Howe, TX – Robert Arthur Jensen, from Howe, TX, was born into this world on July 28, 1938 and departed this world on January 5, 2018, at the age of 79, at the Woodlands in Denison, TX after learning of a cancer diagnosis.
Bob, otherwise known as “Shady”, was born in Elgin, Nebraska to Arthur M. and Helen (Nelson) Jensen. He graduated from Meadow Grove, Nebraska then joined the United States Air Force at the age of 17. His service entry started on September 12, 1955, when Bob enlisted as an Airman at Perrin Air Force Base. After returning home from the service, Bob immediately entered the workforce. He had several business adventures including, owning J & H (Jensen & Helm) Gulf, which he could recite the phone number up to recently, he served as vice president of the Howe Chamber of Commerce in 1972 and was active in the community. Bob retired from Hale Manufacturing Company where he served many years. Back in his younger days, Bob loved to spend his weekends on the dance floor across the Red River at the Amvets where he served as Commander at one time. He enjoyed being anywhere that offered and played good country music. As many knew, Bob could light up the dance floor with his dancing and would ask any woman to dance, married or not. He returned home to Nebraska to attend his 20-year class reunion tagging along with his young son and friend for ballroom dancing. Bob enjoyed rooting for his Nebraska Cornhuskers and would show his spirit every chance he could. Bob had a passion for ranching, loved raising and riding horses, and loved spending time with his Yorkie, Patches, whom he adored.
Bob spent his final weeks being cared for by the wonderful staff on the 400 hall of the Woodlands. On behalf of the family, we thank each and every one of you for the love and respect that you expressed to Bob. A deep gratitude is especially appreciated for the nurses who never failed to go above and beyond to make sure that he was comfortable.
Bob is survived by his caregiver and long-time friend, Mary Spencer, best friend, Lewis Simpson, both from Howe, TX, daughters, Donna Bellamy, Vanessa Walters, both from Whitesboro, TX, and Tiffany Smith and husband Michael of Tyler, TX, son, Danny Jensen of Sherman, TX, step-sons, Jeffery Spencer and Wesley Spencer; sister Deloris and husband Willard Freeman of Norfolk, Nebraska, and brother-in-law, Jim Kacura of Primeville, Oregon; brother- and sister-in-laws, Glendale and Karen Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska, Ronald and Sheryl Johnson of Holliday, Texas, David and Sue Johnson of Lake Kiowa, Texas, Harley Johnson of Gainesville, TX, and Nona and Harry Little also of Gainesville, Texas. He also leaves behind sixteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Jensen; sons James and Jimmy Jensen; his parents, Arthur and Helen Jensen; his step-mother, Myrtle Jensen; sisters Marjorie Jensen-Bergan and JoAnn Jensen-Kucera; and the mother of his children, Patsy Goldston.
A come-and-go memorial was held for Bob on Saturday, January 13, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Family Life Center at Waldo Funeral Home. Bob wished to be cremated, and therefore, a private family burial will be held at a later date.