Robert Dwight Yingling

Robert Dwight Yingling, 88, of Austin, Texas, passed away on October 9th. Bob was born on July 6th in Arkansas City, Kansas, graduated from Arkansas City High School, Cowley County Community College, and the University of Oklahoma in Norman. He married Betty Josephine Armstrong, his friend since third grade, on January 22, 1944. They married in Nevada, Iowa, while Robert attended Naval Training before his service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was devoted to the love of his life until her passing last June.

His work with the Gulf Oil Corporation sent him and Betty Jo around the world, starting in San Tome' Venezuela in 1957. Robert and his family also lived in Odessa, Texas; Quito, Ecuador; Kinshasa, Zaire (DRC); and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He was a skilled petroleum engineer and superintendent, admired by his peers until he retired to Austin in 1986. Stories from his youth were both heartwarming and heartwrenching, but always showed his affection for family. His many fishing trips and the accompanying photos proved his talent; his continued love for the sport took him to Lake LBJ where he taught his grandchildren how to fish. All the kids in the neighborhood knew that if anything broke, they could take it to Mr. Yingling to be fixed. Robert was an accomplished woodworker, as his gifts and furniture attest. He is remembered for so many things; his love of Science Fiction movies, reading to grandchildren, love of dogs, belief that Hank Williams Sr. was the only musician worth listening to, meticulous cooking, carpentry skills, and his quiet strength.

He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Lusk and husband Howard Lusk (dec'd) of Austin and her children Anneliece and Randall, Howard Robert and Anna, and Jocelyn and Jeff Nachtigal; His son Bill Yingling and wife Sharon of Austin and their children Natalie and Camille; his brother Douglas and wife Pauline (dec'd) Kahm and their son, Douglas Lee and wife Twilla; Sisters Helen Scott and Dorothy Cochram. He was preceded in death by his brother William "Timmy" Yingling and his wife, Mary Lou, and their daughters Shelly (dec'd) and Lisette. He was also preceded in death by his son James Yingling, who is survived by his daughter Kirstin Yingling Simon, husband Josiah, and their daughter, Iris Ellen. He has five great-grandchildren. Robert's friendship, love, and unwavering support will be truly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish South Chapel, 2620 South Congress on Thursday, October 17th, at 1:00 p.m.