Robert Nowak

Robert James Nowak of Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona passed away on July 27th, 2025. He will be deeply missed by all of those who knew him and loved him.

Bob was born on November 14, 1951 in Oakland, California to Robert Diehl and Bettye (Phipps Kastner) Nowak. He attended Palo Duro High School in Amarillo, TX where he was an "above exceptional" athlete. Many will remember him as the outstanding quarterback that led the "Dons", coached by George Kirk, to many exciting victories. Bobby, as we called him, also excelled in baseball and track.

After graduation in 1970, he signed with the OSU Cowboys in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He returned home after two years giving the reason "Oklahoma never did like those Texas boys!" He eventually earned his degree from West Texas State University, now known as West Texas A&M University, in Canyon, TX. He taught school for several years but quickly learned that teaching junior high girls and boys was more difficult than quarterbacking teams to championships. After teaching, he began his career selling manufactured housing in Amarillo, TX and eventually in Arizona.

Bob loved the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, a passion given to him by his father that he has passed down to his son, Ashton. Bob had a memorable sense of humor; anywhere he was there was laughter. He loved life, but more than life, he loved Ashton and his grandchildren, Sawyer and Dallas Nowak.

He is survived by his son Ashton Nowak and wife Tisha; grandchildren Sawyer and Dallas all residing in College Station, TX and his half sister Terri Parker and husband James of Navasota.

He was preceded in death by his devoted, proud and loving parents, Bob and Mary Nowak and Bettye Phipps Kastner; two sisters, Susan Eggleston and Toni Berry and his long time girlfriend Dianne Scarborough. In addition to family, he was preceded in death by his loving and faithful dog, Shiner.

Thank you to all of his friends and family that have reached out. We will have a celebration of Bobby's life in Amarillo within the next few months. We will post information on Facebook.