Robert O. “Bob” Reidenbaugh
1949-2022
February 21, 1949 was a day of high interest to Frederick and Gwendolyn Reidenbaugh. Having two beloved daughters, Shirley age 10 and Linda 9, there was much anticipation as to their third and final child. The doctor informed Ms. Reidenbaugh that he’d “better deliver a boy this time” and he came through. Robert O. Reidenbaugh (known by all who love him as Bob or Bobby) was born into a loving home in Helena, Arkansas. His two sisters were delighted to add a little brother to their household. Baby-sitting was never an issue with both Shirley and Linda close by.
The family later moved to Meridian, Mississippi where he attended school from grades one through 8. From grades 9 through 12 he attended Bass Memorial Academy. Classmates still describe him as “the spirit of the school.” He greeted and welcomed each new face although as a senior he had a mere passing acquaintance with a new sophomore girl. His fond memories of classmates and faculty never dimmed, and he maintained these relationships until his death.
Bob attended Southern Adventist University (Tennessee) before being drafted into the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam era. As a conscientious objector he chose to serve his country by preserving life as a medic. The resistance he faced as a conscientious objector was remembered decades later by fellow corpsman. He received honorable discharges from both the United States Marine Corps and U.S. Army. Following his military service, he attended local colleges ultimately completing his undergraduate degree at Southwestern Adventist University in Texas. His education continued at the University of Texas, Pan American Campus with completion of a Masters of Education in Secondary Guidance and Counseling.
Upon Bob’s return to college in 1972 he became much better acquainted with that high school sophomore girl. He married Laree Caviness in June of 1973. That “acquaintance” lasted 49 years until his death. On the last day of his life and their marriage he told Laree he loved her just as he had done on the first day.
Robert Tyler “Ty” Reidenbaugh was born to this marriage on June 21, 1974. Ty enriched both their lives with his love for adventure and travel. No matter the topic, if Ty’s name was mentioned Bob’s face would light with pride.
Bob’s career included educational posts as a residence dean at Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, Valley Grande Academy is Weslaco, Texas, Upper Columbia Academy in Spangle, Washington and Parkview Adventist Academy in Oklahoma City. Most of his working life was in the Oklahoma Department of Human Services with his favorite position as a Social Worker in Adult Protective Services.
Bob was preceded in death by his father, Frederick Marshall Reidenbaugh, mother Gwendolyn Reidenbaugh, sister Shirley Slaughter, sister Linda Burks, niece Jena Berrong, nephew James Burks, and great niece Tacia Winter.
He is survived by his wife Laree Reidenbaugh, son Ty Reidenbaugh, M.D., brother-in-law Odell Burks, brother-in-law Rendall Caviness, nephews Mike Burks, Lane Caviness, Glen Caviness, and Reed Caviness, nephew Adam Burks, nieces Robin Keller, Phyllis Gomes, Faydra Evans, Christi DeLaughter, Leigh Ann DeLaughter, and many great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Edmond Seventh-day Adventist Church Caring Fund, 4701 E. Danforth Rd. Edmond, OK 73034 or http://www.edmondadventist.org.
Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 24, 2022 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel Edmond, OK.
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but feel they should not due to health regulations. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on ‘Videos’, then ‘Live Streams’.