Robert “Bob” Chandler Bledsoe

Robert Chandler (Bob) Bledsoe was born in El Paso (since it had a hospital), right in the middle of the depression, on 8/23/30 to Robert Irvine Bledsoe and Lolla Bunton Bledsoe.  He was their only child and was raised in Marfa.  Growing up in there, Bob spent a lot of time working on ranches owned by his dad and uncles (His mother Lolla was 1 of 11 children so Bob had a lot of aunts uncles and cousins).  He loved the outdoors, especially ranching, and participated in just about everything his community and school had to offer like playing in the school band and most sports, including football when they still used leather helmets.

Bob spoke fluent Spanish.  Spanish was his mother’s first language as she was born in Shafter a tiny little community outside of Presidio.  Bob went to military school at NMMI in Roswell, New Mexico after graduating from Marfa High School in 1947 at the age of 16.  He graduated from NMMI in 1949.  He earned his BBA and law degree from UT Austin with the law degree coming in 1955.

At the end of his first year in law school, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force and called to active duty.  He served during the Korean War in Louisiana, at the Lake Charles Air Force Base training B-29 combat crews.  He was part of the 51^st Bomb Squadron in the Strategic Air Command.  After 2 years of service he resumed law school at UT.

Bob married Evelyne Louise McWhorter in 1951.  They had 4 children:  Robert Bledsoe Jr who, with his wife Christi, live in Trophy Club, TX, Beverly Haight who with her husband Vic live in Nampa Idaho, Billy Bledsoe who, with his wife Barbara live in Midland, TX and David Bledsoe who with his wife Karissa live in Midland, TX.

After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin Law School, he worked for Baker, Botts, Andrews & Sheppard in Houston, then Hervey, Dow & Hinkle in Roswell, N. M. He was then offered a job at Stubbeman, McRae, Sealy, Laughlin & Browder bringing him to Midland, TX. Lastly, he formed a new law firm with five other attorneys which is today known as Cotton, Bledsoe, Tighe & Dawson.

Bob wrote the operating agreement for the Alaska North Slope.  That agreement is still in use today.  He wrote many legal articles discussing the AAPL Model Form Operating Agreement.  Bob’s seminal article discussing the 1982 Model Form was the definitive analysis of the JOA and was the source for many additional provisions that became widely adopted.  Bob successfully argued before the Texas Supreme Court in the landmark case of Luckel v. White, which is probably the single most important deed construction case in the last 50 years. In his argument, Bob told the justices that the answer was “as plain as pig’s feet”.

Bob was among first group of Texas attorneys to be certified as a specialist in oil, gas and mineral law and he served on the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Oil & Gas.  In 2008, he was recognized by the Texas Bar Foundation and received the Fifty Year Lawyer Award and in 2018 Bob was elected to the Petroleum Museum’s Hall of Fame.

Even today, a noticeable amount of the curriculum taught in the Petroleum Land Management programs at the major schools comes from Bob’s research and analysis.  Most importantly regarding his legal career, Bob was a mentor to scores of young lawyers practicing in the oil and gas field.  He taught all of them with kindness and great intellect, expecting their very best effort at all times.  He taught us all to “act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly before the Lord.” (Micah 6:8).

He contributed to so many organizations, it is hard to name them all, but to list a few:  Former president and board member of the Salvation Army and Casa de Amigos, former board member of Midland United Way, former board member for the Vietnamese Bible Incorporated, member of Partners in Education for Crockett.

Bob mentored and shared Jesus with countless co-workers, friends and acquaintances.  We have lost count of how many copies of “Jesus Calling” he has given out…in fact when he could barely walk down the street he moved to 7 months ago, he handed out countless copies to new neighbors down the street.  (A stack of them still sit on his desk, waiting to be given out).  He was so passionate about prayer

Bob participated in many ministries over the years including Genesis Center, Casa de Amigos, Young Life, Community Bible Study (CBS), and Vietnamese Bible Inc.  Most importantly he worshiped and ministered at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church (over 40 years) and Christ’s Church Anglican (over 15 years).  Most every week for over 30 years, he visited friends, acquaintances, and whoever needed God’s touch, in the hospital.

Bob married Bennie Pennell in 1984.  They were quite the pair.  That marriage brought another son into the family.  Heath Pennell and his wife Allison live in Greenville South Carolina.  The new larger family members spent countless hours with Bob and Bennie especially across holidays where their house was the gathering place.

Bob has required significant help recently.  The family is so thankful for the care and ministry from Midland Memorial Hospital and Manor Park.  Visiting Angels has also been critical in his care across the past 2 years and Hospice provided help in time of great need at the end.  But no words can describe the love and care given by Maribel Morris, the longtime friend and caregiver to Bob and Bennie.

He sprinted to the finish line!!  Without a doubt, he heard those beautiful words:  “WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT…WELL DONE!!  We will see you again!!

Bob is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Bennie Bledsoe.  He is also survived by the 5 children and their spouses mentioned above as well as 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren (so far!).  His memorial service will be held at Christ Church Anglican, (5501 N Midkiff Road, Midland TX 79705) on Tuesday November 21^st at 11 am.  Reception at the church will follow.  The service will be live streamed on Christ Church Anglicans Facebook page  (https://www.facebook.com/ChristChurchAnglican).  His remains will be interred at the Christ Church columbarium sometime in the future.  Memorials may be given to Christ Church Anglican, Visiting Angels, Interim Health Care (Hospice) or a ministry of choice.

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