William Robert (Bob) Gayden passed away on January 29, 2026. He was born to Anthony Ernest and Minarah Inetta Gayden on September 5, 1935, in Trinidad, TX. He was the youngest of six children and raised in a loving Christian family. The family moved to Waco, TX when he was six years old. He attended Baylor University before starting his 38-year career with National Cash Register (NCR). He excelled at repairing mechanical cash registers and went on to teach at NCR's corporate training schools. Bob managed Technical Services in OH, CO, VA, and IA before returning to TX and settling in Abilene where he committed to staying until his children finished school.

Bob married the love of his life, Lanetia Smith, on Feb 8, 1957, in Waco, TX. They were blessed with three children. He loved spending time in nature where he felt closest to God's creations, whether that be hunting, golfing with friends, or family vacations exploring the country in a station wagon and pop-up camper. He was an avid sports fan, regularly attending kids and grandkids sports games and always tuning in to cheer for the Baylor Bears and all the professional Dallas teams. He cherished reunions with his large extended family, and the simple things in life like playing dominos and hand-cranking homemade ice cream on warm summer days.

Bob devoted himself to his Christian faith and served as a church deacon for congregations throughout his life. After moving to Dallas in 1986, Bob and Lanetia joined Floyd's Faithful class at Park Cities Baptist Church, where Bob became a Life Deacon and sang in The Notables Choir.

Bob is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lanetia; three loving children: Gayle Wilkins (Tom), Marshall Gayden (Leslie), and Andrea Burke (Casey); eight grandchildren: Jennifer Healey, Bobby Wilkins, Hunter Gayden, Bailey Milholland, Trevor Gayden, Spencer Burke, Asa Burke and Anabel Kruse; seven great grandchildren: Riley, Teyla, Shepherd, Noa, Brooks, Malachi, and Anderson; and numerous cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Bob's family extends their greatest appreciation to the staff at Jackson House who took loving care of him for the last few years, most notably Peter Eganza, Florence (Momo), Lomba, and Stanley. If you feel led to make a donation in Bob's memory, please consider Texans on Mission (formerly Texas Baptist Men), at texansonmission.org.