Robert Wieck

It is with great sorrow the family of Dr. Robert Burton Wieck, affectionately known as Bobby, announce his passing on April 2, 2023 at age 43 following a tragic car accident. Born April 5, 1979 in Montclair, California to Harold and Jill Wieck, Bobby spent most of his youth in the California beach and Arizona desert areas.

Following his graduation from Mountain View High School in Tucson, Arizona he attended and graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Psychology followed by a D.O. from Midwestern University. Bobby began his career as an Air Force physician in San Antonio, Texas where he excelled as a resident in psychiatry. He served as the chief resident for psychiatry at Brook Army Medical Center where he concluded his psychiatric training. From there he became a staff psychiatrist at the 509th Medical Operations Squadron, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. After providing expert care to our nuclear-capable airmen, Major Wieck fulfilled his military service with honor. While proudly serving our country for seven years he was presented with the following: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service, and Air Force Training Ribbon.

In June 2017, Bobby relocated to Tyler, Texas and was employed by UT Health’s North campus in the adult psychiatry department. In addition to numerous other roles, he most recently served as Associate Program Director of the psychiatry residency program and was looking forward to beginning a new chapter as Program Director.

Despite being honored with so many achievements, it was the little things in life that brought him the most joy: a good book with his favorite coffee, a beautiful sunset, making his children smile, dancing in the kitchen, inappropriate jokes, geeking out on the latest technology, sitting on the porch during a good thunderstorm, exercising, serving as den leader for his sons’ Boy Scout troop, intelligent conversations, binging reality tv, Oreos and Dr. Pepper, being out in nature, and going down a rabbit hole of the latest crime story. He always put others first, never missed one of the kid’s events, and answered every one of their requests with, “Would it make your heart happy?”

Although it is impossible to summarize Bobby’s impact on our lives, he will always be remembered for his calm, laid-back demeanor, happy and optimistic spirit, and genuine care for others. Having an open-door policy, he was always ready and willing to discuss any topic (bonus points if it was Stoic philosophy), and one would always leave his office with either a book recommendation or chuckling about the blue knife on the wall. He loved to encourage and teach and was excited to see a thirst for knowledge in others. He was protective and caring…sensitive, yet strong. Bobby had too many amazing qualities to list; however, those most important to him were his Christian faith and love of family.

Bobby married the love of his life, Wendy, on May 21, 2022 at the family’s farm in Hawkins and always referred to their time together as the happiest days of his life. They were what others called the “perfect couple”…each always considering the other before their own self. With a love as great as theirs, they were able to create a beautiful life together in such a short amount of time with countless memories that will forever be cherished. He was a dedicated husband and father who treasured his role in their lives. The impact his presence and love made on Wendy and the kids will never be forgotten. “Still. Always. Forever.”

In addition to his loving parents and maternal grandmother, Donna McBirnie, those left to honor his memory are: his devoted wife, Wendy (Ellsworth) Wieck; children: Emma, Daniel, Noah, Lucas, Nixon, and Hudson; brother, Shawn Wieck (Adryna); mother-in-law, Carol Tuttle; future daughter-in-law, Mariah; sister-in-law, Amy Chandler (Jeff); brothers-in-law, Dane Ellsworth (Adrianna) and Adam Ellsworth (Vanessa); nephew, Dylan Spence (Chloe), and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death are his maternal grandfather Robert S. McBirnie and paternal grandparents, Burton and Eleanor Wieck.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Allen, Jeff Chandler, Lucas Hicks, Eric Meyer, Dr. Andrew Schmitt, Wander Segura, and Harold Wieck. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Matt Plescia, Clay Thornton, and Bobby’s friends and colleagues in the Psychiatry, Emergency, and Campus Security Departments of UT Health’s North campus.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the staff and physicians of Texas Health- Harris Methodist Hospital in Ft. Worth, Texas, Dr. Christina Merenda, and April Hargrave for their unwavering kindness and support during our darkest days.

Visitation with the family will be held Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Lloyd James Funeral Home. A Memorial Service for Dr. Robert Wieck will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, and burial with full military honors to follow at Hawkins City Cemetery in Hawkins, Texas. Attendees will meet at the cemetery, as there will be no procession.

(Please feel free to come as you are; jeans/casual wear and clothing of color welcomed)