Bobby Lay

Bobby Gene Lay was called home to Heaven on July 2, 2024 after ninety years here on earth. He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Diane and Jay Caton of Horseshoe Bay, TX; Tammye and Mark York of Plano, TX; and Todd and Diane Lay of Tyler, TX; seven grandchildren, Lauren Caton, Heather Caton, Brooks Caton, Lindsay York Maloney and spouse, Ryan; Abbey York; Ryan York and spouse, Rachel; and Celeste Lay; along with three great grandchildren, Adalynn, Maeve, and William Maloney; as well as, numerous nieces and nephews and sister in law.

Bobby was born on February 21, 1934 to Odis and Ruby Lay in his aunt’s farmhouse in Erath County, Texas. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, he lived and worked on a farm down the road from where he was born with his parents and three older brothers.

He attended Stephenville High School, in Stephenville, Texas where he was active in Future Farmers of America and where he met the love of his life Louan Williams. Soon after graduation in 1954, he was drafted and enlisted in the United States Army. He proposed to Louan before being deployed to Japan where he gladly served his country between 1954-1956. Shortly after returning home from the service, Bobby and Louan were married on May 18,1956.

Using his skilled hands, he worked as a welder until he began college at Tarleton State University, later transferring to Texas A&M University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1961. He enjoyed a long career working for the Texas Highway Department as a Traffic Engineer in Wichita Falls, Texas; the Governor’s Office of Traffic Safety in Austin, Texas; and as an engineering traffic consultant and instructor for TEEKS in College Station, Texas.

Bobby received Jesus as his Lord and Savior as a young 8 year old boy and was later baptized along with his wife, Louan. He was an admired and devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who was always willing to serve and enjoy time with each of them. He faithfully took his family to church where he served in many capacities, as well as being ordained as a deacon serving three different churches over many years.

Bobby was a devoted Aggie and an avid fan of all Aggie sports. He especially enjoyed watching football, basketball, and baseball games on campus for many years. He was a proud part of the12th man. He loved being outside in God’s beautiful world walking, gardening, fishing, and camping.

Bobby was a kind man, a man of few words, and a meek man; but was a man who loved boldly with a servant’s heart.

We rejoice in knowing that he heard Jesus say to him, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant”, and that we will be with him again one day.

Bobby’s family would like to extend a heart filled thank you to the nurses, caretakers, and administration of The Parc at Traditions who loved and cared for “Mr. Lay” so well over these past few years. We are forever grateful.

Thank you friends and family for sharing in our celebration of our Daddy and Papa.