Bobby Gene Gallop

September 12, 1931 – September 11, 2022

On September 12, 1931, Bobby Gene Gallop was born in the family farmhouse in Harmon County near Gould, OK, to Luther and Alma (née Masters) Gallop. Weighing in at just 4½ pounds, he was small but entered life with an adventurous spirit. While growing up on the farm, he nurtured his lifelong interest in entrepreneurship by raising chickens and selling them in town. At 14 he had enough money to buy his 1st vehicle but they would not sell it to him because he was too young. While attending Gould High School, Bob drove a school bus route. Summers were spent driving a grain truck for wheat harvest—working county by county, state by state, learning many valuable lessons that served him well in life. He graduated from Gould High School in 1950.

Boby Gallop

Bob went on to attend Cameron State Agricultural College, participating in the ROTC program as well as the Aggie Club and the Rodeo Club. He worked his way through college in Lawton as a lifeguard at Doe Doe Recreation Park and also as a catcher for a farm league baseball team.

Bob enrolled in Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1953. He played football for SWOSU. To finance his education, Bob owned several “marble boards” (a.k.a., pinball machines) which he placed on campus and around the town of Weatherford.

One night he went on a blind double date where he met Nancy Strother, his soul mate. Sparks flew between this rough country boy and the southern belle from South Carolina. Bob and Nancy were married on September 12, 1954 in Weatherford, OK.

Bob joined the Oklahoma National Guard in 1955 and was soon deployed to South Korea.  When not humping the hills as a Forward Observer in support of the Infantry, he passed the time entertaining the troops with his bull whip tricks.

Arriving back in the States, Bob finished his degree in Business Administration the same year Nancy finished her degree in Business Education. He went through a bank officer’s training program and began his career under the iconic gold dome of Citizen’s Bank. He also worked at Community Bank, Village Bank, and American Bank.  His banking career culminated as President of Central State Bank in Edmond and then Rolling Hills Bank in Piedmont. Afterward, he devoted his time to Real Estate until retiring.

Bob was a member and deacon of First Christian Church of Edmond. He was very active and served on several committees. He also actively supported the community through many projects as a member of Lions Club International for 56 years, serving in every leadership position in the various local clubs wherever he lived.

Bob loved his family and friends. The friends that he made while growing up in Gould were still active in his life. Bob and Nancy owned several lake houses over the years and enjoyed hosting their friends. He made some lively memories for his family and friends at Lake Eufaula. Bob was playfully ornery and you never knew what he would do next! His childhood friends loved telling endless stories on him! Bob also loved his Weatherford friends that he and Nancy shared. When Nancy passed away he continued to call her friends and their Weatherford friends to check on them.

Bob loved his grandkids with all his heart. He enjoyed attending Lucas’ baseball and soccer games. He also enjoyed going to all of Madison’s gymnastic meets. Whatever they were involved in, he was there supporting them. He was very excited to hold his first great grandchild, Hattie in his arms.

Bobby Gene left this world early Sunday morning to join his Lord and be reunited with his Nancy, the love of his life, just in time for their 68th wedding anniversary. He will be greatly missed but he left us with a sense that we were loved and cherished and with enough memories and stories to last a lifetime.

Bob is survived by his son Dennis Gallop of Edmond, daughter and son-in-law Susan & Brian Huffer of Edmond, sister and brother-in-law Yvonne and Leroy Murray of Stony Creek, Connecticut, grandchildren, Lucas & Alexis Huffer of Edmond and Madison & Jake Lackey of Tulsa, and his great granddaughter, Hattie Huffer and many nieces and nephews.

The family is very thankful for the competent and caring staff of Golden Age Nursing Home in Guthrie.  We also appreciate the professionalism of the Golden Age management team.  Companion Hospice provided compassionate care for Bob and his family during his final weeks of life.

In lieu flowers memorial donations can be made in Bob’s honor to the Edmond Lions Club and mailed to 1901 Leawood Ct., Edmond, OK 73034.

Services will be held on Friday September 16, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at First Christian Church in Edmond, OK.  Luncheon to follow will be hosted at the Huffer Haven at 3721 Kellogg.

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