Robert “Bob” Terry Bivens

Robert Terry “Bob” Bivens, of Midland passed away peacefully on June 13, 2021, in Lubbock surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born on July 7, 1943 to Coy Reece and Ahlene Bivens in Lubbock, TX. After living in Post and Amarillo, the Bivens family settled permanently in Slaton in 1953. Bob attended Slaton High School where he was active in sports and graduated in 1961.

Although they met in school, it wasn’t until a wedding reception in 1962 that Bob swept the love of his life, Kay Castleberry off her feet. They married on March 14, 1964 at First Baptist Church in Slaton. In June of 1965, they welcomed their first child, Robert Reece and on their third wedding anniversary in 1967, Melissa Ann completed their family. Reece and Missy were the greatest blessing and joy of the 57 years of their marriage. Bob began his career in the savings and loan industry at State Savings in Lubbock in 1972 and the family moved to Midland when he accepted the position of Vice President and Controller of First Savings in 1980. From the very first day, the whole family loved Midland it has been home ever since. They immediately became members of First Baptist Church where they have enjoyed love and fellowship for 41 years.

Jay Floyd, the best son-in-law in the world, became a member of the family in July 1992 when he married Missy. God blessed the family with two beautiful granddaughters, Taylor and Addison. Bob adored them and they remained the light of his life.

Bob was an avid reader, he loved sports on TV, and any newspaper. He had a brilliant mind, a wide range of knowledge and could discuss almost any topic. He could quote most sports trivia from the 1940’s to date. He had a fascination for maps, always kept an atlas close by, and could remember highway numbers from every family vacation. He was a regular at Barnes and Noble where he read entire books, a few chapters every evening. Some of his fondest memories were when he and Kay took Taylor and Addison on vacations, Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills being their favorite. He patiently endured at least two shopping malls for each historical site they visited. In his later years, he enjoyed going to dinner with friends, SUDOKU puzzles, watching the car channel, and reading Octane magazines. Most of all, he cherished evenings with Kay watching Jeopardy and Midsomer Murders.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kay Bivens of Midland, devoted daughter and son-in-law, Missy and Jay Floyd of Midland, and two beautiful granddaughters, Taylor of Fort Worth and Addison of Midland. Brother-in-law, Billy Castleberry and niece, Christi of Lubbock, sister-in law, Beth Castleberry of Richardson, nephews Gary and Paul Castleberry of Richardson and Carrollton respectively. We would be remiss not to mention his precious pets – Agatha, Fritz and Beauregard who brought him so much joy.

He is preceded death by his father, Coy Reece Bivens, his mother, Ahlene Bivens Lane and his step-father, Richard Lane. He is also welcomed to Heaven by his beloved son, Robert Reece Bivens.

Kay and family would like to express their deep appreciation for the countless prayers, texts and phone calls from loved ones and friends. Dr. Darin Wood, James Ervin and the staff at First Baptist have provided exceptional care to the family.

The family would also like to convey their heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary medical teams – the EMT’s, the staff at Midland Memorial, the flight crew, and the staff at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock. Each group gave Bob excellent medical care and kept the family updated minute-by-minute with loving compassion. We would also like to thank Dr. Raj Naidu for the wonderful care he has given Bob the last 10 years.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 18, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at The Branch at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N Big Spring Street in Midland. The Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 19 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Chapel in Midland. Graveside services to follow at 3:00 p.m. at Englewood Cemetery East in Slaton, TX.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npw.com.