Robert Lee Gatlin

August 19, 1938 — April 9, 2023

Robert Lee Gatlin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather and friend, passed away on Easter Sunday, 2023 to rest eternally with his Maker. The day his soul chose to return is a true testament to the life Robert led as a Child of God. He was born on August 19th, 1938, in Dallas, Texas. Robert was a proud graduate of Dallas’ Oak Cliff High School, Dallas Baptist University, and the University of Texas MBA programs.

Early in life Robert met Judy, his wife. The two married in 1957 and were together for 66 years. Judy was Robert’s firecracker and Robert was Judy’s Rock. The two balanced each other, the way eternal love does. They built their lives around their 4 beautiful children in Plano, TX, while Robert built a 35-year career with Rockwell International working as a project manager on complex government and private communications projects around the world. Robert served his family and community relentlessly. In the early years he would often work multiple jobs to care for them. He never stopped working, even after retirement he found a second career as a bus driver for Burnet ISD.

In 1997 Robert and Judy retired and settled in Burnet, TX, where Robert built a home overlooking the Hill Country that would serve as a refuge for the family. A place that has since come to signify the essence of home to his children, grandchildren, and friends. Those fortunate to know Robert personally knew he was a man of deep faith and God touched souls through him with both his ministry and singing. Wherever he lived, Robert was always very involved in the Baptist Church and served in multiple capacities including as deacon, choir leader, Sunday School teacher, committee member, and always a faithful member.

Robert loved his family and led them well through the trials and tribulations they faced. He was the voice of reason for many and always offered up the perfect amount of laughter. He was the son of a carpenter and an avid woodworker, building two of the family homes. He never stopped building projects and works of art for his family and built an immaculate chicken coop (the Chick-Inn) shortly before his passing. Robert’s character and servant’s heart will remain as an example impacting generations that follow. He was the kind of soul you thanked God to know.

Robert is survived by his wife, Judy Gatlin, his 4 children, Robert (Bob) Gatlin Jr & wife Joy of Allen, TX, Brad Gatlin of Liberty Hill, TX, Felicia Gatlin of Burnet, TX, Leah Coffey and husband Dwight of Richardson, TX, his 9 grandchildren, Lindsey, Christine, Danielle, Nathan, Evan, Kaci, Tori, Meagan and Jourdan, and his first great-granddaughter, Baylee.

His family is mourning the loss of his life yet celebrating the joy Robert is now filled with, as he is sitting at the feet of his Heavenly Father learning all the wonders of this world we have yet to know. Robert’s most requested song was, ‘Master of The Wind’, he sang those verses to uplift many souls here on earth. His family is filled with peace knowing Robert is once again singing His praises, only this time, with the Master of the Wind, for all eternity.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Bertram on Saturday April 15th at 10:00AM.