Robert "Bob" Cretney, 79, was born on March 11, 1945, in Lodi, Wisconsin, and passed away on August 22, 2024, in Ferris, Texas. He grew up in Dodgeville, Wisconsin and graduated from Dodgeville High School in 1963.

Bob dedicated his life to the things he loved - farming, aviation, and his family. His endless knowledge, wisdom, and work ethic inspired and touched the lives of many.

Bob grew up farming from an early age, continuing the legacy of his parents and grandparents. He continued to farm in both Texas and Wisconsin throughout his life.

After receiving his pilot license in 1970, Bob went on to fly for several different airlines: Braniff, Air Berlin, TransMed, and Evergreen International, affording him the opportunity to travel the world. He rounded out his career as a flight instructor for Southwest Airlines from 2001-2024. Bob was also the proud owner of a Piper Twin Comanche, which he loved to fly in any free time he had.

Bob was a loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his daughter and her husband, Jennifer and Elijah Christon, and his granddaughter Sutton Christon. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Cretney, his mother, Lorraine Cretney, and his brother, Tim Cretney.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be sent to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Bob's name.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at J. E. Keever Mortuary in Ennis.

Celebration of Life service will be Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the First Methodist Church of Ennis.

Arrangements are under the direction of J. E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.