Robert "Bob" Lee Settles was born in Dallas, Texas on September 6, 1939 and passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026 in Waxahachie, TX at the age of 86. He graduated from Crozer Tech and went right into auto paint and body work.

Bob was an auto paint and body man through and through. He followed in his father's footsteps and spent his entire working life doing the only job he ever knew—and the only one he ever wanted to do. Even as he reached his 80s, Bob never considered slowing down. He would often tell his daughter, "I don't understand why I can only work from about 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. now—I have to come in the house to rest." He was simply getting tired, but work was still his purpose.

Bob worked daily until January 2025, when he suffered a serious back injury. Even then, his goal was always to get back to the shop because, in his words, "I need to make money." In May 2025 after the second serious back injury, he was unable to do any work or go back to the shop. Working was who Bob was. During his final hospital stay in January 2026, while suffering from delirium, Bob insisted on writing notes—one for Judy to go check on the trucks in the shop and another for Leeayn with instructions on how to fix them and in what order. In frustration, he told Leeayn, "Damn it, you don't understand, do you?" Work never left his mind; it was all he ever knew.

Bob loved animals and was rarely without a dog—or three—along with a couple of outside cats. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and attending car shows – he has a house full of trophies from the many car shows he won and participated in throughout the years. He quit smoking years ago, but could often be found chewing on a cigar, usually with a beer in his hand. One of his favorite simple pleasures was stopping at Hickory House for a burger and a beer – or just a beer or two.

Bob will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his stubborn determination, his love of family, and the life he built with his hands. He worked hard, loved deeply, and lived life on his own terms.

Bob is preceded in death by his grandmother, Lula Belle Bullard (1978); his parents, W.W. "Bill" Settles (2001) and Ann Mathews (2010); his wife, Mildred Settles (2008); and Mildred's daughter, Patricia Lynette (1973)

He is survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law, Leeayn and Mark Byrd. He was a proud grandfather to Holly (Brian) Stout and Jenni (Tony) Steel, and a cherished great grandfather to Addison and Landry Steel, and Austin and Hunter Stout.
He is also survived by his sons, Jimmy (Maggie) Settles and Scott Settles, and grandchildren, Peyton and Colen Settles; his brothers, Larry (Mary) Settles and Chuck (Denise) Mathews. He is also lovingly remembered by his girlfriend and devoted companion, Judy Johnson.


Family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Byrum Funeral Home. A celebration of Bob's life will be at graveside at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in Edgewood Cemetery in Lancaster.