Robert Noble Read

Robert Noble "Bob" Read, 79, of Big Spring, died on April 4, 2010, at his residence. Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, April 8, 2010, at the Peace Chapel at Trinity Memorial Park with Tom Koger, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Coahoma, officiating.Bob was born March 7, 1931, in Big Spring, Texas, to Charles D. and Ida Lee Landers Read. He was a member of a Howard County ranching family who had been in the county since 1881, when C. D. Read came from Rich Pond, Kentucky, to work for the railroad which had reached Big Spring. Mr. Read began buying up land for a stock raising venture and the family has remained in ranching until the present.Bob attended Coahoma schools and graduated with a B.S. from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.He was married to Marilyn Nickell of Alpine on September 24, 1956. The couple lived first in Midland, then Alpine and in Pleasanton and Floresville, before returning to Big Spring in 1970.Bob was a life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church in Coahoma where he served many terms on the session as church elder. Bob was named Outstanding Conservation Rancher in 2001 by Howard Soil and Water Conservation District, and was a member of Texas Cattle Raisers Association.He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Read of Big Spring; one daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Gary Roberts of Perryton; one son and daughter-in-law, Jim Bob and Cindy Knight Read of Lubbock and four grandchildren, Jordan and Taylor Read of Lubbock and Carlee and Jolee Lane of Abilene.He was preceded in death by one daughter, Kerri Read Lane of Abilene and one brother, William Landers Read.The family suggests memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church of Coahoma.Friends are welcome to visit Bob's family at his residence.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,