Robert Charles Linton

Robert Charles Linton was born in March 19, 1936 in St. Francis, Kansas to Emsley Bunker Linton & Mildred Willowmina Loushe. He had two older sisters, while he was the little red headed one running around. His sisters say he was rambunctious and mischievous as a child. Robert grew up in Denver, Colorado where, after high school, he decided to join the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted on February 7, 1954, and served eight years during the Korean War. He served as a Shore Party Specialist and was a Military Police Sergeant and proud to serve his country. He was the recipient two awards, the Good Conduct Medal & National Defense. He was discharged honorably on February 7, 1962. Once a Marine, always a Marine…”Ooh-Rah!”

After his service in the Marine Corps., Robert began his career as a USDA meat inspector for the U.S. government. This occupation brought him to Texas, where he would reside the rest of his years. Being a meat inspector, he earned the name “Chicken Man”. This name stuck with him through his 36 years as an inspector, until his retirement in 1998.

During the 70’s, Robert played darts, and was “big time” at it. He was a long time member of Dallas Dart League. One of his favorite hang outs to play at was the Irish Pub, The Cork Club. This is where he met the love of his life, Jessie Cornwell. On their first date, Jessie made her 14 year old son, Jimmy play his tuba for him. I guess Jimmy’s tune wasn’t so bad, as it didn’t deter Robert from pursuing Jessie. They married in 1975 and he took in her two children, Jimmy & Barbara as if they were his own. Growing up, and occasionally as adults, the kids would play pranks on their dad. Fortunately, Robert had a great sense of humor, and was usually quick to respond. When Jimmy would ask his dad if he had any extra cash, he’d respond “extra money? What’s that?” He wasn’t one for shopping, and detested being sent on a store run. When he’d come back without the items requested, he’d say “They stopped making that.” We knew that just meant he didn’t look. In order to avoid getting Jessie a gift she didn’t like, they’d buy each other a gift for themselves, then just borrow it from one another when needed. As a grandfather, “Pap-paw”, as they called him, adored his grandkids. Because Jimmy’s kids lived far, he wasn’t able to spend as much time with them as he’d like to. But his love for them was there none the less. He taught his daughter’s kids how to tend to a garden, and ride their bikes. He squawked about having to drive them to and from school, but deep down, he liked it. When he could, he enjoyed a good game of golf, darts of course, and gardening. Tending to his vegetable garden earned him yet another nick-name, “Farmer Brown.” If he wasn’t on the golf course or in the garden with the kids, he was on the back porch or just outdoors, beer in hand.

Robert was a great mentor, he led by example, a wonderful role-model, a proud patriot who always flew his flag. He was a loving husband, caring father, wonderful grandfather & great-grandfather, and will be missed tremendously.

On Wednesday, October 29, 2014, Robert Charles Linton was called Home. He was met “up there” by his parents Emsley & Mildred Linton; his wife of 31 years, Jessie; sister Betty Penns; and because of his love for animals, we know he also has Hound Dog, Sabrina & Tiger Paws with him.

His life and legacy will continue to be honored and celebrated by his son Jimmy Oldham of Dallas; daughter Barbara Turley & her husband Dan of Rowlett; sister Roberta Deihl & her husband Bob of Denver, CO; grandchildren: Christopher Oldham of Alaska; Melissa Bohmer & her husband Jason of Munroe, MI; Neil Richardson & his wife Stephanie of Rowlett; Holly Richardson of Dallas; great-grandchildren: Harmony, Melody, Connor, Jaron & Katie; and many more relatives and close friends.