Robert "Bob" Vaught

Robert Lee Vaught (Bob), 81, of Odessa, TX, passed to life eternal on March 15, 2016 in Odessa, Texas attended by his loving family. Bob was born May 24, 1934 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Robert Lee and Alma Vaught. He grew up in Haskell, Oklahoma and moved to Cross Plains, Texas when he was a high school freshman, where he was to meet the love of his life, Barbara Jean Hutchins. Bob graduated in 1952 and continued his education for a year at Tarleton College before returning to Cross Plains to marry his sweetheart.

On October 18, 1953, Bob and Barbara were married in Cross Plains. They had four daughters over the next seven years and eventually became known as Pop and Bobba to twelve precious grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren. Bob was completely devoted to his family, always putting them first. His last instruction to them was for them to love one another. At family gatherings over the years, he would call out, “Is everybody happy?” The answer from all was a resounding “H-A-P-P-Y!” His great grandchildren are ensuring the family tradition continues.

In order to better provide for his family, Bob moved his wife and infant daughter to Odessa, Texas in 1955. There he began a 48-year career that started as a roughneck for Parker Drilling Company in the oilfields of West Texas and ended as an independent consultant who traveled the Middle East. During that illustrious career, he was employed for many years with Gulf/Chevron Petroleum for whom he traveled to Africa and Australia, eventually working as Oil Drilling Manager in Papua, New Guinea. During his career, Bob and Barbara had an opportunity to travel the world. After retiring, the couple enjoyed welcoming their family to their home at Brownwood Lake.

Bob was a devout Christian who loved his Lord. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Lake Brownwood, where he served many years as deacon. He was also a Master Mason, Scottish Rite (El Paso, Texas) and Shriner, H.A. McFarland Lodge (Odessa, Texas).

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Alma Vaught, his brother Thomas Vaught, his sister Linda Vaught Seymour, and his daughter Gay Marie Vaught Fields.

Survivors include wife Barbara Hutchins Vaught, daughters and sons-in law Terri and Ted Krueger of Smithville, Lynn and Jerry Hix of Odessa, Dean Fields of Odessa, Lisa and Jim Campbell of College Station, grandchildren Ryan and Tawni Krueger, Justin Krueger, Eric Krueger and fiancé Maria Vences, Lindsay and Gavin Sheaffer, Brooke and Tim Rapp, Kylee and Kyle Trojacek, Alaina and Derek Watters, Jessica and Clint Bizzell, Haley and Daniel Hunt, Jessica and Jon Boben, Allison Campbell and fiancé Chris Selle, Tyler Campbell, great grandchildren Ellie and Theo Krueger, Laurel and Marissa Sheaffer, Ava and Colin Rapp, Coyt and Hayes Trojacek, Kolten, Kambri and Kasen Watters, Cameron and Kinlee Bizzell, Kalyn, Averi and Addison Hunt.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, March 18, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Higginbotham’s Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 1:30 pm at Cross Plains Cemetery.

Honorary Pallbearers are Ryan Krueger, Justin Krueger, Eric Krueger, Tyler Campbell, Gavin Sheaffer, Tim Rapp, Kyle Trojacek, Derek Watters, Daniel Hunt, Clint Bizzell, Jon Boben, and Chris Selle.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Higginbotham’s Funeral Home. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the kind care and comfort of Mary, Tina, Summer and Suzanna at The Parks Senior Living and to the staff at Compass Hospice.