Robert Floyd DuBois, Jr., 89, of Beaumont, died peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends who continue to love him very much. Bob was born on July 19, 1925, to Dolly Hargrave DuBois and Robert Floyd DuBois, Sr.

Bob attended Texas A&M University until he joined the United States Army Air Corps in World War II, where he served as a bombardier. After the war, he completed his formal education at the University of Texas at Austin. During the Korean War, he served as a Special Agent in the Office of Special Investigations of the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain. Following his service for our nation, Bob was employed by First Federal Savings and Loan, where he succeeded his father as President in 1965.  He remained at that post and as a member of the Board of Directors until his retirement in 1991.

Bob was active in the savings and loan industry, having served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Savings and Loan League, and as President of the League. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Little Rock. He served on several important committees and as a director of the United States Savings and Loan League. Bob was proud of his role in support of the savings and loan industry, including his many trips lobbying on its behalf in Washington. Bob touched many lives through his time at First Federal, which he dearly loved.

For many years Bob served on the Administrative Board and Board of Trustees of the First United Methodist Church and volunteered at Some Other Place.  He and his wife, Carolyn, recently joined Trinity United Methodist Church, where Bob was a regular follower of the church’s television ministry.  

Bob, or Bobby as he was called in his early years, was a devoted supporter of our community as a member of the Board of Directors of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, the Beaumont Economic Development Foundation, and the Central City Development Corporation.  He was also a long time member of the Beaumont Rotary Club, where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow.

Bob was married in 1953 to Julia Beth Kenna (Dina). They were married for thirty-eight years and raised their two children, Robert and Julie. After Dina’s death, he met and married Carolyn Thomas Old. During more than twenty-two years of marriage to Carolyn, Bob enjoyed the blessing of having two loving families.

In retirement, he enjoyed his workshop, fishing, hunting, traveling, his membership in the “Shady Investors” Stock Club, S.T.A.M.P.S. (the second time around married people society), and especially the “Dun Working” group. He loved animals, and fondly recalled his dog, Frank, who once saved his life, his horses and many pets. He had many hobbies, including woodworking, painting and drawing, hand-firing his own tiles in a kiln at home, and photography.  Bob left behind a myriad of drawings, paintings, pottery and a prolific collection of photographs, with his favorite subjects being his beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Missi (short for Mississippi, where she was born) and Texas Hill Country wildflowers, especially bluebonnets.

He had a deep appreciation of books. Bob loved history of all kinds, but kept his Texas pride closest to heart. He enjoyed movies, especially Westerns. He also had a true fondness for the Texas Rangers. Those who knew him best will always remember how the Texas Hill Country helped Bob bond with his love for this land and its history.

His love of music continued to keep his spirits high even during his last days – Bob was comforted listening to big band and jazz standards.  He brought joy to his family as he called out the names of the artists and mouthed the words to the music even in his final hours.

Bob was Bob – remembered to those who knew him best for his smile, the twinkle in his eyes, his quick wit and dry sense of humor.  He enjoyed a life well lived.

Bob is survived by his wife, Carolyn; sister, Eloise DuBois Wolff Frank of Rockwall, whom Bob called “Sister”; children, Robert Floyd DuBois III and his wife, Carla; Julie Kenna Coleman and her husband, Alan; Lori Old Webster and her husband, John; Jay Old and his wife, Ann Clary; and Andrea Old Norman and her husband, David; grandchildren, Kathryn Elizabeth (Katie) DuBois Hudson and her husband, Harrison; Wellesley Anna DuBois; William George DuBois; Steven Alan Coleman and his wife, Meegan; Christopher Kenna Coleman and his wife, Anna; John DuBois Coleman and his wife, Kelly; Helen Elizabeth Old; James Edward Old II (Jim); Thomas Cole Norman; and Emma Ellis Norman; and great-grandchild, Harper Gray Coleman.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. George Thomas and Dr. Jay Schachner for their incredible care and devotion. They would also like to thank Bob’s caregivers, Bessie Lomax, Edith Hardin, and Kenzie Mayo, and all of the staff of Texas Total Care. The family also wishes to express their gratitude for the continual prayers and support of friends.

The family will celebrate Bob’s life in a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2014, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont. A reception will follow in the Nita McKnight Parlor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Bob’s friends offer tribute to his life through donations to Trinity United Methodist Church Memorial Garden, P.O. Box 5247, Beaumont, Texas 77726; Beaumont Chapter of the American Cancer Society, 755 South Eleventh Street Suite 212, Beaumont, Texas 77701; S.P.C.A., 2400 Lone Star, Dallas, Texas 75212; or to a  charity of one’s choice.