Dates
Robert (Bob) Wesley Lovelace passed away at his residence on Sunday, April 24, 2016, after a lengthy illness. On September 20, 1929, Bob was born to Boyd Wesley and Bonnie Walters Lovelace in Brown County Hospital, San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Sonora High School in 1945. After attending Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science, Dallas, Texas, in 1956, Bob became a mortician for Robert Massie Funeral Home in San Angelo, Texas, for several years.
Bob accepted a boat salesman position with Thunderbird/Formula Boats, which at the time, was located in Miami, Florida. He traveled throughout the Southern states, selling boats and boating accessories. Expanding his experience in the boating industry, he added to his experience by selling water skis for
Ski Master Corp. in Wichita Falls, Texas.
After several years, Bob returned to San Angelo and established Sea Arrow Marine Corp. in 1973, located at 709 Rust Street, with his business associate, Elizabeth Ann Janek. Bob designed and manufactured 18 ft. to 22 ft. pleasure sport boats, which included customized boats. Bob also established J & L Trailers to build specialized trailers to support his unique boats. He sold his boats in seven Southern states to approximately 30 boat dealers. In 1990 Sea Arrow became a retail dealership named Angelo Marine Center, which included the marketing of Sea Arrow boats and a dealership for Hurricane boats. The business focused on retail sales and boat repairs. Boat rental and storage facilities were added in 2012.
On December 18,1982, Bob married Patricia Speck and they made their home in San Angelo, Texas. Bob and Pat spent many happy years working on their ranch in Eden, Texas. They raised cattle, sheep and goats.
Bob and his business partner, Ann, purchased a 1950 Classic Ryan Navion airplane in 1973. They both secured their pilot’s licenses. Bob utilized his airplane in attending dealer boat shows from Nashville, Tennessee, Wichita, Kansas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Denver, Colorado, as well as his Texas dealer shows. A highlight of his flying adventures were traveling with Pat to Rockport, Texas for deep sea fishing and to Ruidoso, New Mexico to attend horse races.
He held membership and leadership roles in several organizations which included Boating Trades of Texas, Producers Marketing Cooperative, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and American Pilots Association for 25 years.
Bob is survived by wife of 33 years, Pat, his two sons, Robert (Bobby) Clark Lovelace and Deborah Hall, his fiancé, of Bronte, Charles (Charlie) Boyd Lovelace and his wife, Vicci, of San Angelo, niece, Bonnie McGara, and nephews, jim Bob and Gregory Seale and Mickey McGara, two grandchildren, three great grandchildren, a brother-in-law, Joseph
Seale, Elizabeth Ann Janek, Business Partner (45 years), Jorge Hernandez, Ranch Foreman, (32 years), and Raymond Muro, Boat Shop Manager (40 years).
Preceding him in death were his parents, his sisters, Darlene Seale and Norma McGara and her spouse, Don McGara and nephew, Paul McGara.
Graveside services will be held at the Lovelace plot in Fairmont Cemetery on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Bill Proctor presiding. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.
Heartfelt thanks for the love, concern and care given to Bob during his illness is extended to his caregivers, Gracie Holguin, Audra Galindo, Rita Galindo and Gentiva Hospice-Kindred-at-Home staff and services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be donated to a favorite charity.