Robert “Bob” Norris Lashley
1951 – 2024
His Very Best Life
A tribute to Bob from his wife
Bob Lashley lived his very best life. A life filled with laughter, music, sports, beloved family, fulfilling work, cherished friends, and complete devotion to his Lord.
Robert Norris Lashley was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma on November 11, 1951. Bob developed his sense of humor (the Lashleys love to laugh!), his love of sports (especially the New York Yankees), his musical ability, and his quiet humility from the examples of his loving parents, Norris and Jewell. What a wonderful childhood he had: playing baseball, getting into mischief with his brother Steve, spending family time with his many cousins, participating in church activities, and – after his sister Pat entered them (without his knowledge) into a school talent show – making music.
Music gave Bob so much joy in living his very best life. Following in the footsteps of his dad and granddad, Bob, Pat, and Steve formed a family band: the Lashley Trio. Performing all through his high school years at youth rallies, banquets, concerts, and school events, the highlight was performing at the Grand Ole Opry at the legendary Ryman Auditorium. Music gave Bob countless opportunities to perform at his alma mater, Oklahoma Christian College (OCC) as a Pacesetter, Spring Sing host, and original member of the Summer Singers. Over the years, he also performed with various bands including Cheyenne, sang as the weekend performers at Crystal’s Pizza, opened for various performing artists, and led singing at church. He took special pleasure in watching that love of music develop in his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
In 1970 as an OCC freshman, Bob could not have dreamed that OCC would play such a huge role in living his very best life. After meeting me at OCC, he graduated and took a job recruiting, planning to stay until I graduated so we could move to Nashville to pursue his music career. But God had different plans! Forty-four years later, Bob had directed 40 First Week Follies, 22 Freshman Fanfares, 18 Parent Orientations, and 12 Spring Sings. Working with Alumni, Development, the golf program, and mentoring countless students developed so many precious relationships that we cherish as our OC family.
Family was Bob’s greatest delight in living his best life. We were blessed with Andy and Aubrie who gave us immeasurable joy. He coached Andy’s baseball and Aubrie’s softball teams, taught Andy’s Bible school classes, mentored Aubrie’s college singing group, and took so much pride in the godly, compassionate, fun people they have become. When Andy married Summer and Aubrie married Lucas, we loved them as our own children. Bob took special delight in watching his grandchildren develop their passions, from music and theater (Mia) to basketball (Bode) to playing numerous instruments (Henson) to orchestra and all-things creative (Simon). His deep love for his close, extended family of siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins enriched his life. The fun we had with our traveling partners (his sister Pat and her husband Jack) took us all over the world. Over the years, he often said, “How did we get so lucky?”
Finally, Bob’s faith and devotion to his Lord and Savior Jesus was the foundation of his life. He was baptized into Christ as a boy, and lived with complete integrity, treating all people with respect and compassion (and some teasing). He served the Memorial Road church of Christ for 38 years as a deacon, taught the young boys’ training and Father/Son classes for 35+ years, and partnered in missions with Village of Hope in Ghana. Because we know Bob is now with his Friend, we feel an overwhelming sense of peace in the midst of our sorrow.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to look back on your life and know that your life was full of what you most loved? To know that your life was given to what truly matters? Bob did that! He believed that he could not have had a better life. He is singing with the angels now.
Addendum:
What an immeasurable blessing God gave me to have found the love of my life and been his wife for 49 years! I honor Bob’s memory along with his children Andy and his wife Summer, Aubrie and her husband Lucas Ross, as well as his grandchildren: Mia and Bode Lashley and Henson and Simon Ross. His loving siblings include Pat and Jack English, and Steve and Kay Lashley. He is also survived by his father-in-law Charles Williams, in-laws BJ and Dana McMichael, Charles and Lesa Branch as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins and dear friends that he considered family.
Andy, Summer, Aubrie, Lucas, the grandchildren and I would like to extend our deepest thanks to you: our dearest extended family, my prayer sisters, the “cloud of witnesses” of our church family, our OC family, and countless loving friends. You have sustained and humbled us with your support, care, and love.
Because of Bob’s deep love for children, for the Lord’s church, and for OC, any remembrance of him can be given to the children at Village of Hope (via www.heartbeatforhope.com ), the OC Alumni Office, or Memorial Road Church of Christ Children’s Ministry.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 12, 2024 at Memorial Road Church of Christ Edmond, OK.
To the family of Bob Lashley – I grew up in the Eastside Church in Muskogee where his parents attended and they were very close family friends. We have come to love the Lashley family for years. My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of such an incredible man who loved the Lord with all of his heart. May you find strength and comfort in the days that lie ahead. We love you all.
Our hearts are sad for the loss of this fine Christian brother. We have enjoyed watching your families grow and change over the years. We pray that many precious memories will bring comfort and healing. Richard and Ellen Brewer
Bob was certainly all the things that Judy said in the above. Traveling with Bob throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas was truly great experience. I’ll never forget our conversations in the car as we traveled. Bob had a tremendous sense of humor and we would joke, and have some serious conversations. I remember he did not want to be gone long from his family. Bob had a uncanny ability to put together any event and festivities at the university. I’ve never seen anyone who could coordinate and direct major events like Bob. I could go on and on. I loved him. And I will miss. My prayers are with Judy and the family.
Beautiful tribute, Judi! You are in our prayers.
I remember Bob and Judi’s first date. Judi dressed up kind of like a homeless person. When Bob came to pick her up. Judi went to the to the lobby while a group of the Thursday night party girls were peeking out the door. And laughing so hard. Judi walked right past Bob. He just stood there as she walked to the other side of the dorm. Judi quickly ran to her dorm room and Changed into normal clothes. She then walked into the foyer, to a bewildered Bob. Other than that the date went very well.
I was talking to my neighbor last week. She is a prayer warrior, I asked her to pray for Bob and Judi. I was trying to tell her about them . I found myself saying you know BOB and JUDI. Thinking of their story being larger than life. They did have a wonderful life. I’m blessed by knowing their love story. Judi and the rest of their family will remain in my prayers. I know because of their strong bond and love of God they will remain strong.
I met Judy and Lesa in Hurst, TX attending church together. I remember Bob coming to a high school devotional. While we were eating Bob entertained us. Praying for peace to be with you.
I am blessed that my last memory of Bob will be when the family came to carol on our porch. His “reindeer” garb had, at first, dimmed my vision, and once I had acknowledged him, the loving and humorous moment had us all laughing. What an exemplary man (and family), who came to share with our ailing family the joys of the season. Whether out in the adjacent lawn, or across the workplace building, he maintained that same lovely humility and joy. I am sad, but know we will meet again!
I’m so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing and extend my condolences to his family. I knew Bob, Pat and Steve from church in Muskogee. Steve and I were in the same grade. Our preacher, Bud, would frequently take the Lashley Trio and I out to entertain at local church parties. (I was a ventriloquist) That was quite an experience for me and I enjoyed being with the Lashleys. I moved from Muskogee in 1967 but my memories of them have always been cherished. I smile when I think back . I pray Bob’s family will always find a warm smile on their faces when they think of him. Carol Wilson