A Gathering of Family and Friends for Robert V. Elliott, 77, of Caldwell, will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell.
Robert died on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at his residence in Caldwell.
Robert was born on Dec. 13, 1943, to Elmer and Patricia Elliott in Columbus, Ohio, as his mother, Patsy, was hurrying home to Simi Valley, Calif., home for generations of their family, where Robert’s grandfather had built the area’s first public school.
Robert grew up roaming the hills of Simi Valley on his horse, watching the movie making of western giants like Roy Rogers and others of the era, and attending church with Roy and Dale Evans.
Even as a young boy, Robert’s dream was to be a successful sheep rancher, a shepherd.
Robert’s first college degree was in Animal Husbandry. A bachelor’s degree in Greek and Latin followed, steering Robert into a lifelong study of Christianity, as well as ancient religions. He could speak over eight languages and read over a dozen. His final degree was a masters in Ancient Archeology.
Unable to enlist during the Vietnam era due to health issues, Robert was determined to serve his country in some way, deciding to serve in the newly developed Peace Corps. As fate would have it, he was sent to the Middle East, mostly Iran, to teach them how to manage successful sheep farms.
On Jan. 26, 1978, Robert married Johanna Allan. They lived in China, Texas, for 10 years, while Johanna finished her education, becoming Dr. Johanna Elliott in 1991.
They moved to Caldwell and opened Caldwell Chiropractic in March of 1992, and Robert got his sheep farm, ROJO Ranch, where he specialized his breeding stock of Katahdin sheep. Robert was a forefather in developing the standards for the Katahdin Sheep Association.
Locally, Robert was a charter board member of the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum, where he was instrumental in developing the museum’s bylaws.
Always an advocate for the small farmer, Robert served on the Board of Directors at Farm Bureau for many years, and as local President for two terms.
Robert was a quiet man, often misunderstood until one got to know his gentle spirit, his wry sense of humor and his depth of knowledge and faith.
He is survived by his wife, Johanna; son, Richard; sister, Dr. Alicia Elliott; and three grandsons.
Arrangements by Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell. They invite you to visit their website at www.stricklandfuneralhomes.com and sign the online register book.