Robert Pillans

Robert Pillans, 86 went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday September 1, 2008 with his family by his side at his residence in Winkler Texas. He was born October 3, 1921 at Cut 'n Shoot in Montgomery County Texas to Benjamin Darden and Oletha Melton Pillans. His family relocated to Winkler when he was a baby. He completed his early schooling at St. Elmo and after graduating from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene on May 31, 1948, Robert worked for Shell Oil Company in various locations in Texas. In the 50's, he brought his wife and children back to Winkler to become a full-time farmer and rancher. He was a lifelong member of New Hope Baptist Church of Winkler where he served as the song director for many years. He was a member of the Winkler Masonic Lodge # 826, as well as a member of the Corsicana Eastern Star, Chapter 118 for over 50 years. He served for over 30 years as a past Director of the Freestone County Farm Bureau. He was the Freestone County Democratic Chairman for many years. Visitation will be 6-8pm Wednesday September 3, 2008 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Services will be 11:00 am Thursday September 4, 2008 at New Hope Baptist Church with Bro. Elton McCann officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elmo Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Preston Bonner, James Gary Pillans, Roger Pillans. Joey Satagaj, Phil Pillans, Clell Chandler Young, Kevin Fullerton, Glenn Gullatt and Johnny Minze. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons, Eric Minze, Adam Minze, Robby Pillans, Brian Pillans and Jay Fondren. Robert is preceded in death by parents; brothers Loyd, Jim, Wayne and Willie D. Pillans; sisters Frances Crumbley, Sallie Satagaj, Gertrude Young and Lillian Fullerton; granddaughter Laurie Ann Pillans Horn. He is survived by wife Vernon Hodge Pillans of Winkler; sons and daughters in law Gary and Carolyn Pillans of Corsicana, Benny and Cheryl Pillans of Winkler; daughters and sons in law Sherrill and Bud Minze of Streetman, Bobbie and David Fondren of Frisco; grandchildren Cindy and Wayne Pair, Brian and Amy Pillans all of Corsicana, Eric and Stephanie Minze of Fairfield, Adam and Linda Minze of Plattsmouth Nebraska, Mindy and John Hunt of Bradford, Cherrilyn and Jay Robertson of Fairfield, Robby and Selene Pillans of Winkler, Jay and Anne Fondren of Robinson, Katie Fondren of Allen, Jobeth Fondren of Frisco; 26 great grandchildren; 2 great great granchildren; brother Jack Pillans of Corsicana, sisters in law Frances Pillans of Streetman, Joyce Pillans of Winkler, brothers in law and their wives James and Dorothy Hodge of Corsicana, Richard and Jeanie Hodge of Wooster Arkansas; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, PO Box 215 Streetman, TX 75859.

Robert Pillans

October 3, 1921 - September 1, 2008