Obituary for Bobby Robinson

Bobby Robinson

May 3, 1939 – October 5, 2023

Bobby Gene Robinson was born on May 3, 1939, in Hobbs, New Mexico to Elmer J. and Cora I. (Skinner) Robinson. The eighth of nine children, in 1940, he moved with his family to Kaw City, Oklahoma. Shortly thereafter they moved to Newkirk, Oklahoma where he and his brothers and sisters made friends and a multitude of memories. He received his education, graduating from Newkirk High School in 1957. On July 27th, 1957, he and Wanda Dea Enninga were married in Fort Smith, Arkansas where Bobby was serving in the U.S. Army.

They made their first home in Hobbs, New Mexico where Bobby was employed as a lineman for General Telephone Companyy of the Southwest. In 1961, he and Wanda moved back to Newkirk, where Bobby was employed with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, eventually becoming a Customer Service Technician, a career that spanned 38 and a half years until his retirement in 2000.

Bobby and Wanda were married for 46 years and four days when Wanda passed from this life on July 31st, 2003. They were blessed with three wonderful daughters. Cathy Tavanello of Ponca City, OK, Carol Hines of burns Flat, OK, and Christina (Chrissie) and husband, Terry Shook, of Ponca City, OK.

Between the three daughters, Bobby and Wanda had the joy of being grandparents to nine grandchildren: Danielle Tavanello (Ty Collyar), Ashley Tavanello (Josh Jones), Stevie Baker (Brent Baker), Taylor Baker (Matt Baker), McKindsey Hines (Lawson King), Jessica Boyer (Caleb Boyer), Tara Shook (Elmer Brito), Jordan Shook and Carson Shook. Those nine grandchildren gave them 13 great-grandchildren. Bobby most recently commented that he could not believe he had lived long enough to meet his great-grandchildren.

During the course of their marriage, Bobby and Wanda co-founded the “New Song Bluegrass Gospel Band” with friends Ray and Cindy Russell and Helen Meloy. In the summer months, they performed every Saturday night at Osage Cove on Kaw Lake, as well as performing throughout the surrounding areas in many different venues. They enjoyed this adventure, and the chance to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ for 14 years. They also recorded an album of songs during this time, some of the songs written by Bobby himself. Throughout this journey they made friendships and memories beyond wealth.

Bobby’s public life consisted of serving for ten years on the Board of Education for the Newkirk Public Schools, with six of those years being as the Board President. He later served six years as a City Commissioner, also in Newkirk. He enjoyed interacting with the community and using these opportunities to try and help improve the lives of the residents in his hometown.

On June 18th of 2005, Bobby married Pamela Sue Mitchell in Durant, Oklahoma, where they made their home together. Pamela is employed as the Director of the Bryan County United Way. Bobby worked as an armed security guard for the Chickasaw Nation and later as a customer service representative for Professional Response Corporation. he also worked five years with the Choctaw Nation Health Services and three years with AllianceHealth Hospital of Durant.

He returned to Ponca City, OK in early 2021 where he resided until his death on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

Bobby had many talents, among them was carpentry, as he helped his father build houses as a young man. He could design and build almost anything. As all of his daughters can attest, if something needed fixing, he was the man to call. he enjoyed helping friends and family with projects and making their ideas come to life.

He could play almost any instrument he put his hands on, just by listening to music. You would often find him sitting in front of a stereo with a record playing and him playing right along. His biggest enjoyment as a youngster was playing the baritone horn in the Newkirk marching band.

He loved going to Bluegrass Gospel shows, traveling, watching YouTube videos of marching bands and interacting with his friends and family every chance he got.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and all eight brothers and sisters, as well as his wife, Wanda.

The family would like to give a huge thank you to Shawn Manor Nursing Home for their exceptional care. Bobby viewed many of the staff members as family, not only giving them a hard time from time to time, but a special nickname as well. Additionally, each staff member at Humanity Hospice of Ponca City, went above and beyond to assist throughout his stay with Shawn Manor and we could not be happier with their genuine care.

Bobby made the generous decision to donate his body for the benefit of others. There will be a celebration of life service to be announced at a later date.

Source: Trout Funeral Home