Obituary for George Roby

George H. Roby

June 9, 1920 – May 2, 2017

George Roby, resident of Ponca City, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, surrounded by his three women who loved him most. He was 96 years old.

George was born on June 9, 1920, to Claude Burlington and Norma Mae (McVey) Roby in Undercliff, Colorado. He was the oldest child followed by Don Leroy Roby and the late Jack Zane Roby. He graduated from Ponca City High School in May 1939.

On January 11, 1942, George and the former Imogene Bernice “Gene” White were married, and in March 1942 George enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a machinist aboard the CV-6 USS Enterprise and was honorably discharged September 18, 1945.

Following the end of WWII, George and Gene made their home in Ponca City, OK, and were blessed with four children, Jackie, Jeanne, Janie, and Joe. They raised their children in the home they built with their own two hands and later raised their grandson, Jacob Lee there as well.

George worked for Continental Oil Company for 35 years. After an early retirement, he helped Gene operate Gene’s Western Store in Ponca City for the next 24 years. The couple was active in their community and church, and they were avid supporters of the Ponca City Art Center and young, upcoming artists. They were married for nearly 69 years and an inspiration to friends and family.

George spent his later years at his home on Willow Ave. enjoying his family and friends who visited and feeding his deer and cats. He was a pet lover, always had a dog, and he will eternally rest with his beloved boxer Maggie at his feet.

George is survived by daughters Jackie Smith of Bowie TX and Jeanne Grantz of Ponca City; son Joe Roby and wife Teresa of Chula Vista, CA. George had 10 grandchildren including Marcie Freeman Batschelett and her husband Ken of Ponca City; Mark J. Freeman IV and wife Lynette of Fairfax, OK; Jessica Freeman Thompson and husband Joe Ray of Osage County, OK; Jacob Lee Roby and wife Tina of Ponca City, OK; George Dobson and wife Jessica and Jeff Dobson and wife Marcy of Bartlesville, OK; Dwayne Spangler and wife Tara of Melbourne, AR; J.D. Smith and wife Brandi of Gainesville, TX; and Treena Neff and husband Evan of Corpus Christie, TX. He was loved by his 18 great-grandchildren Garrett, Emily, and Sunny Batschelett; Jules and Cowboy Jax Thompson; Laramie and Thunder Freeman; Cooper and Jenna Roby; Cooper and Cameron Dobson; Jecelle Dobson; Leathyr, Joshua, and Robbie Spangler; J.T. Smith; and Preston and J.D. Smith.

George was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jack, the love of his life, Gene, his beloved daughter Janie “Janeo” Roby, and grandson J.T. Smith.

There will be a graveside service open to all family and friends Friday, May 5th at 2 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park officiated by Pastor David Frees of St. Luke’s Nazarene Church. The family will gather at the home of his daughter Jeanne Grantz, 613 Shannon Road.

Casket bears are his grandsons and great-grandsons and honorary casket bears are Mark Freeman III and Ronnie Dobson, who he treasured.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.

Source: Trout Funeral Home