Gary Carl Robken

Gary Sr./Dad/PawPaw completed his journey and went to live with his Lord on Sunday evening, November 28, 2021. Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 6, at Central Christian Church, with Brian Coates officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, December 5, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Gary Robken Sr., was born in Texarkana, Arkansas, on December 19, 1939, to Edith Juanita Nettles and Carl Louis Robken. He was a proud member of the Texas High Class of '57, attended East Texas Junior College and served in the Air Force Reserve. He lived and worked in Houston, Texas, where he met and married the love of his life of 45 years, Frances Miller Robken. They moved to Waco in 1970, raising three beautiful children and operating several successful family businesses for over 40 years, Smart Buyer Beauty & Barber Supply, Centex Sales, and Bosque Motor Company, retiring in 2013 to spend time with his family. Gary was an all-around sports enthusiast and supporter of Little League, serving as President of Lake Air Junior, Senior, and Big League for 10 years, in addition to being a proud parent and member of the Waco Christian School family, serving as President of the Booster Club. As a doting husband to Fran during her seven-year battle with cancer, he was always willing to 'take the chemo to the casino' - visiting the Eldorado in Shreveport, Louisiana, whenever they had the opportunity. Gary Sr. was a keen observer of people, loyal friend, and astute businessman who supported numerous friends and family throughout the years to business success. He was legendary in his efforts to pull off a prank and his sense of humor would leave you laughing for hours, but most of all he will be remembered for his generous spirit and sharp intellect. In the last year, he was lovingly cared for by his son, Gary Jr., and daughter-in-law, Ashli Robken, never missing an opportunity to travel to his ranch to enjoy hunting and family time with his extended family. Gary suffered a heart attack with subsequent stent procedure, the complications of which led to a massive stroke on Sunday morning. He passed away on Sunday evening surrounded by his children. Gary Sr. was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Lillian Frances Miller Robken. He is survived by his children, Jennifer Frances Robken Martin and husband, Leroy, of Little Elm, Texas; Gary Carl Robken, Jr. and wife, Ashli, of Lorena, and Julie Ann Robken Kopp and husband, Bryan, of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Garrett Carl Robken, Jacob Dwayne Robken, Frances Kathleen Robken, Raymond Jackson Kopp, Cole Miller Kopp, Gabriella Frances Martin, and Catherine Nicole Martin; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and a host of friends. Pallbearers will be Daren Baccus, Stephan Humprey, Bob Templeton, Brett Miller, Garrett Robken, and Tyler Martin. Honorary pallbearers will be Quenton Baccus, Dave Roberts, Thad Weist, Brad Eixmann, Dwight Krzywonski, and Bob Eastland. In honor of Gary Sr., who celebrated 39 years of sobriety on August 1, 2021, please consider making a memorial donation to the Sunshine Recovery House for Women (www.sunshinerecoveryhouse.com) and/or the Triangle Group of Alcoholics Anonymous (221 North 25th Street, Waco, TX 76701). The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.