Robert Irvin Kelm

Robert Irvin Kelm

On the morning of October 12, 2021, Robert (Bob) Irvin Kelm passed away at his home in Winnsboro, Texas. Bob was born in Minonk, Illinois on May 8, 1941, and his family relocated to Mineral Wells, Texas, in 1945. He graduated from Mineral Wells High School in 1959 and then enrolled at UTA Arlington, wherein he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business.

Bob’s business career was focused on the field of Human Resources. When asked what he did for a living, his response was, “I hire and fire people!” ... and he was very good at his job.

Bob married his wife Laquita in 1997 and his greatest love was family. Bob was a simple man and not much for words. But, he talked about his family. Their jobs, travels, rock concerts, college, football, baseball, basketball, sports, sports, sports… and more sports! Bob was a diehard Cowboys fan!

Later in life, Bob and Laquita joined First Presbyterian Church of Winnsboro. He served as a Session member and looked forward to church every Sunday. He especially enjoyed mowing the lawn.

Bob was a prolific reader, usually working on 5 – 7 books at a time and he liked studying history, battles, and wars. He was a natural tour guide when visiting battlefields and especially enjoyed times spent at Gettysburg.

His favorite movies were The Big Chill, Band of Brothers, The Pacific, and Bohemian Rhapsody. His favorite bands were The Eagles, Queen, and Guns and Roses. His favorite foods were burgers, chicken fried steak, and lots of ice cream. Bob enjoyed gardening, reading, sports, bird hunting and training, camping, fishing, woodworking, carving duck decoys, building model planes and boats, and grilling.

Bob was best described as outgoing, strong, dependable, honorable, honest, steadfast.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Laquita; Shawn Kelm and wife Robin of Midlothian, Texas, daughter Tonya Durdin and husband Scott of Arlington, Texas, and daughter Michelle England of Winnsboro, Texas. He is also survived by his brother Larry Kelm and wife Kay of Cleburne, Texas; sister Kay Young of Cleburne, Texas; grandchildren Callahan, Dale, Foster, Christian, Raley and Charlie, great-grandchild, Kylo, and nephews, Dax and Ky, great-nephews/nieces Tag, Remi, Rivers, and Cooper. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Lula Kelm, and granddaughter, Jayce Lee.

The Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 16th at noon, at the First Presbyterian Church in Winnsboro. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Winnsboro.