Robert Edward Killian

Robert (Bob) Edward Killian, of Kingwood, Texas, died Monday, August 19, 2013. Bob was born January 24, 1927 to Robert Ransom and Bess Ward Killian in Lincoln County, North Carolina. Bob married Laura Frances Tilson in 1949, who survives him. Bob is also survived by their four daughters, Sandi Rogers of Cypress, Texas, Donna Murray of Spring, Texas, Cindy Klausmeyer of Houston, Texas, and Debbie Shrader of Katy, Texas, and their son, Robert Killian Jr. of Kingwood, Texas. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Justin Rogers, Clint Killian, Michael Klausmeyer, Lauren Klausmeyer, Cheska Killian, Chyler Killian, Colton Killian, and Zachary Shrader, and by three great grandchildren, Tristan Rogers, Cody Rogers and Corbin Killian.

Everybody affectionately called young Bob “Son.” In his youth, Bob was active in everything! Growing up on a farm, he was outdoors all day and performed farm chores such as milking cows and baling hay. He loved fishing in the nearby creek.

Bob graduated from Lincolnton High School in Lincolnton, North Carolina in 1944. Bob excelled in high school, both academically and as a leader. During his Senior year, he was President of the school band and played the cornet. He served as Editor in Chief of the Pine Burr, the school’s newspaper. He was voted Vice President of the Student Government and was a member of the National Honor Society. Bob was honored by his fellow students with the title of “Most Studious” in his graduating class. He was a member of the Debate team and the basketball team where he wore the #3 jersey. He acted in the school play with his future wife, Frances.

He was inducted into the United States Army on June 5, 1945. He trained in the Army Core of Engineers as a demolition specialist. On January 4, 1946, he sailed from New York to Naples, Italy, arriving 11 days later. Bob was assigned to the Adjutant Generals Department and was stationed in Santa Maria, Italy for six months, after which time his unit was transferred to Rome for six additional months. He returned to New York late on Christmas Eve 1946. Bob received a Good Conduct medal and an Army Commendation ribbon for his service.

After proudly serving his country, Bob enrolled at the University of North Carolina. He graduated in 1951 with a BS in Business Administration. This proved to be a very loyal relationship with Bob being an avid North Carolina fan his entire life. In fact, he raised an entire family of Carolina fans!

Bob spent his entire career at General Electric Credit Corporation. He began his career immediately upon graduation. He started in Raleigh, NC with an entry level position. After only 20 days at that position, he was promoted to Credit Manager and transferred to Charlotte, NC. He was promoted many times during his career and achieved his final position of Regional Manager. Bob served loyally at General Electric Credit Corporation before retiring at the age of 62. Upon his retirement, he was commended for being a great leader.

Bob loved spending time with his dear wife Frances. They loved relaxing in the backyard of their Kingwood home and spending time with their various dogs, Wolf, Reggie, and Shadow. Bob and Frances made 25 years of unforgettable memories at their lake house on Lake Livingston. There were cherished times of sitting alone and talking on the porch and others of a house full of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Many of the best family memories were made there. The whole gang loved to float in the lake, fish off the dock, and play games in the yard. Many nights were spent with family meals and playing games like Monopoly and Tripoley. Holidays were special with wonderful fireworks displays. The sounds of love and laughter were ever present. Bob relished keeping up with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren and all of their activities and accomplishments in sports and the arts.

Bob had many interests over the course of his 86 years. He loved to play golf and travel. He thoroughly enjoyed reading, especially mysteries and spy novels. He loved his almighty North Carolina Tarheels! In that regard, he rarely missed a televised Tarheel basketball game, and many of his clothes were colored Carolina blue.

Bob was tender-hearted, loving, and quite selfless. Bob’s family loved and respected him greatly! He was a great role model as both a husband and a father. He was always there whenever anyone needed anything, no matter how big or how small and at anytime. He was a friend to everyone he met. He was a great storyteller and was extremely humorous. He loved having spirited debates on current events, as he was very well read, and a great conversationalist. Bob had a remarkable attention to detail in both big and small endeavors. He was a respected man in the business community and was loved and admired by all. We will miss Bob greatly, but look forward to reuniting with him in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.