Bobby E. Cink

Bobby Eugene Cink was born in Caldwell, Ks on September 1^st, 1939, to Ernest & Pauline Cink. He was the middle child of three, with Shirley being his older sister, and Ernie his younger brother.

Bobby went to school in Caldwell, Ks. In high school he met Connie Houck, whom he married on July 6^th, 1959. 

He started his career in aircraft with Welco in Wellington, Ks, as a machinist and quickly moved up the ladder. As the company changed owners several times, Bobby continued to grow and retired over 30 years later as Director of Operations.

Even with his busy career, he always found time to fish, hunt, golf and play music. The family would always go camping at Keystone, Ten Killer, or Lake Texoma. They started in a tent and graduated to a camper, and he even topped that off by trading in the camper for a beautiful little home at Lake Texoma, which Connie and him loved going to for extended lengths of time, especially once he retired. It was also a great summer vacay place for his daughter Carna to bring her niece, Jessica, and nephew, Travis annually.

For over 13 years, Bobby took his son, Bob, on annual fishing trips to Minnesota or Wisconsin to fish for muskie, walleye, & northern pike. Bob was the chef during these trips and Bobby always boasted about his son’s breakfasts.

He also loved to go bird hunting with his brother Ernie and managed to get in several deer hunting trips with his son Bob.

Bobby’s love for music stayed with him until his last day. He learned how to play guitar and several other instruments from his mom, Pauline. He never learned to read notes, he learned by ear, just like her. He joined the Border Bandits. They were very popular, playing at events big and small, anywhere from western Kansas, Wichita, and even in Oklahoma. They had a very loyal group of people that followed and supported them. Once the band retired, he continued to play with a group of friends in Caldwell, twice a week.

Bobby passed away on Wednesday, September 9^th, 2026, in his home. He joins his wife of 63 years, Connie.

Bobby is survived by his son Bob Cink and wife Jacki, Daughter Carna Bretches and husband Craig. Grandchildren, Jessica Harris and husband Kolby, Travis Cink and wife Brooke. Step grandchildren Tanner Bretches and wife Leslie, and Morgan Bretches. Great grandchildren Aiden, Carter, and Madi.

Rest in peace Dad and keep on playing…..

Following cremation, graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 17, 2026 at the Caldwell City Cemetery. Following graveside services, a Celebration of Life will be held at Upstairs Downtown in Caldwell, KS.

Memorials may be made to the Alumni Gallery in care of the Caldwell High School Alumni Association.