Robert J. Vidrine

The angels in Heaven welcomed Robert J. Vidrine, 76, of Waco, when he passed away peacefully, richly loved, on Monday, September 13, 2021.

A private interment will be held at China Spring Cemetery under the direction of Lake Shore Funeral Home, Waco.

Robert was born January 14, 1945, in Phoenix, Arizona to Kirby Lee and Carrie B. Vidrine. Although Robert lived in multiple states in his lifetime, Waco, Texas, was where he called home since 1970. Robert was retired from the hospitality and tourism industry. He held integrity for what was ethical, compassion for what was humane, joy for what was humorous, noble for what was just, and passion for all of the things that mattered most including family, friendship, and nature.

Robert never met a stranger and he sparked a conversation with delight. Sometimes, he was referred to as a gentle giant or lumberjack because of his mighty strength and physical demeanor. He was a kind soul that loved being outdoors and panning for gold in New Mexico, Colorado, and the Llano River in Texas. He was known to many as a gregarious humanitarian who enjoyed politics, justice, and democracy. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jerry M. Vidrine.

Survivors include his sister, Patricia L. Talbert of Waco; brother, James E. Vidrine and wife Jackie of Hewitt; 2 nieces, Jennifer L. Talbert, and husband Armen of Albany, Ohio; Carrie L. Farrell and husband Chad of Woodway, great-nephew Easton A. West, great-niece Elizabeth E. Farrell of Woodway, TX, and other family members.