UNT Remembers Robert Estes

UNT alumni will remember Robert Estes fondly.  As a supporter of the organ program, Mr. Estes frequently attended our degree recitals, and just as importantly, provided generous scholarship support for many students over the years.  Please join with me in expressing our deepest condolences to his wife, Marica Estes.  He left an abiding influence in this community, not only in organ, but also in the life of the Denton Schools as a perceptive educator and in the Denton arts community in general as a generous philanthropist.

Robert Moore Estes, 78, of Denton, passed away Friday, May 1, 2015, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Denton. He was born in Sherman, Texas, on June 2, 1936, to Elizabeth and Frank M. Estes. He attended Denton Public Schools and North Texas State Teachers College. His educational career began as a teacher at Walt Disney Elementary School in the Magnolia School District of Anaheim, California. His career continued there as a principal until his return to Denton, where he served as teacher and principal in the Denton Independent School District. After his retirement, he became headmaster of The Selwyn School, Denton (recently renamed Selwyn College Preparatory School).

Mr. Estes served as a church organist for many years and was active in the American Guild of Organists, the Organ Historical Society, the Texas School Administrators Association, the Denton Noon Kiwanis Club, the Cumberland Children's Home Board, and various arts organizations in Denton. A celebration of Bob's life was held on his birthday, Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at 4:00 P.M. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 633 Hobson Ln., Denton, TX. Memorials may be made to the Kiwanis Children's Clinic, First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Denton, Trinity United Methodist Church, Cumberland Children's Home, or charity of choice. Survivors include his wife, Marcia; brother, Dr. James William "Bill" Estes, and wife, Jenny; nephew, Todd Estes (wife Rachel and children Patrick, Katelyn and Jillian); niece, Brooke Estes Arellano (husband Derrick and children Anson and Alayna).