Bobby Lewis Wren, 78, passed away on October 25, 2019 at his home, surrounded by his family. Bobby, the middle of three sons, was born on September 18, 1941, near Stanton, TX to Chalmer and Marguerite Wren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Glen, sisters-in-law Mona and Kathy Wren, Shirley Berry and father-in-law Charles White.
Bobby is survived by his loving wife, Lynn, of 43 years, daughters Dr. Allison Higgins and husband Scott, Mary Michelle Cangahuala and husband David, son Christopher Wren and wife Mari Noga. He was blessed with three grandchildren Rachel and Chloe Higgins and Vincent Wren. Bobby is also survived by his brother Chalmer Wren II and wife Norma, sister-in-law Ada Wren, mother-in-law Georgia White, sister and brother-in-law Geneva and Lee Knight, brother-in-law Rick Berry and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Bobby grew up on the family cotton farm in West Texas. To escape the "boredom of farm life", Bobby's words, he discovered the love of reading and music. Bobby was a member and Drum Major of the Stanton High School Buffalo Band, where he played the Bari Saxophone and his passion for music grew. Upon graduation, in 1959, he left the farm for Marine boot camp and became a member of the First and Second Division Marine Corps Bands, where he proudly served as a Corporal E4. The band performed across the US and Far East, where he especially enjoyed his time in Okinawa. After marching in many parades for retiring generals, Bobby decided he wanted more and took the college entrance exam. Then in 1962, he attended the University of Texas where he began a long and prosperous career in Music Education.
Bobby earned his Bachelor of Music Degree and TX Teacher Certificate from UT and a Master of Education Degree in Supervision, from Sam Houston State University. His teaching career began in 1966 in Temple. From there, he taught at Richardson Jr. High. Then in 1974, he became the Band Director, at Spring Woods High School, where he taught until his retirement in 1996. The Jr and Sr high school bands Bobby directed during his career were recognized across the state and nation. A highlight of Bobby's 22 year tenure at Spring Woods HS was having the Symphonic Band chosen to perform twice at the Mid-West National Band & Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, and at the Mid-East Instrumental Music Conference in Pittsburgh. He was able to inspire his students to perform with emotion by making personal connections with the music. Bobby was awarded the National Band Association's "Citation of Excellence" for an outstanding contribution to bands and band music, the Orff Schulwerk Certification from the University of Houston and Teacher of the Year at Richardson Jr. High. When Bobby retired after 30 years of working in the public school system, he started the band program at First Baptist Academy. In 2001, he taught elementary music in Alief ISD. That same year Bobby became the director of the Pearland Community Band, where he brought his wealth of knowledge and experience to a group of musicians playing throughout the community.
Bobby and Lynn enjoyed going to movies, traveling to Hawaii, vacations with the children and family, and visiting with the grandchildren. Bobby was very proud of his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments. A conversation with Bobby always included an update on what the children/grandchildren were doing. Naturally, he was very proud of all their musical talents. Although Bobby's spiritual foundation began in the Baptist Church, after his marriage to Lynn White, on Dec. 21, 1975, he became involved and later joined Fair Haven United Methodist Church. He shared his Christian values in various capacities from Boy's Choir Director, Sunday school teacher, Lay Leader, and usher.
The three determining traits that defined Bobby were is his faith in the Lord, his family, and passion for music. In memory of Bobby, donations may be made to Hungry for Music (www.hungryformusic.org), which gives instruments to children in need.
Family and friends gathered and celebrated Bobby's wonderful life during a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, in the sanctuary of Fair Haven United Methodist Church, 1330 Gessner in Houston, Texas, where a reception followed for those attending.
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