Robert Dixon Koenig

Robert “Dick” Koenig, a beloved patriarch and pillar of the community, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday November 24th, 2025 at his home in Burkett, Texas, surrounded by generations of his loved ones.

He was born to loving parents Alfred John and Cora Belle Koenig on January 7, 1936 in Coleman, Texas. Dick was a bright student and a basketball star at Burkett High School. Following graduation in 1954, he turned down an offer to attend Texas Tech University in favor of establishing his own farming and ranching enterprise. He married Sharon Ruth Henson and the ambitious young newlyweds set out with little more than minor assistance from his parents and a dream. Dick worked relentlessly to support his family and the ranch. During the early days, he farmed and ranched during the daytime and roughnecked at night until he was able to support his family solely through his farm and ranch operation.

Over the following decade, Dick and Sharon had four children: Suzie, Sam, Sherry and JoJo. A devoted father, he worked tirelessly to support his family in everything they did. He served on the school board, attended thousands of sporting events, and helped his children achieve great success at stock shows and rodeo events.  

Dick served as an elder of the First Methodist Church of Cross Plains and a leader of the local community. When his parents sadly passed away in his early adulthood, he became an honorary son to his aunt Lois, who he remained close to through the duration of her life.

As his children established their own families, Dick proved an equally engaged grandfather and then great-grandfather. “Ganner,” as he was affectionately known by the younger generation, hardly missed a milestone. He traveled to sports games and other events across the country to support them and mentored them in countless ways.

After Sharon passed away in 2008, Dick became the committed companion to Shirley Hunter, also known as “Nanny.” The two remained devoted to each other for the remainder of his days, each serving as leaders of their large families. As a testament to their adoration, four generations of family members and numerous friends still continue to attend the weekly Sunday dinner, better known as “Big Dinner,” at Ganner and Nanny’s house, where no one has ever left hungry. And after every gathering, Ganner always had a healthy serving of Blue Bell ice cream.

Throughout his life Dick faced numerous obstacles, yet he is remembered as never saying a disparaging word. He was known by the moniker “Honest Abe” for his uncompromising integrity and moral discipline. A man of God, he exemplified biblical principles. He retained a pragmatic and opportunistic outlook on life to his last breath. Reflecting on life after his cancer diagnosis, Dick calmly stated: “the struggles make you stronger.”

Dick was an industrious, self-taught businessman. He traveled to seminars and studied successful cattle operations all across the country. No problem ever bested his tireless work ethic or his wit. He constantly adapted his business strategies in the face of economic and environmental adversity, including pivoting from cotton to wheat in the late 60’s, and cattle to hogs and back again in the 70’s and 80’s. He was never afraid to try something new and he achieved great success with this approach.

Dick’s perseverance and willingness to embrace innovative solutions were the foundation of his success. Building on his previous ventures, he and his son Sam established Koenig & Koenig Cattle in 1986, which has been recognized numerous times, including as recently as last month for its success in the cattle industry. From 2005 to 2015, Dick was also a part owner of the Tulia Feedlot, further expanding his impact and utilizing his expertise in the cattle business.

No summary of Dick’s life would be complete without including the family homestead established by his maternal relatives in 1892, which he stewarded for more than seven decades. One of Dick’s crowning life achievements was acquiring the land that each of his grandparents once farmed and ranched, uniting the ranchland of his predecessors. He amplified the Koenig family legacy through his dedication to the land and his family.

Dick made a conscious decision in his seventies to forego retirement and to continue ranching, learning new technologies with the speed of someone half his age. Until his very final days, Dick would wake at 4:00 AM every morning to attend to business matters at his computer before tackling the hard physical work of ranching. He directed and advised a wide circle of people who will sorely miss his sage counsel.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Cora Bell and Alfred Koenig, his aunt Lois DeBusk Garrett, sister Freida Belle Koenig Leonard, his loving wife of 54 years, Sharon Henson Koenig, and his son-in-law Les Bailey. He is survived in death by his beloved long-term companion Shirley Hunter of Burkett, Texas, his four children: V. Sue Koenig of Alto, New Mexico, son Sam Koenig and wife Brandee of Burkett, Texas, daughter Sherry Odom and husband Scott of Clyde, Texas, and JoJo Morgan and husband Marc of Burkett, Texas, six grandchildren including: Lindsey Van Newkirk and husband Jake of Fort Collins, Colorado, Megan Collins and husband Matt of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Savanah Reeves and husband Matt of Cross Plains, Texas, Katy Jo Morgan-Gregory and husband Kendrick of Fort Worth, Texas, Kiley Morgan of Fort Worth, Texas, and Spade Koenig of Burkett, Texas, his step-grandchild Ashley Odom Moon and husband Mark, six great-grandchildren including: James and Luke Collins, Caden and Harper Van Newkirk, and Carson and Hudson Reeves, and two step-great-grandchildren Parker and Aubrey Moon, as well as many wonderful extended family members and friends.