Albert Riebe, Jr.

Albert Riebe, Jr., age 90, of Weatherford, a loving husband, father, and Pepaw, peacefully transitioned home to be with the Lord on August 13, 2020, of natural causes.

Albert was born to Albert and Angelina Riebe on the family farm near Strawn, Texas, January 16, 1930, in the house his grandfather built in 1900. Several years later his brother, Jim, was born and they shared many adventures together on the farm. 

As a child Albert attended a two-room schoolhouse on Dodson Prairie. He graduated from Strawn High School in 1947. He excelled in sports and his Greyhound football team were district champs every year. On June 25, 1955, he married his sweetheart of 65 years, Shirley Slemmons. They began a beautiful life together. God blessed their union and the family grew when they had four children, getting just what they wanted each time… boy, girl, boy, girl: Randy, Melodie, Leben and Velvet. He became Pepaw to nine wonderful grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

Albert spent most of his career with Bell Helicopter. After retirement Albert and Shirley enjoyed traveling and cruising together. Shirley took great care of Albert in his final years.

Albert loved to make people laugh. He entertained with his Willie Nelson impersonations and had great fun performing with the Shaw brothers as part of the Kookamonga Boys. He enjoyed building and flying model airplanes and working in his woodshop. He built birdhouses, each one unique. When he was young, he taught himself how to play the guitar and fiddle. Decades later he built beautiful violins for each of his four children.

Albert was a gentle giant, so steady and strong, a hero to his family. They were the joy of his life. Most importantly Albert was a Christian. He gave his heart to Jesus as a teenager during a revival and spent his life in service to the Lord. He was a longtime member of North Side Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School. He and Shirley were sponsors on many youth mission trips. He helped with Operation Christmas Child, loading many boxes to be shipped to children all over the world. Albert left a remarkable legacy of love and faith that will be remembered for generations to come.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Angelina Riebe, and son-in-law, Dennis Barker.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Shirley Riebe; four children, Randy Riebe, Melodie Hobbs and husband, Rick, Leben Riebe and wife, Sarah, and Velvet Barker, all of Weatherford; nine grandchildren, Beau, Brock, and Braden Riebe, Rachel Wagner and husband, Aaron, Amy Carr and husband Jeff, Leben Riebe, Jr., Ty Riebe and wife, Caitlin, Brittany Barker, Brad Barker and wife, Kaitlyn; the special blessing of four great-grandchildren, Eva and Everly Wagner, Braxton Barker, and Briggs Riebe. Albert is also survived by his brother, Jim Riebe and wife, Kathryn, of Weatherford, and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22, at 10:00 a.m., at North Side Baptist Church. Live streaming will be available on Velvet Riebe Barker’s Facebook page. Refreshments and visitation with the family will be held in the Fellowship Hall after the service. 

A family graveside ceremony will be held at the Brad Cemetery in Brad, Texas, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the North Side Baptist Church Heaven’s Handy Men or the building fund.