Robert Ainslee Estes, 93, pioneer resident of Midland, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2003, at his residence, following a short illness. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at the First Christian Church of Midland with Rev. Tommy Potter,officiating, and Rev. Gary Groves assisting.He was born on July 13, 1910, in Midland, Texas the son of the late Robert E. and May (Flautt) Estes. Bob attended Midland's elementary schools and then Midland High School. Bob attended and graduated with a B.S. in Mining Engineering from The Texas College of Mining Engineering, which later became the University of Texas-El Paso.Following graduation from college, Bob returned to Midland where he became an engineer, rising to Senior Supervising Engineer with the former Humble Oil and Refining (now Exxon Mobila Oil). While in McCamey, TX, he met Gretchen Marvin, an Industrial nurse with the same company. The couple married on December 10, 1939. Bob was a member of the Texas Surveyors Association, serving three terms as state director, a former president of the Permian Basin Chapter; member of American Society of Civil Engineers; past state director and past president of the West Texas Branch; and a member of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers.He served four years on the Midland City Council in the mid forties. He is a past director of Midland County Library Board; chairman of board of High Sky Children's Ranch; member of Board of Executors of The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum where he volunteered his time, talent, and donations. He was a volunteer instructor in mathematics for Adult Education Neighborhood Center. He was a registered professional engineer and a registered public surveyor. Bob retired from Exxon, then became a Safety Engineer for the State of Texas from which he retired at age 65.Bob had served as an Elder and Elder Emeritus of First Christian Church in Midland, and past chairman of the building committee. He taught Sunday School Class and is past chairman of the Board.Survivors include his wife of almost 64 years, Gretchen of Midland, two daughters: Nancy Estes of Midland, and Ainslee (Estes) Bustos and husband Peter of Dallas, and one sister: Jessie May McWorkman of Midland.Bob's family wishes to suggest memorials to Hospice of Midland, P.O. Box 2621, Midland, TX 79702, First Christian Church, 1301 W. Louisiana, Midland, TX 79701, the Petroleum Museum, 1500 I-20 West, Midland, TX 79701, or to the charity of your choice,
