Bob Fagan passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 16, 2024, following a long illness. A memorial service will be held at the Lake Crook Pavilion on November 2, from 2-4pm, officiated by close friend Gary O’Connor. The eulogy will be delivered by longtime friend Bob Hunter and close friend Tim Hernandez. Online condolences can be posted at Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home website.
Born in Paris, Texas on December 19, 1953 to Bernie Hellums and Robert Edwin Fagan, Bob graduated from Paris High School in 1972. After living and working in Colorado for a couple of years, he returned to Paris, where he joined the US Coast Guard and was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, from 1974-1978. He attained the rank of Yeoman Third Class and was honorably discharged. Returning to Paris, he worked at Sara Lee and Earthgrains and eventually retired from there.
Bob loved the outdoors and all things pertaining to nature: plants, animals, the earth, astronomy, geology, archeology, and the weather. He typically spent more time outside in a single day than many people do all week. For many years, he hunted for arrowheads throughout NE Texas and amassed a large collection of them and other fossils. He loved birds, pollinators of all kinds, animals (even venomous snakes), plants, and rocks. His yard was a haven for birds, butterflies, and bees, and he often could identify native plants and birds. In 2021, he underwent certification training to become a Texas Master Naturalist. He enjoyed the class lecture topics, but especially loved the field trips to forests, wetlands, and prairies.
Bob began riding motorcycles as a young teenager and continued to ride throughout his entire life. He made several long-distance and cross-country trips on motorcycles, including to several national parks and many of the northern midwestern states.
Bob was a gentle, kind person who liked everyone and was well-liked by most people who knew him. He was comfortable being around people from all walks of life, and while he was constantly making new friends, still managed to keep up with friends from his childhood and teenage years.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his longtime companion, Ruth Ann Alsobrook of Paris, and a sister, Kathy Fagan Schwartz.
Memorial Service
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Lake Crook Pavilion – 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway Paris, TX 75460