R.G. "Bobby" Cude

Robert (Bobby) Gerald Cude, 70, of Ballinger passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at Ballinger Memorial Hospital.

Bobby was born December 14, 1939 in Coleman County, Texas to Van Nathan and Erma Levesta (Williams) Cude. He moved to Ballinger at age six and was a lifelong resident there. He attended Ballinger High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the 25th Infantry Division.

He married his best friend and the love of his life, Ellen Kay Hash, in Farmington, New Mexico on August 11, 1959. He was a welder and welding inspector and worked in pipeline construction most of his life, traveling and working in many of the lower 48 states but always keeping his home in Ballinger. He loved to fish and hunt, and his favorite hobby was working on classic cars.

He was a former Scout Master for Troop 444 Boy Scouts of America in Ballinger from 1963 to 1965, a member of the Ballinger Volunteer Fire Department for eight years from 1964 to 1972, and a member of the Church of Christ. He was a 3rd Degree Master Mason and a member of Ballinger Masonic Lodge #643 AF&AM from 1965 until his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Ellen Kay Cude, and one son, David Gerald Cude and wife, Dee, all of Ballinger; grandchildren, Krista Massey of San Angelo, and Josh Massey of Ballinger; three sisters, Gail Warren of Ballinger, Marsha Cook of Odessa, and Nancy Plunk of Midland; a brother, Gary Doyle Campbell of Dallas; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a visitation for family and friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 25 at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. A Masonic graveside service will be held on Friday, March 26 at 10:00 a.m. at Old Runnels Cemetery near Ballinger.