Robert Dunkin

Obituary of Robert William Dunkin

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Robert William (Bobby) Dunkin was born a bouncing 8.11oz boy in San Antonio, Texas on August 14, 1967, to John E. Dunkin, Jr. and Carolyn Nicholson Dunkin. Bobby passed away on April 15, 2023, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas with his devoted wife, Robyn Johnson Dunkin by his side. He grew up in an outdoors-loving family and was in a boat in the Gulf of Mexico before he could walk or see over the side of the boat. He loved hunting and fishing with his parents and became quite the outdoorsman, landing a 12ft sailfish at 12 years old and caught one of most everything that swam. He met the love of his life, Robyn, while living at Port Aransas when they both worked at Deep Sea Headquarters and there was never anyone else for them. Bobby breezed through school but never had a desire for college or a desk job – he simply loved the outdoors. He enjoyed living the country life in Medina County where he attended and graduated from the Medina Valley schools. He participated in FFA and raised and showed sheep and had cows, goats, and a horse at his home place. He became quite the marksman and learned how to build and wrap fishing rods while recovering from scoliosis surgery at age 18. He never let that slow him down and he continued a path to obtain his U.S. Coast Guard certified Captain’s license and ran a 65’ fishing vessel, the Osprey II, that held up to 45 passengers for close to 25 years. Captain Bobby was known far and wide in the Rio Grande Valley fishing community and many knew that if they fished on Captain Bobby’s boat, he knew where to find the fish. He was highly admired by both his crew members and customers and other boat captains over the years. During this time, he also gained his associate degree as an Honor Student at TSTC in Telecommunications Technology. However, his love of the sea won out and he remained in that field, often referring to his boat as “the office” or “the chapel” as he welcomed most days with the beautiful sunrises created by his maker. More recently Bobby was employed as Captain of the Pilot Boat for the ships coming into the Port of Brownsville. Married on April 23, 2000, at the Chapel by the Sea in the city of South Padre Island, Tx, Bobby, and Robyn raised 3 loving children, Clay 19, Kendall 16, and Meredith 13. Bobby was very boastful of his children – Clay also getting his Captain’s license at 18 and recently becoming an employee at SpaceX, Kendall getting her first job and driving, and both Kendall and Meredith performing in school band concerts, competitions, and parades - Daddy’s pride and joy. In addition to a home full of love, there was always room for a few dogs and cats. In recent years, the family has fostered countless dogs for the Laguna Madre Humane Society. Bobby was preceded in death by his dad, John E. Dunkin, Jr., his grandparents, Helen and Troy Nicholson and Louise and John E. Dunkin, Sr. Left to cherish his memory is his mom, Carolyn Dunkin; his wife Robyn Dunkin, his three children, Clay Dunkin, Kendall Dunkin, and Meredith Dunkin. Also, his brother Ed Dunkin (Debi), sisters Darla Morgan (Randy), Lisa Munroe (John), and Tina Smith (Mike), as well as two brothers-in-law, Randy Johnson (Veronica) and Ryan Johnson (Amanda) and father and mother-in-law Rick and Janet Johnson and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VENMO Robyn-Dunkin or mail to Robyn Dunkin at P.O. Box 1874, Los Fresnos, TX 78566 to set up an education fund for the Dunkin children. The family will receive visitors at 12:00 noon April 20, 2023 at the Chapel by the Sea, 33425 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX and a celebration of life will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Bill Waddell officiating. Follow the link for 1:00 p.m. Memorial Service https://www.facebook.com/chapelbytheseasouthpadre?mibextid=LQQJ4d Bobby’s wish was to be cremated and the scattering of his ashes will take place at a later date. You may sign the online guest book, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Robert Dunkin at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematory, 395 S. Sam Houston, Blvd., San Benito, TX 78586.
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Thursday
20
April

Visitation

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Chapel by the Sea
33425 State Park Rd. 100
South Padre Island, Texas, United States
Thursday
20
April

Celebration of Life

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Chapel by the Sea
33425 State Park Rd. 100
South Padre Island, Texas, United States

Cremation To Follow

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Robert Dunkin

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Robert Dunkin

1967 - 2023

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