Robert John Medlin

Robert John Medlin, 80, passed from this earthly home into the presence of his Heavenly Father on February 10, 2026, in Bandera, Texas.

Robert was born on September 1, 1945, in Neuville-sur-Vanne, Aube, France, to Melvin Wayne Medlin and Jacqueline Camille Elise Bellemaniere. At the time of his birth, his father, Wayne, was serving in the U.S. Army in Paris during World War II. His mother, Jacqueline, worked as a bank teller in Paris. Their love story began in an unforgettable way with Jacqueline playfully tripping Wayne on a bridge over the Seine, and the rest is history. They were married in Paris, and Jacqueline later returned to her parents’ home in Neuville to give birth to Robert, who became both a U.S. and French citizen.

After the war, Wayne returned to his family in Jackson, Tennessee. Jacqueline followed later, traveling by boat to New York and then by train to Jackson, carrying baby Robert in her arms and speaking very little English. Her courage and determination marked the beginning of a remarkable family story.

Robert attended Jackson High School in Jackson, Tennessee, and later studied at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and Tennessee Tech in Cookeville. At Jackson High School, he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He anchored a mile relay team that held the Tennessee state high school record for seven years and was named Tennessee All-State in football. In 1963, the faculty selected him as the best all-around student.

He earned a track scholarship to Tennessee Tech, competing in the 440-yard run, where he was known for sprinting the entire race from start to finish. He later transferred to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to study electrical engineering and participated in a cooperative program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. While in college, he married his first wife, Suzanne, and together they had two children, Angie and Anthony.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Robert began his career with Texas Instruments in Dallas, where he contributed to the development of laser-guided “smart bombs” used during the Vietnam War. He later transitioned into sales with Norcom (formerly Norvell), where he quickly rose to the position of President.

Robert eventually married Diana (Anna), and together they made the life-changing decision to retire, move to Oregon, and devote their lives fully to serving Jesus Christ. In Florence, Oregon, they opened the Abundant Life Christian Store, a Christian bookstore that also included a frozen yogurt shop. After selling the bookstore, they entered full-time ministry. Robert served as pastor of Florence Christian Fellowship in Florence, Oregon, and later as pastor of Freedom Church in Redding, California. In addition to ministry, he authored and self-published 20 faith-based books, sharing messages of hope and inspiration.

Although he did not serve in the military, Robert faced a unique challenge when he was drafted by the French Army. To prevent further legal action against his grandfather in France, Robert made the difficult decision to renounce his French citizenship.

Robert enjoyed fishing and golfing and cherished time spent with family and friends.

He is survived by his daughter, Angela Bush of Pryor, Oklahoma; his son, Anthony Medlin of Shreveport, Louisiana; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his siblings, James (Jo Anne) Medlin of Kingsport, Tennessee; Tim Medlin of Kingsport, Tennessee; and Mary Ann Medlin of Meansville, Georgia. Also surviving are his stepmother, Doris Brooks Medlin of Jackson, Tennessee; stepsisters, Karel Divilbiss of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Bobbie (David) Eubanks of Jackson, Tennessee and Jeanie (Steve) Farrar of Jackson, Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Wayne Medlin and Jacqueline Camille Elise Medlin; his sister, Jacqueline Ethel Medlin and stepsister Cheryl Lynne Carter.

Services for Robert will be held in Pryor, Oklahoma.

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