Bobby Lloyd Dilbeck was welcomed into the arms of his Savior on Saturday, September 30, 2023, surrounded by his family. Bobby was born August 25, 1954 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Lloyd Randal and Barbara Joyce (Spivey) Dilbeck.
Bobby attended school in Burkburnett and graduated from Burkburnett High School. He played drums in the marching band and joined the rodeo club his senior year. Bobby filled many days with rodeo competitions including bull riding and saddle bronc riding. To this day he loved watching NFR on tv. He toyed with the idea of becoming a rock-n-roll star when he and a few buddies started a little band, but soon realized that might not be his fate so he enrolled at Midwestern State University studying criminal justice. After obtaining enough credits to qualify, he applied to the Wichita Falls Police Department.
He began his enduring career as a police officer in June 1977. Bobby found his passion while assigned to the North Texas Drug Task Force where he spent nearly two decades. Through his work in his investigations, he became legendary in that field. He also made many lifelong friends along the way. Bobby retired in March of 2008, but even after thirty-one years, retirement didn’t last long. He began working for the Wichita County District Attorney when he was asked to start the Drug Enforcement Division. He fulfilled another 11 years of service.
Bobby met his soulmate, Dee Ellen (Adams) of Electra, and they were married May 10, 1980. Bobby and Dee Ellen had two sons, Reed and Ross. They were their pride and joy. Bobby was immensely proud of both boys as they followed in his footsteps.
When Bobby found free time, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, attending church and driving his purpose-built jeep on rugged trails. On several occasions he had quite the vegetable garden. When too hot for gardening, you could find him watching Gunsmoke on tv. His love to explore historic and old west towns led him on many road trips; his favorite being Tombstone. Bobby also had a love for cooler temperatures and the mountains. He took many trips to Red River, NM to enjoy God’s beautiful creation.
“Boppy’s” grandchildren were the light of his life. He always welcomed them into his home. Several summers he kept all 3 grand girls for a week and took them to horse camp each day. They all had many stories to tell, including some tattling on how many sweets Boppy gave them! Over the last two years, it was much more eventful when Ross came to visit after being blessed with triplets. They truly brought him so much joy.
Bobby was preceded in death by his loving wife of 26 years, Dee Ellen Dilbeck; his father, Lloyd Dilbeck; and his niece, Anna (Dilbeck) Rogers.
Survivors include: his mother, Barbara Dilbeck; his children, Amy (Chris) Moorhouse, Reed (Alyssa) Dilbeck, and Ross (Brittany) Dilbeck; grandchildren, Autumn Morgan, Ellen and Alaina Dilbeck, Ayden Huezo, and Emersyn, Easton and Corbyn Dilbeck; his brothers, Gary (Jackie) Dilbeck, and Charles (Sandra) Dilbeck; brother-in-law, Mark Adams; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends between 6 and 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Burkburnett. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Jan Lee Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Simons, officiating. Interment will follow at Clara Cemetery under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Burkburnett.
For those desiring, the family requests memorials be made in honor of Bobby to Jan Lee Baptist Church, 1004 Jan Lee Dr. Burkburnett, TX 76354.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com