Robert Owen Rachuig, Texas Baptist pastor and home missionary, died Dec. 19 in Garland. He was 85. He was born Feb. 24, 1939, in Clifton to A.W. and Lurlyne Coker Rachuig and spent his early years in Fairy on the Duncan ranch, where his father served as manager. After he graduated from Fairy High School, he began preparing for ministry by attending the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor before transferring to Howard Payne University, where he met Joyce Ruth Pesnell. The two married on Aug. 7, 1959. He became pastor of Mosheim Baptist Church while continuing his education at Baylor University and working as manager of a grocery store. In 1982, the Rachuigs were appointed as missionaries with the Southern Baptist Convention Home Mission Board. He helped establish churches in Bullhead City, Ariz., and Elephant Butte, N.M., and also was a pastor in Oberlin, Kan., and at Westwood Baptist Church in Palestine. In his later years, he lived at Abba Care Assisted Living in Garland, where he preached regularly and ministered to other residents. He was a member of South Garland Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce Rachuig; daughter Sheri Hein and her husband Layton of WaKeeney, Kan.; son Russell Rachuig and his wife Missy of Dallas; daughter Dawn Bowers and her husband Rick of Rowlett; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and a sister, Gale Hicks. Memorial gifts may be made to Abba Care Assisted Living at 1201 High Grove Dr., Garland, TX 75041.
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