On Sunday afternoon, December 17, 2017, Telvy F. Robbins, 86, of Bandera, Texas was welcomed into the arms of our Lord & Savior at the Methodist Hospital Stone Oak in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on August 19, 1931 in Levelland, Texas to parents B.J. and Vera Alva (Sheppard) Robbins. He married Gloria Mueller on June 21, 1959 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Nordheim, Texas and was blessed to spend 58 happy years by her side. Together, they had five beautiful children, and over the years, ten grandchildren were added to the family.
He graduated from Devine High School in Devine, Texas, and later he went on to Southwest Texas State Teachers College, now Texas State University, in San Marcos, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Agriculture in 1954. He later went back to Southwest Texas to receive his Masters of Education in 1960.
Prior to his marriage to Gloria, Telvy honorably served his country in the United States Army overseas in Germany from 1954 to 1956 attaining the rank of SP3. Upon returning from active service,Telvy and Gloria began to build their long, full life together upon settling in Bandera in 1959. In April of 1959, he was hired to teach vocational agriculture for Bandera ISD,retiring in 1999 after 40 years of service.After his retirement, he drove the Head Start bus for ten years. He loved teaching and left that same legacy to three of his five children and two of his grandchildren. Spending time with youth at school and junior livestock shows filled Telvy’s life with rewarding purpose and all who knew him were blessed by the positive example he set. Telvy loved spending time with his family and friends, visiting with former students, farming and agriculture, dining at OST and having his picture taken with the chicken car during Bandera’s holiday parades.
He was a member of the Bandera United Methodist Church where he served on the board of administration and building committee. He also was noted as chief cook for the chicken BBQ for many years.
Over the years,Telvy worked with the Bandera FFA and the Bandera Junior Livestock Show, having served as Director and Vice-President. He served as a judge for the Farm Mechanics Project Show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for 12 years; was a member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association and Retired Vo-Ag Teachers Association. He also worked with the Cub Scouts and Little League when his sons participated in those organizations. Through his dedicated service over the years, he was honored with numerous awards, including the Bandera Junior Livestock Show Dedication – Over 50 Years of Service; Alkek PTO and Hill Country for Support of Little Olympics; Bandera High School Softball Field Creator; Bandera Junior Livestock Show Dedication – Over 40 Years of Service; Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers Distinguished Educator Award; Vo-Ag Teachers Association of Texas Distinguished Service Award; Bandera County Commissioners Court Proclamation for “Telvy Robbins Day” on June 3, 1995; Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas Bandera No. 1123 Community Builder Award; the Alton Reininger Memorial Award; the Bandera Downs Assistant Coach Award; Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers Lifetime Membership; Outstanding Conservation Teacher for Bandera ISD and Regional Winner; and an Honorary Lone Star Farmer Degree from the Texas FFA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and two sisters.
Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Gloria; children Leslie Follett, Chris (Lynne) Robbins, Jim Bob Robbins, Lorri Cargill, and Carilee (Tim) Bordovsky; sister Vama Stanger; grandchildren Robbin (Thomas) Reininger, Ryan (Jessica) Follett, Alec, Kara, Brett and Trey Robbins, Dylan and Corey Cargill, and Kenny and Katherine Bordovsky; newborn great-granddaughter Harper Reininger; along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
A visitation was held on Friday, December 22, 2017 from 6 – 8:00 p.m. at Grimes Funeral Chapels of Bandera.
The funeral service took place on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bandera United Methodist Church, with Rev. Kyle Toomireand Rev. Dr. Dennis Thompson officiating. Burial followed at Bandera Cemetery.
Pallbearers wereTelvy’s grandsons and grandson-in-law: Ryan, Alec, Brett, Corey, Trey and Thomas, and special friend, David Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may begiven to Bandera County Junior Livestock Show, P.O. Box 187, Bandera, Texas, 78003; Bandera FFA., P.O Box 727, Bandera, Texas, 78003; or Bandera United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 128, Bandera, Texas, 78003.
The family invites you to write condolences at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com by selecting the “Send Condolences” link.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Bandera.