Robert Alan Gilder was born on January 3, 1955, in Borger, Texas, to Charlotte McDougal and Herman Gilder. He spent the first ten years of his life in Borger before his family moved to De Leon, Texas, where he made his home. His mother later married Donnie McDougal, who also became a part of Robert’s family.

Robert graduated from Tarleton State University in 1986. He spent over 25 years working alongside his brother, David Gilder, at Gilder Realty, preparing taxes and selling real estate. Through all those years of working together, Robert and David shared a close bond that went well beyond being brothers and coworkers. Robert had a strong work ethic and took pride in what he did. He was dependable, hardworking, and always willing to help those around him. No matter what life threw his way, he continued to show up, work hard, and take care of the people who counted on him.

If you knew Robert, you knew he was going to tell you exactly what he thought. He wasn’t one to sugarcoat things, and you never had to wonder where you stood with him. He had a way of telling it like it was, whether you wanted to hear it or not.

Robert enjoyed watching old Westerns, keeping up with football, and watching his favorite movies. He also enjoyed his sister Ann’s cooking, something he always looked forward to. He was a devoted son, a wonderful brother, and a caring uncle. His family meant the world to him, and he always made time for the people he loved. Robert was more than just a brother and uncle. He was a father figure, a source of guidance, and one of his family’s biggest supporters. He loved his nieces and nephews like his own and always took pride in their lives and accomplishments. He was someone his family could count on for advice, an honest opinion, or just a conversation.

Robert also had some great friends who made a point to stop by, visit, and check on him over the years. Those friendships meant a lot to him and say a great deal about the kind of person he was.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Herman Gilder; his uncles, Bill Gilder, Raymond Lee Gilder, and Bill and Pansy Preston; and his aunt, Shirley Parker.

He is survived by his mother, Charlotte McDougal; his brothers and sisters, Ann Stegemoller, David Gilder and wife Debbie, Hillary Ortega and husband Fabian, Bonnie Johnston and husband Rodie, Valerie Banda, Rozanne Banda, and Crystal Fexer and spouse Harley. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Harrison and Emma Johnston, Clara Ortega, Derek Gilder, D’Anne Whiteley, Cody and Jhensia Stegemoller, Cory and Jenny Stegemoller, Alesha and Seth Borsellino, and Darren and Karen Stegemoller. His great-nieces and great-nephews include Madison, Christian, Kaiden, Heather, Cullen, Blaine, Bailey, Bryce, Baylor, Ridge, Jhenna, Everett, Evan, Kennaday, Rhett, JP and Kayleigh, Karlee, and Carter. Robert was loved by his family and friends, and his absence will be felt in so many ways.

Whether it was his straightforward advice, his familiar voice on the phone, or simply knowing he was always there, those are the things his family will miss the most.

A memorial service honoring Robert’s life will be held at a later date. Service details will be shared with family and friends once arrangements have been finalized.