Robert Shawn Rich, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026 in his Mansfield home, surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 52. He was born July 13, 1973 in Stanton, Texas to the late Robert Oscar Rich and Debra Diane Smith Rich.
There are some people who seem most at home beneath an open sky, where the sound of water, the hum of a boat motor, or the steady rhythm of a mower cutting grass feels like peace itself. Robert was one of those men. He was the very definition of an outdoorsman, happiest while fishing, camping, boating, shooting guns, or caring for his yard. Neighbors often smiled as Robert mowed the grass with his Bose headphones on, singing loudly and freely as though the whole neighborhood were his audience.
Robert was straightforward and strong-willed, the kind of man who said what he meant and stood firmly behind it. Though stubborn at times, he possessed a quiet wisdom that family and friends came to rely upon. He approached life differently than most, always thinking outside the box and finding a way to fix, build, or figure out nearly anything placed before him. A true jack of all trades, Robert carried many interests throughout his life, but none mattered more to him than his family.
He treasured the life he shared with his wife, Tammy, and found his greatest joy in making memories with his daughters and granddaughters. Robert believed in old-school values: working hard, providing for those he loved, and making certain his family was cared for. His love was steady, practical, and unwavering.
Professionally, Robert was employed as a Heavy Equipment Operator with The Cramer Excavating Company. Prior to joining Cramer, he dedicated twelve years to Ambrose Asphalt, Inc., where he began as a laborer and, through determination and hard work, earned the positions of operator and eventually foreman. He took pride in doing things the right way, valuing professionalism and believing every job should be completed carefully and without shortcuts.
Robert will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Tammy; his daughters, Erica (Matthew) Zartman and Taylor (Savana Murry) Rich; his mother, Debbie Rich; his cherished granddaughters, Allie Bowman, Novalee Zartman, Emilee Zartman, and Aislee Zartman; his sister, Jennifer (Randy) West; his nephew, Robert McClure; his niece, Diana Pennywitt; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Aubrey McClure, Natalie McClure, Autumn McClure, Jaxson Pennywitt, and Bryson Pennywitt.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Oscar Rich.
Family and friends are invited to gather from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026 in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, where stories will be shared and memories honored.
Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel is honored to care for Robert and to serve the Rich family. To share a fond memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit Robert’s obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com