Robert N. Cluck, the beloved 'Doctor Mayor' who delivered over 5,000 babies before spending twelve years transforming Arlington into a global sports powerhouse, passed away at the age of 87 on April 14, 2026. He died peacefully at his Arlington home, surrounded by his family, as reported by The Dallas Morning News. Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, he moved to Texas, where he would dedicate his professional life to healing and building. After graduating from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Science in 1960, he earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. He then served his country as a United States Air Force flight surgeon for two years during the Vietnam War era. For over thirty years, he practiced as an obstetrician-gynecologist in Arlington. He later served as the Vice President for Medical Affairs at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, according to Arlington Magazine.

The transition from medicine to municipal leadership felt natural for a man accustomed to profound responsibility. He began his political journey by winning a seat on the Arlington City Council to represent District 4. In 2003, the community elected him as Mayor of Arlington, a role he embraced for six consecutive terms until 2015. As a close observer of his tenure, it was clear that his background as a physician deeply informed his precision and care as a civic leader. Arlington Mayor Jim Ross perfectly captured this unique balance, noting, "He was a man of science and a man of the people. Whether he was delivering a baby or delivering a major economic project, he did it with the same care and precision."

He became the primary architect of a new era for the city. He spearheaded the campaign to construct AT&T Stadium and successfully brought the Dallas Cowboys to Arlington. Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones reflected on this visionary deal-making, stating, "Robert Cluck was a visionary who saw what Arlington could become before anyone else did. He didn't just build a stadium; he built a destination and a future for this city." Under his meticulous guidance, Arlington proudly hosted Super Bowl XLV at the newly completed stadium in 2011. His efforts were also instrumental in developing the Arlington Entertainment District, which encompassed Globe Life Park and its surrounding commercial infrastructure. Beyond sports, he championed the 'Dream City' initiative to drive urban revitalization and elevate the quality of life for all residents. His outstanding leadership and contributions to the North Texas community earned him the prestigious Tom Landry Award. (Texas Sports Hall of Fame)

Following his passing, the City of Arlington announced plans to lower flags to half-staff to honor his mayoral service. He leaves behind a dual legacy in medicine and public service that will endure for generations. He was a healing architect who reshaped a city skyline while physically and civically nurturing the community he loved. From the hospital rooms where he guided first breaths to the boardrooms where he charted a vibrant urban future, Robert Cluck delivered a stronger, healthier, and more dynamic Arlington.