Palestine High School Alumni Association

08 / 01 / 1927  –  03 / 14 / 2014

Robert Richard (Bobby) Totah was born on August 1^st, 1927 to Andrew and Julia Totah in Rochester, New York.   The family relocated to Victoria, Texas in 1933. The Totah family then settled in Palestine, Texas after they purchased the Jay Shop, a Women and Children’s Clothing Store in 1938. Bobby graduated from Palestine High School in 1945 and enlisted in the Navy the day after he graduated. He was proud that the Navy took advantage of the fact that he could type 86 words per minute on a manual typewriter. In 1946, he went to the University of Texas (UT) with four of his cousins. After three and a half years at UT, he bought The Jet, a drive-in restaurant in Victoria with his uncle. His passion for cooking stemmed from his mom’s lessons and from helping several relatives in their restaurant businesses as a young boy. In 1955 he met his future wife Jean Abraham on a blind date. He won her over when he carried her a mile after she broke her ankle while they were attending a football game at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Bobby sold his partnership in the Jet and bought into partnership of the Jay Shop with his parents and Hazel Condos in 1957.

During his life he was very involved in charitable and civic causes, some of which were: President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Kiwanis Club, and a long term board member of the East Texas National Bank. Bobby was instrumental in helping build up Palestine and went on the road to bring several businesses downtown. He was very involved in Meals on Wheels and would add extra treats to the plates.

He was a devout Catholic and lifetime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He loved to sing and you could always find him leading the church choir. Bobby was a member and officer of several church boards and organizations including: the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight, and St. Joseph’s Assembly of the Knights of Columbus where he was a 4^th degree member. He was also involved in raising money and recruiting for the Holy Name Retreat Center. He truly believed in the teaching of St. Vincent de Paul: to serve others who were less fortunate. He lived a life of devotion to God and charitable giving and was known for his selflessness. Whether it was giving a dollar coin to a child in line at the grocery store or taking a sack of groceries to someone in need, giving was second nature to him and he never expected anything in return. His goal in life was to put a smile on everyone’s face, young or old and his creed was helping others. Many disagreements and hard feelings were resolved between his relatives and friends because of his strong penchant for peace making. Not only did he strive to instill these qualities in his children and grandchildren, but he also ensured that they had many lasting fond memories from their childhood.

After retirement from the Jay Shop in 1993, he never went anywhere without a bag of goodies; including his famous cookies, brownies, peanut brittle and toffee. He always had a bag of treats, whether at the grocery store, his grandson’s golf tournaments, the fire house, or police station, to name a few. He would start mailing the treats to hundreds of friends and family across the U.S. in October so he could get it all completed by Christmas.

He was an avid reader and his favorite book was the Bible. One of his great joys in life was playing golf at Meadowbrook County Club, where he served on the board. He also loved to play cards, whether it was poker with his cronies or gin with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed going out with friends, whether it was bowling, dinner, shows or travelling.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Jean; daughter Marie Totah; son and daughter-in-law Andy and Angi Totah; sons Rick and Michael Totah; grandchildren Julie Bice and husband Johnathan, Joseph, Joy and Josh Totah and great-granddaughter Jocelyn Bice.

Pallbearers are Joseph Totah, Josh Totah, Johnathan Bice, Jesse George, Jr., Jeffrey George, Randy George, Jesse George III and Philip George. Honorary pallbearers are Sammy Totah, George Totah, Albert Totah, Dave Totah, Jack Totah, and the Friday night Fellowship group.

Our family could not have done it alone without the loving and devoted care of B&B Private Caregiving – Marilyn, Shelia, Liz, Anita, Sammie, Annie, Shenita, Vickie, and Dottie. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Adam, Tammy and Abby Armstrong; Raymond, Jacob, Preston and Shan Andrews and the many family, friends, nurses and other medical profession personnel who supported us in numerous ways the last four and a half years. The prayers, masses, food, visits and compassion meant more to us than we can ever express.

Condolence calls will be at the family home from 6 – 8 pm on Thursday, March 20, 2014. A rosary will be held at 10:00 am followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 am on Friday, March 21, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palestine, Texas with Msgr. Zacharias Kunnakkattuthara and Father Christopher Plant officiating. Burial will follow the mass at St. Joseph’s Cemetery under the direction of Bailey and Foster Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry, 503 North Queen Street, Palestine, TX, 75801.

To view online leave condolences or sign the guest book go to www.baileyandfosterfuneralhome.com