Robert Owen Noel died peacefully on April 21, 2025, at his home.
He was born on Aug. 22, 1936, to Walter and Dorothy (Holmes) Noel.
Memorial services will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas on June 20 at 11 a.m. Family and friends are invited to a casual celebration of his life at Fiesta Winery after the service at 1 p.m. Bob loved music, so guests may bring a favorite story or guitar.
A private burial will be held at a later date at the family cemetery on Tallgrass Ranch.
Bob grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts and was the last of seven children.
After four years of bronc and bull riding following the rodeo circuit around the country, he re-enrolled in school and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi.
He married his high school sweetheart Nancy, and they had three children: Bob Jr., Laura and Virginia.
Bob had two careers: aviation and radio broadcasting and owned WBTTN Radio in Bryson City, North Carolina. He was honored at a broadcasting event at the Grand Ole Opry.
Aviation and horseback riding were Bob’s passions in life. He had 21 horses and three planes over his lifetime and was able to retire at the age of 47. He and his wife parted ways, and he relocated to St. Augustine, Florida.
Over a 10-year time frame, he flew and traveled the Caribbean and operated a charter business called Northwind Aviation. He learned to scuba dive, played aggressive doubles tennis and embraced family with his children and grandchildren.
In 1995, he married Robin Haliburton Paolino and gained a son, Brian “Buck” Paolino. Wanderlust and a deep love of nature and western culture brought them to Lampasas, Texas. Over the next 30 years, they cruised often, had numerous family and friends visit, and enjoyed the ranch the Good Lord blessed the family with.
Robin and Bob were married over 30 years when he died from Alzheimer’s. The last 12 years posed many physical challenges for him with cancer and multiple surgeries until age finally took its toll.
He rode horses from age 4 to 78. His beloved grandchildren -- Levi, Ana, Ginny, Arron, Bobby, Rachael, Michael, Will, Alex, Jasmine and great-grandson, Samuel -- kept his life full and his mischievous character alive.
Bob was involved in Kiwanis Club, Broadcasting Association, rodeo events and Boy Scout Troop 200.
He was kind and very loving with one foot firmly planted in the 19th century and the other in the 20th century. Many times he was photographed and mistaken for Gus McCrae from “Lonesome Dove.” He adored attention and responded with gratitude and an easy-going nature.
Bob will be remembered as Papa, Daddy, Smiling Jack and Gus among other names. A better friend could not be had.
