Obituary of Robert Severn

Robert Wayne Severn or as so many of us knew and loved him, “Poo-Bob,” “Tootie,” “Unkie,” “Uncle Bob” and “Bob” passed August 8, 2016 after a short, intense battle with cancer. Bob leaves behind a community that embraced him with all its heart and soul. A stalwart of the Tom Baptist Church, Bob could be counted on to do anything and everything for the congregation. He would just as easily bring a delicious baked goodie to a meeting or play the organ for a funeral or wedding because he was, at least in his mind, “a major musician”—piano, organ and baritone a specialty. Bob was born on September 8, 1948 in Rolston, Oklahoma. While he never married or had children, Bob liked to say he was “married to my family. After all, they need me.” He graduated from South Oak Cliff High School before heading to the University of Texas at Arlington where he earned a bachelors degree in English with a minor in French in 1971. From there, Bob taught. A lot. He taught school in Dallas from 1971 to 1974; in Tom from 1974 to 1983; in Eagletown from 1983 to 1989, and in Haworth from 1989 to 1992. In 1995, Bob earned a Master of Library Science Degree from Texas A & M. And from 1996 to 2004 served as a librarian in the Dallas Independent School District until he retired in 2004. Bob is survived by his mother, Nevada Helen Severn, of Tom, Oklahoma; his sister Glenda Severn Estes of Irving, Texas; and his brother H. Ray Severn and wife Brenda of Belton, Texas; also two nieces, Tammie Kleinmann of Dallas, Texas, Kerry Severn of Belton, Texas, and one nephew, Stephen of Belton, Texas. Grand nephews and nieces, Jordan and Amanda Hussmann, Sydney Kleinmann and Macullen Nadurak, Sophia, Mason, Sydney Faith, Griffin, Jaxon, and Juliete Severn. He is preceded in death by his father Herschel “Dude” Severn; his sister Ladean Severn Kidwell; and nieces Rachel Edwards and Robin Kidwell. At his core, Bob was a teacher; he loved being one, of music, of school, of life. He was also a writer. For years faithfully recording his thoughts in the Tom News writing a column called In This Corner. Teacher. Writer. Mirthful presence, he was so much and more to those of us who knew him. He was a sweet and joyful man at ease in any situation. Wicked smart, he loved to laugh, tell tales of Tom (both true and tall) and take care of those around him. To that end: A young woman, so shy and so scared to even get up the gumption to talk with Bob finally found the courage to ask him to teach her how to play the piano. So he did. Quietly, just the two of them. Over time he taught this young woman to play until one day he said, “it’s your time.” Startled, and still quite shy, the young woman replied, “Time? Time for what?” Uncle Bob said, “to play for the church, of course.” Where she still has occasion to perform. Bob will be sorely missed.