Obituary for Robert Oldham

Robert Leroy Oldham went to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at the age of 92.

He was born on January 21, 1921 to Frank & Georgia Ann (Smith) Oldham on the family farm in Butler, Missouri; not far from Virginia Missouri, where Robert’s grandparents, W.J. and Frances Elizabeth Smith lived. Robert lost his mother at the age of 10. Robert loved going to school and was valedictorian of his class. After receiving his education, he moved to Adrian, Missouri with his family. Several years later, he moved to Oklahoma to farm with his Uncle Frank Loyd Smith on a farm northeast ofNardin. After farming for many years, he moved to Blackwell and continued to farm and began working at Hazel Atlas Glass. Later, Robert was employed at Rafferty’s Grocery for 30 years, Harvey’s Grocery 2 years&Scrivner Stephens Inc.(Bestyet) in PoncaCity 7 years. After retiring from the grocery industry, he served the First United Methodist Church as custodian for 15 ½ years.

Robert served his church by teaching Sunday School classes to youth of different ages. He was head usher for the church in the 1950’s, served as Chairman of Evangelism, was secretary treasurer for the Men’s Bible Class, and treasurer of the Men’s Breakfast Club. Robert married Robinell Varner on December 7, 1973 in the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell, Oklahoma. He loved his family with all his heart and enjoyed all the ‘adventures’ they shared with one another. He loved the outdoors, tending to his lawn and garden, reading the Bible, traveling, and thought nothing was better than a good ‘Happy Hour’ at Sonic.

He is survived by his wife Robinell and three daughters: Shelley Diane Strickland, Melanie Robin Eynon and husband Rob, Tandra Dawn Hessman and husband Frank, two grandchildren Hannah Justine and Samuel Robert Hessman, one brother Charles Dale Oldham, and one sister Doris Mae Pryor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister.

Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 27th in the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell with Rev. Pam Cottrill officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Honorary casketbearers will be Chester Wilkey, Betty Snow, Janice Cassell, George and Luan Keltch, Bob and Brenda Eynon, Sukumar Chaparala, and Jim and George Ellen Galloway. Serving as casketbearers will be Bob Fletcher, Bob Hessman, Bruce Dale, Steve Varner, Dennis Hutton and Larry Godley.