Robert Louis Lastovica

December 3, 1961 – May 21, 2025

Robert Louis Lastovica, DVM, 63, of Fredericksburg, Texas, died peacefully at home on May 21, 2025, after a 14-month battle with glioblastoma.

Robert was born December 3, 1961 in Temple, Texas, to Marlene Vaughn Lastovica and Clarence Lastovica. The middle child of three boys, Robert’s childhood was spent on the family farm in Belton, Texas — planting fields, hauling hay, hunting varmints, and raising cain with his brothers and childhood friends. His love of animals and agriculture started early and he was active in the Bell County 4-H program, showing cattle, dogs and participating in livestock judging. In high school, Robert was a proud member of the Belton Tigers football team and served as the Texas 4-H Council president from 1979-1980. After participating in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Calf Scramble program in 1977, Robert purchased his first show heifer, which became the foundation of Lastovica Angus Farm — one of his greatest life passions that continues today.

After graduating from Belton High School in 1980, Robert attended Texas A&M University where he majored in animal science in pursuit of fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. He was a proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Corp of Cadets Squadron 12, Saddle and Sirloin Club, and the junior livestock judging team. During his junior and senior years at A&M, Robert had the honor of serving as a Ross Volunteer — the prestigious Honor Guard of the Governor of Texas.

In Aggieland, Robert met the love of his life, Abban Lindsey Lastovica, and they were married on August 19, 1984. With Abban’s help as his study partner and his master negotiation skills that led to an unprecedented chemistry grade change, Robert was accepted to the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1988. Despite the academic demands of vet school, Robert and Abban met some of their closest friends during those four cherished years in College Station. Following his graduation from vet school, Robert and Abban moved to Lampasas where he practiced at Lampasas Veterinary Hospital. After a year in Lampasas, Robert accepted a new opportunity at Hill Country Vet Clinic in Fredericksburg, Texas, and they moved to the community that would become their forever home. Robert opened Friendship Veterinary Center in 1993, building a respected mixed-animal practice in which he provided care for countless animals over the course of his career. Robert was passionate about veterinary medicine — serving on the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners from 2001 to 2008 and as president from 2005 to 2008. He loved to mentor aspiring veterinarians, including his future business partner and honorary daughter, Dr. Casey Pitmon, who joined him at Friendship Veterinary Center in 2017.

Robert was active in the Fredericksburg community as a member of the Rotary Club, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, and supporting youth in agriculture. He stayed busy with his ownership of the clinic, Paws & Claws Pet Resort, and Lastovica Angus Farm.

While his career was notable, Robert’s proudest accomplishment in life was his three children — Logan, Mollie, and Mattie, who he would brag on to anyone who would listen. As the kids grew up, he lent his time and talent to support the organizations they were involved in, including Gillespie County 4-H, the Texas Junior Angus Association, and more. He hauled the kids and cattle many, many miles across the state and nation to livestock shows and took great pride in their successes in and out of the show ring. Robert’s heart grew and demeanor softened when he became “BeBob” in 2014. He loved to spoil his grandchildren and his kids often joked about the stark difference between his parenting and grandparenting style.

Prior to his diagnosis and for the first six months of his battle, you would find Robert working at the clinic, checking his cows across Gillespie County, crafting a cocktail to enjoy in the pool at sunset, or talking up a storm to friends and family near and far. He was committed to living a life of purpose up until the end and we are confident he did just that. While our hearts are broken by a wonderful man taken too soon, we know Robert is now cancer-free and fully restored resting in the eternity of heaven.

Robert is survived by his wife of forty years, Abban; his son Logan and wife Mary Avery Lastovica of Port Townsend, Washington; his daughter Mollie and husband Canaan Dreibrodt of New Braunfels; his daughter Dr. Mattie Lastovica of Dallas; and his beloved grandchildren: Piper and Townes Lastovica of Port Townsend; and Charlie, Bennett, and Scottie Dreibrodt of New Braunfels.

He is also survived by his mother, Marlene Lastovica Schiller of Belton; brother Ronald and wife Krissie of Belton; brother Steven and wife Sandra of Salado, along with a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who are like family. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Lastovica; step-father, Richard Schiller; mother-inlaw, Louise Brittain Lindsey; and father-in-law, Morris Willie Lindsey.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg. The family will receive guests from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Crockett Haus (112 N Crockett St., Fredericksburg, Texas). They ask that you wear maroon or Tommy Bahama in honor of Robert.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be sent to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840. Gifts received will be applied to the Abban ‘84 and Robert Lastovica, DVM ‘84, ‘88 Endowed Veterinary Scholarship account, 400-38065. Please designate gifts “In Memory of Dr. Robert Lastovica” in the memo line of the check. To donate online, click the following link http://give.am/ LastovicaDVMVeterinaryScholarship. Please choose “this gift is in honor of someone special” in the gift details section.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.schaetter.com.