More detail on this person: Robert Romines -
also known as "Budgie" - died suddenly on
Monday, March 29, 2010, at the age of 67. Bob was
born in Henderson, Texas, in 1942, and attended
Carlisle school his entire 12 years. He graduated
in 1960, and attended Kilgore Junior College and
Stephen F. Austin University finally graduating
from Stephen F. Austin in 1970. Bob used to say
he majored in "fraternity." Serving as President
of Delta Sigma Phi, Bob established lifelong
friendships and enjoyed the annual fraternity
reunions.
Bob joined the U.S. Army in May 1967. Upon
graduation from flight training at Fort Rucker,
Alabama, in May of 1968, Budgie was assigned to
the Republic of Vietnam as a medical evacuation
helicopter pilot. He spent a full year in Vietnam
where he flew over 1,000 hours, completed over
3600 combat missions and evacuated almost 1,500
patients. Among his combat awards for heroism
during his Vietnam tour were the Distinguished
Flying Cross and 30 awards of the Air Medal.
He was promoted to full Colonel in January 1992,
and assigned to Fort Sam Houston again later that
year. Fort Sam Houston was Colonel Romines' last
assignment and he retired in January 1997, after a
wonderful 29 years and 10 months serving our great
United States in the U.S. Army.
Bob's military friendships were numerous and
longstanding. Merle Snyder, Jere Foust, Nick
Johnson, Lee Washburn were some of Bob's
closest friends. Merle and Bob served in Vietnam
together and made their dream of playing
Ballybunion in Ireland a reality in 2006.
An avid sports fan, Bob was a staunch supporter of
the Dallas Cowboys, the San Antonio Spurs and
the Dodgers. He loved the game of golf and enjoyed
his "regular group" at Oak Forest Country Club.
Bob was a devoted son and brother. He worshiped
his dad, Richard Taylor Romines and cared for his
mother, Ruby Gamble Romines Manning in her
declining years. And was a big brother to his
little sister Judy. Most of all Bob was dedicated
to his brother Leroy Romines and his wife Betty
Lou Romines and their children. Bob was so proud
when Leroy won the Boys Basketball State
Championship in 1992 and was completely
devastated by death of Leroy's and Betty's son
Taylor. Bob's nieces Jana Sellers and Jennifer
Romines adored their "Uncle Budgie."
Bob's greatest joy and proudest moments revolved
around his sons. While married to Ellen Douglas,
Bob became the father of Michael Neal and Robert
Douglas. The love for his sons was boundless. He
was so proud of the men they have become and of
the wonderful fathers they are to their children.
Bob was completely devoted to his grandchildren
and tried his best to never miss a baseball,
soccer or basketball game.
In 1982, Bob married Cindy Lair. Together, they
moved around the United States as Bob pursued
his military career. They traveled extensively and
loved to play golf and spend as much time together
as possible. Their bond and marriage was
inspirational to young married couples. The joy
and love they shared was endless.
Quick-witted and quick-tempered, Bob was fondly
known in the military as "Ragin' Robert." He had
the gift of gab and was a great storyteller. A
great patriot, an unfailing friend, loving
husband, devoted father and affectionate
grandfather, Bob will be greatly missed.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Richard and
Ruby Romines of Carlisle Henderson; an infant
brother, Wayne; and his beloved nephew, Taylor
Romines. Bob is survived by his wife of 27 years,
Cindy Romines of Longview; his sister and her
husband, Judy and Rex Rogers of Henderson; his
brother and wife, Leroy and Betty Lou Romines of
Longview; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and
Jenny Romines and Robert and Jennifer Romines of
Tyler; grandchildren, Dylan, Ethan, Christina,
Taylor, Ally, Benjamin, Jakob and Meghan; nieces,
Tiffany Reeves and her husband Trevor of
Henderson, Tasha Mims and her husband Jason of
Salado, and Jana Sellers; and great-nephew, Rhett
of Longview, and Jennifer Romines of Tyler. Also,
Bob is survived by his brothers-in-law, Rick Lair
and wife Diane of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and
Edward Franklin of Lexington, Kentucky;
sisters-in-law, Jackie Conn and Jane Harrison and
Jane's husband Howard and their children Alex and
Olivia all of Ozark, Alabama.
Services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April
1, 2010, at New Heights Church in Longview, with
Chaplain Jessie Thornton officiating. Burial with
full military honors will follow in Rosewood Park.
Services are under the direction of Rader Funeral
Home of Longview. The family will receive friends
today, March 31, 2010, from 5-7 p.m. at the
funeral home.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bob's Oak Forest Golf
Buddies, Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity Brothers and
All Comrades in Arms.
A memorial guestbook may be signed at
www.raderfh.com
Published in Longview News-Journal on March 31,
2010.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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