Robert Howard Becktold, age 74, of Early, passed away at his home on April 6, 2025, surrounded by his wife and sons. Visitation will be held at Heartland Funeral Home on Friday, April 11th from 6pm – 8pm. Services will be held at Heartland Funeral Home on Saturday at 2pm with burial following at Eastlawn Memorial Park.
Robert was born to Howard and Dorothy Becktold on October 15, 1950. He was a lifelong resident of Early and a graduate of Early High School and Howard Payne University. While working at JRB grocery store, he met the love of his life Patricia Ann Clark. They married July 30, 1976, and had two sons. He worked for the Burlington-Northern-Santa Fe Railway and retired after 33 years. He was a member of Early First Baptist Church. Robert was instrumental in establishing the Brown County 4-H Rabbit Club, where he shared his knowledge and passion for rabbits with countless young members. In addition, he devoted his time and energy to supporting his wife, Patricia, in organizing and overseeing the Brown County Youth Fair, contributing to its success for many years.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Patricia, sons Michael of Carrollton, David of Early, his sisters Suzann Nira and husband Arnulfo of Early, Margaret Green of Zephyr, Oleta McClain and husband Ray of Early, brother Duane Becktold and wife Augustine of Early, brother-in-law Bobby Clark and wife Judy of Bangs, nephew James Ray Clark of Abilene, 13 nieces and nephews, 16 great nieces and nephews, and “rent-a-granddaughter” Alyssa, Courtney, and Brianna, as well as numerous other relative and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Howard and Dorothy Becktold, brother-in-law Joe Green, and Julie “Daughter Dear” Smith.
To our special family at Walker Cancer Center, led by Dr. Anusim affectionately called “DNA” by Robert, the nurses and staff too numerous to name who loved, comforted, laughed, joked, pestered, and put up with all Robert’s antics, the family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you and the greatest appreciation we can muster. Without your loving kindness, the last four years would have been unbearable. A special thank you to Dr. Hirsch formerly of Walker Cancer Center and Dr. Kaur formerly of UTSW Dallas, without whom we would not have had the last four years together as a family. The family would also like to extend a thank you to CMS/Kinder Hearts for their love, support, and care, as well as Dr. Acevado and the nurses from the fourth floor during several stays this year – thank you for helping us during the tough times.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cherokee Home for Children, P.O. Box 295, Cherokee, TX 76832.
Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the Becktold family online at heartlandfuneralhome.com