife, Brenda (Byford) Penland; son, David Penland and wife Laura of Mocksville, North Carolina; daughters, Shelli Penland of Temple, Texas, and Jasmine Garcia of Waco, Texas; step-grandchildren, Brian, Brandon and Felisha Acton, of Mocksville, North Carolina; sisters, Sue Penland of Aurora, Colorado, and Martha Kruger and husband Joe of San Antonio, Texas; and brother, Dick Penland and wife Joyce of San Antonio, Texas. He also leaves many other cherished relatives and friends. Everyone who knew and loved Bob will forever cherish how much richer their lives are because of his presence. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
The family would like to thank all of the friends and co-workers for the many prayers and encouragement over the past year while Bob fought this hard battle. A special thank you also goes to all the caring doctors, nurses and employees of MD Anderson Hospital who cared for Bob.
Friends are invited to a visitation with the family on Wednesday, July 27, from 6-8 pm at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Waco. A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be held Thursday at 11:00 am, also at Grace Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the charity of your choice.