Robert Mathew Tafel

Robert Mathew Tafel, M.D., died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 8, 2026. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 20, 1940, to Lee Aiken Tafel and Norma Jean Cody Tafel. From the age of nine, he grew up in Hialeah, Florida, where he excelled both scholastically and athletically while also playing the cello in the school orchestra. A music scholarship helped him pursue his dream of attending medical school at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he began the journey that would lead him to a life of service as an internal medicine physician. Before beginning his residency at St. Paul–Parkland Hospital, he served for two years in the Air Force with the rank of Captain in return for his medical school education. Bob was a natural physician who seemed truly called to his profession, and he cared for generations of patients with both skill and compassion. Many felt that he tended not only to their illnesses, but also to their peace of mind and emotional well-being.

Bob remained deeply committed to serving the medical community throughout his life. His work reached from the earliest days of Harris HEB Hospital to the sidelines as team doctor for Trinity High School football, and to his volunteer service as Health Authority for the City of Euless. He concluded his distinguished medical career with Professional Home Health and Hospice as Medical Director, retiring in 2021 at the age of 83. Years earlier, after meeting a physician in Maine who was still practicing at 93, Bob—then only 60—smiled and said, “Retirement is a long way off yet.” That quiet dedication never left him. As one grateful patient wrote, “I have grown to know you as well as TRUST what you have had to say or thought I needed.”

Travel brought Bob great joy, and he made it a point to see as much of the world as his time would allow. Thailand held a special place in his heart, and through Children’s International he became a sponsor of a girls’ school in Bangkok. He and Camille Garrett, his beloved wife of 31 years, especially treasured their visits to Vancouver and Victoria Island, along with journeys to Argentina, Tahiti, and England, and a Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Rome. Bob believed in traveling light, often saying, “If you forget it, then buy it there.” Even while far from home, he remained the person others could count on whenever there was a need. In fact, a sinus infection in Bangkok led to a lifelong friendship and the beginning of what became fondly known as the “Bob, Bill and Ed show.”

Bob is survived by his wife, Camille; his daughter Tasha Leigh Horton, her husband James William Horton Jr., and their son James William Horton III, of Fort Worth; his daughter Khia Christine Orhan-Tafel of Richmond, Virginia; his son Roger Mathew Tafel of Fort Worth; and his son Rothman Mathew Tafel and wife Emily Pelon Tafel of Denton, Texas. He will be remembered with deep love for his kindness, his devotion to family, his generous spirit, and the steady care he gave so freely to others throughout his life.

With heartfelt gratitude, the family thanks Community Hospice and Dr. Stephen Buksh for their compassionate care and kindness in Bob’s final days.

A memorial service will be held at the National Cemetery in Grand Prairie, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Tarrant County Food Bank, Six Stones, Paralyzed Veterans of America, or The Salvation Army.