Robert "Bob" Berton Bost, Sr.

Robert (Bob) Berton Bost, Sr, was born to Bert and Ruth Smallwood Bost in Bryson, Texas October 30, 1934.  He died June 11, 2023 aged 88.  He grew up in the Panhandle of Texas, attending White Deer High School. He escaped the winds and cold of the Texas panhandle to attend North Texas State University, where he received double master’s degrees in physics and mathematics.  Bob joined a car pool to his first job out of college and met the love of his life, Ruth Jean Tumlison.  The two were married in 1959, and went on to have two children, Robert Jr., and Robyn.

Bob joined LTV (later Lockheed Martin), and spent his entire career in the aerospace and defense industry, until he retired in 1999.  In the early years of the space race, he was involved with the development of the Scout Rocket system, as well as other NASA programs.  Later in his career, he was Director of the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) program, which remains an important component of the US and NATO military capabilities today.  For his contribution, he was awarded the Cross of St. Barbara from the US Army.

When he wasn’t working, Bob enjoyed tending his vegetable garden, woodworking, music, league volleyball and softball, and his ‘lunch bunch’ with his old pals from work.  Most important to Bob was his constant involvement with his beloved family.  He quietly, consistently supported his children and grandchildren’s achievements in life, big and small.  He was loved by friends and family alike, and known for his sharp wit, but gentle touch.  All knew if he called you a ‘no good pup!’, or made some other ‘pithy comment’, you were one of his favorite people.

Bob is survived by his son, Robert Bost, Jr., and wife, Kerry of Iola, TX (College Station area); daughter, Robyn Maxwell and husband, Stewart of Dallas, TX;  his grandchildren, Ellen Bost of Austin, Emily Bost of Houston, Lilly Maxwell of New York City;  nephew, Steve Lamar and wife Rebecca; niece, Donna Stewart;  great niece, Helen Clayton and husband Ken;  great nephew, Howard Hull and wife Susan; niece, Lynn Hatchett and husband, Ross;  nieces, Sheryl Paine and Stacy Tumlison, and many more beloved great nephews and great nieces.  Bob was preceded in death by his wife of forty-six years, Ruth Jean Bost, whom he dearly loved.

The family wishes to thank all of the nurses and caregivers at Crestview in Bryan, TX, and to the hospice team from Brazos Valley Hospice Care.  God bless you all.

Visitation will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, immediately followed by funeral services at 2 p.m. at the George J Carroll & Son Funeral Home in Gainesville, TX.  Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Gainesville.

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