Robert Ellis Stevens, 69, of Coleman and College Station, flew from this earth on December, 22, 2018, at his home in College Station after a short battle with cancer. Robert was a commercial pilot and flew primarily for the Texas A&M University System from 1984 through January 2011. He retired as Director System Aircraft and Chief Pilot.

Robert attended Tarleton State University and Texas A&M University. His college career was interrupted by service in the U. S. Army in an Air Defense Artillery Unit from 1972 to 1974. He always thought it was ironic that he learned how to shoot down airplanes and then flew for a living. Robert graduated from Texas A&M University with two degrees, one in Wildlife Science in 1975 and the second in Range Management in 1977.

Robert spent his retirement years primarily in Coleman where he looked after his parents, Clifford E. and Marie Stevens, who both predeceased him. He worked on building his retirement home for he and his wife Leslie in Coleman and they were in the process of moving from College Station when the cancer was diagnosed.

Robert is survived by his wife, Leslie of College Station, his son Matthew of Austin, his brother Alan and his wife Nancy of Port Townsend, Washington, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services are pending under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman, and will be announced at a later date. It is suggested that instead of flowers donations be made to the American Cancer Society or charity of your choice.

Robert, Leslie and the family would like to thank all of the wonderful health care professionals who assisted them during Robert’s brief illness, including the Texas Brain and Spine Institute, the College Station Medical Center, CHI St. Joseph’s Hospital, Home Instead Senior Care, and Traditions Hospice, all located in Bryan/College Station.