Robert Albin

Robert Eugene “Bob” Albin, age 91, went to his heavenly home Saturday, December 3rd, surrounded by the love of his family. Bob was born in Orion, Michigan on December 25, 1930 to Gene and Helen Albin. At the age of one, the family loaded up their model T and headed to Raymondville, Texas to begin a new career. The carefree years in the valley were very special to Bob, and he enjoyed sharing stories of his adventures there. The family remained in South Texas – Kingsville, Alice, Corpus Christi, and finally Rockport. Bob always loved the outdoors, especially boating and fishing. He spent many a day on the coastal shores in homemade boats (he built his first at age 10), including the design of the “Hush Guppy”, a small sailboat and precursor to the sailboard. Hours spent holding a pole waiting for the next good bite were a favorite past time throughout Bob’s life.

Bob’s high school years were enjoyed in Rockport. Always musically inclined, he played trumpet in the high school Swing Band, was in the choir, and continued to enjoy playing tunes on the piano into his later years. He also began his long love for tennis on the high school courts.

After graduation from Rockport High School in 1948, Bob completed two years at Del Mar College before enlisting in the Navy where he proudly served on the U.S.S. Hornet. It was when he returned to Rockport on leave that he met the girl he would cherish for the rest of his life, Kathy. He told the story of entering the courthouse and stepping up to the window where an amazingly beautiful young woman was working. Three calls later, she agreed to a date. It wasn’t long before the two were wed. Bob finished his Naval service in California, and the young couple settled in Austin where Bob completed a bachelor’s in marketing at the University of Texas. Upon his graduation, he presented Kathy with a Ph.T – Putting Hubby Through. His keen sense of humor, and especially his love of puns and word play, stayed with Bob until his very last days.

Bob’s career in sales and marketing took the two to Corpus Christi, Alice, Houston, and Stone Mountain, Georgia as they raised their two daughters and one son – Linda, Paula, and Bobby. In 1973, they returned to Corpus Christi where they lived until 1978 when Bob and Kathy settled into life once again in Rockport as owners and operators of Albin Exterminating. With his business know-how, the company grew and thrived. His son Bobby and daughter-in-law Kathryn bought the business upon the couple’s retirement.

Their retirement years brought great happiness as Bob and Kathy traveled in their RV. Colorado was a favorite destination, and many great adventures were had – sometimes on their own and often with family or friends traveling together. They shared a love for God’s creation and the beauty found throughout the country. Earlier years of camping and road trips also made many good memories for their children and instilled a love for the outdoors.

Bob was the most devoted of husbands. He adored Kathy and was an excellent partner and provider. He made sure his children were well provided for through his hard work and careful choices. The love, commitment, faith in God, perseverance, and determination they both brought to their marriage has been an exemplary example to both their children and grandchildren, as well as many in their large extended family. They both also provided the best examples of living one’s faith not only by church attendance, but by serving the Lord in their daily lives. As the years passed, going fishing, having coffee with friends, reading, puttering in his hand-built shop, picnics of hamburgers on the beach, and drives to enjoy the beauties of his beloved Rockport and Coastal Bend filled the days.

Bob will be sorely missed by his wife Kathy whose love knew no end, his children and their spouses, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends. The greatest comfort is in knowing, because of Jesus, we will see him again one fine day. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Kathryne Torres Albin, his daughter Linda Scherrer (John), daughter Paula Reynolds (Robert “Marty”), and his son Robert E. Albin, Jr. “Bobby” (Kathryn), his brother Phillip Albin and sister-in-law Elaine, in-laws Joe and Anna (Torres) Herring, Dick and Ruth (Torres) Hoese, Joe and Janine (Torres) Stacy, and Bob and Judy (Torres) Reed. He leaves a legacy of 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob is predeceased by his parents Eugene Joseph Albin and Helen Squiers Albin Dedeaux, sister Judith Albin Woodbury Galipo (Deano), brother-in-law Ramon Torres (Ginny), and brother-in-law Victor Torres (Judy).

Services will be held on Saturday, December 10th at 10:30 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church officiated by Dr. Scott Jones. Interment will follow in Rockport Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rockport First Baptist Church’s Pastors’ Sabbatical Fund or your favorite charity.

The family would like to express our deep thanks and gratitude to Harbor Hospice, as well as to the angels known as caregivers who so lovingly helped Bob through his final days.