Graveside services for Robert W. Mettlen, 71, of Lufkin, will be held Monday, May 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Berry Cemetery in Lufkin, with Brother Ty Phillips officiating.

        Mr. Mettlen was born on May 28, 1954, in Lufkin, Texas, to the late William Henry Mettlen and the late Nadine (Newland) Mettlen, and died on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Lufkin.

        Robert used to enjoy racing cars with his son and spent his free time working in his shop and tending his garden. He was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather who adored his family.

         He is survived by his wife, Sandra Mettlen of Lufkin; son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Jennifer Mettlen of Lufkin; grandson, Mikey Mettlen of Lufkin; sister and brother-in-law, Frieda and Terry Woods of Pineland, Texas; brother and sister-in-law, James and Tonja Mettlen of Tyler, Texas; sister-in-law, Sarah Rhoden of Douglasville, Georgia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

         Mr. Mettlen was preceded in death by his parents, William Henry Mettlen and Nadine Mettlen; mother-in-law and father-in law, Ekron and Grace Brookshire; and numerous relatives.

         Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.