11/10/2025
John Robert "Bobby" Attebery
John Robert “Bobby” Attebery, 75, passed away in Mansfield, Texas on November 8, 2025. Bobby was born on September 17, 1950, in Fort Worth to Merle and Frances Attebery.
Bobby grew up in the Handley area and graduated from Eastern Hills High School in 1970, where he was a proud member of the swimming and diving teams. The youngest of four until a “surprise” baby sister arrived nine years later, Bobby maintained close and lifelong relationships with all his siblings.
In 1974, while delivering for Leonard’s Department Store, Bobby met the love of his life, Terri Cutaia, who worked in the Candies and Records Department. After a few deliveries and a bit of courage, he asked her out—and from their first date on April 28th, their love story began. The two were engaged within a year and married on June 28, 1975, beginning 50 years of marriage built on love, laughter, and shared adventures.
Together, Bobby and Terri raised their two children, Ashlee (and husband David Madrid) and Ryan (and wife Divya), along with their “daughter by heart,” Janis Planche. He was the proud grandfather of Clayton Attebery and Leonna Madrid, and “grandpa” and “great grandpa” to many beloved fur babies. Bobby’s love extended beyond his immediate family to his siblings—Dale Attebery (Jean), Tommy Attebery, Peggy Reidy (Tony), and Lisa Twedell (Terry)—as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who were like family.
Bobby’s life was one of service, dedication, and community. He began his law enforcement career with the Kennedale Police Department in 1976 before joining the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office in 1978. Over his long and respected career, he served in Patrol, CID, the Gang Unit, and on the FBI Taskforce for Missing and Exploited Children, retiring as a Sergeant in Criminal Warrants. He was also a decorated athlete, earning gold, silver, and bronze medals in bowling at the Texas Police Games.
Outside of work, Bobby gave generously of his time and talents. A former Texas Golden Gloves boxer, he continued volunteering with the organization for more than 30 years, organizing trophies and rings and serving as a boxing judge. After his baptism in 2000 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Bobby became deeply involved in the Knights of Columbus Council #8895, achieving his 4th Degree with the Mary Queen of Peace Assembly #2112. He was also a proud member of the Elks Lodge #2114.
Bobby and Terri shared a love of travel, especially cruising. After their first cruise to Canada and New England in 1995, they went on to enjoy more than 15 cruises together, exploring the world side by side. They also embarked on cross-country road trips, including the full stretch of Route 66, and participated in the Hot Rod Power Tour with Bobby’s cherished 2015 Dodge Challenger—his “other love.”
To his children, Bobby was the best dad imaginable—whether playing “shark in the water” on family vacations or enlisting them in creative “undercover missions,” his sense of fun and devotion left an indelible mark. He instilled in his family the values of loyalty, laughter, and unconditional love.
In retirement, Bobby cherished his monthly lunches with Eastern Hills High School classmates and Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office retirees, sharing stories and memories that continued to bring joy.
Bobby lived a full and rich life—defined by love, integrity, and service. His family finds comfort in the countless stories shared by those whose lives he touched, each one a testament to the man they were blessed to know as husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
The family would like to thank Enhabit Home Health and all of Bobby's wonderful care takers.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
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