Bobby William Tant, 91, of Nederland, Texas passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at his residence with his loving family at his side.
Bobby was born on September 10, 1932, in Belton, Texas to Mittie Lee Beatrice Hearn Tant and Alva Lee Tant. He graduated from Belton High School in 1950 where he went to school with the love of his life and future wife Donell Pace Tant. Bobby and Donell were married in 1954, and were planning to celebrate 70 years of marriage in February.
Bobby was a retired welder with Fina Chemical Company in Groves for thirty-two years and a member of First Baptist Church in Nederland, Texas for more than 20 years. Most importantly, he was a Christian who demonstrated his faith each and every day through his love for the Lord; it enabled him to be a giving and loving person that will never be forgotten.
He was an avid deer hunter who was a lifelong member of the NRA and was a lifetime member for 52 years. He was also a craftsman who enjoyed woodworking where he built many bird houses for family and friends. He was an excellent draftsman that used his skills to construct four of his homes. He also loved his dogs, having many over the years, who he cared for and they loved him dearly. Bobby loved his family, friends, co-workers and church members. He loved watching his grandchildren grow, attending sporting events, graduations, birthdays, school activities and church functions, and proud of all their accomplishments.
Survivors include his wife of almost seventy years, Donell P. Tant of Nederland; children, Pattilea T. Wilson and her husband Terry of Cypress, Texas and Sheri Anne Ortiz and her husband Randall of Northlake, Texas; grandchildren, Patrick Burke Wilson and his wife Meggan of Cypress, Bryant William Wilson of San Marcos and Rebekah Anne Ortiz of Northlake; great grandchildren, Jerry, Mallory, Marion, Paxton, Paisley, Presley, Parker and Pace.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Mittie Tant and his sister, Myrtice Cantrell.
A gathering of family and friends will take place on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Melancon-Levingston Funeral Home in Nederland. Visitation will be at 4:00 p.m. with services to follow at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at North Belton Cemetery in Belton, Texas under the direction of Melancon-Levingston Funeral Home in Nederland.
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Terry Wilson, Randall Ortiz, Burke Wilson and Bryant Wilson.