Obituary for Robert “Bob” Willison

Robert Glenn Willison

January 3, 1927 – August 27, 2020

Robert Glenn Willison, resident of Ponca City, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at the age of 93. Robert, known to everyone as Bob, was born on January 3, 1927 in Pocatello, Idaho to his parents, Leo and Neletah Willison. They moved to Ponca City when he was 3 months old and he lived here the rest of his life. Bob attended schools in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1945. He served in the United States Army from 1945-1946. After his honorable discharge from the military, Bob married Violet Louise Harris on June 3, 1948 in Ponca City and they had 72 years together. He worked in Research and Development at Conoco for 34 years retiring in 1982.

Bob came from a family of bowlers and enjoyed bowling from a very young age. He loved traveling and traveled to 49 of the 50 states and many international countries as well. Bob had fun square dancing and loved woodworking in his shop. He also enjoyed outdoor activities such as camping, golf, and quail hunting with his favorite dogs, Squirt and Ginger. He would often watch old westerns or Tom & Jerry cartoons on TV. Bob had a deep love for his family and especially loved family get-togethers and visiting his friends at the McCord Senior Center.

Bob is survived by his wife, Violet Louise Willison of Ponca City, daughter, Rebekka (Becky) Abel of Ponca City, daughter, Sharon Cooper and husband, Howard of Owasso, OK, son, Glenn Willison and wife, Linda of Ponca City, OK, brother, James Willison of Oklahoma City, grandchildren, Jason Abel and wife, Karrie, Daniel Abel, Allison Allensworth and husband, Rick, Andrew Cooper and wife, Megan, Leslee Henning and husband, John, Thaddeus Willison, Joshua Willison and wife, Becca, and Nathaniel Willison, great-grandchildren, Jacob Lewis, Emily Allensworth, Chase Allensworth, Avari Abel, Adelynn Abel, Kaelin Cooper, Finn Cooper, Taylor Willison, Shelby Willison, and Iris Willison. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Margaret Augusta Kromka and brother, Leon Keith Willison.

Bob was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Ponca City for over 72 years. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, 210 N. 5th, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory. A service will be held at a later date.

Source: Trout Funeral Home