TITLE: In memory of Bob Charles Bustin Sr.

SUMMARY: In memory of Bob Charles Bustin Sr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The citizens of Kilgore lost an admired business and civic leader with the passing of Bob Charles Bustin Sr. on May 24, 2025, at the age of 90; and WHEREAS, The son of James and Anna Bustin, Bob Bustin was born in Kilgore on May 16, 1935, and he grew up with the companionship of two siblings, James and Mary Ann; he attended Kilgore High School, and as captain of the football team, he helped the Bulldogs win their first district championship; he went on to play football at Kilgore College, earning All-America honors; he then transferred to Baylor University, where he received his bachelor's degree and was a member of the team that won the 1957 Sugar Bowl; and WHEREAS, In 1964, Mr. Bustin married the former Sally Beth Durrett, and they shared a fulfilling union that spanned more than six decades; they were blessed with a son, Bobby, and with the passing years, their family grew to include two grandchildren, Bethany and Ryan, and six great-grandchildren, Owen, Aiden, Noah, Hailey, Walker, and McKinley; and WHEREAS, Over the course of a successful business career, Mr. Bustin worked as a salesman at Weinberg's menswear store and sold railroad freight and insurance; in the early 1970s, he and his wife established several businesses, including Kay Tank Cleaning, American Supply & Chemical, and Pioneer Fence & Insulation; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Bustin served as Kilgore city commissioner and mayor pro tem, and he was involved with the Kilgore Lions Club for 62 years; in addition, he held leadership roles with the Kilgore Boys Baseball Association, the Dixie Boys Baseball Association, and the Texas Ranger Association Foundation; he was also a valued congregant of First Baptist Church Kilgore, where he taught Sunday school; and WHEREAS, In his leisure time, Mr. Bustin took pleasure in traveling, playing dominoes, and rooting for the Kilgore High, Kilgore College, and Baylor athletic teams; above all else, he cherished time spent with his loved ones; and WHEREAS, Bob Bustin lived a life that was rich in personal and professional achievements, and he will forever be remembered with great admiration and affection; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Bob Charles Bustin Sr. and extend sincere sympathy to his relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Bob Bustin. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on August 15, 2025, by a rising vote.