Robert L. Wilbanks Jr.
1922-2016
Robert Lovick Wilbanks Jr passed away September 17, 2016 at his home in Edmond surrounded by family. He was born the oldest of five boys in Calvin, OK, to Estelle Althea Watson and Robert Lovick Wilbanks, Sr on January 25, 1922. He graduated from Calvin High School in 1940 and attended Oklahoma A & M in Stillwater before joining the Army in 1942 during World War II. He served as Fire Control Instrument Operator working with the 776th Field Artillery Battalion in the European Theater and fought at the Battle of the Bulge which lasted from December 16, 1944 until January 25, 1945, in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. He was honorably discharged on December 30, 1945. He returned to Stillwater to complete his degree in Agriculture.
He married Hazel Marie Baker on July 27, 1946. After graduating from A & M, he was employed as an Agent for the Bureau of Land Management. He later worked for Kerr McGee at the refinery in Wynnewood, where he stayed until retirement in 1988. Retirement brought a move to Edmond to be close to family. He enjoyed watching the Wynnewood Savages football team, and any sport at OSU. His last afternoon was spent watching OSU win their football game on Saturday.
He is predeceased by Hazel, his parents and three of his four brothers. He is survived by Kim and Deborah Wilbanks, Jan and Jim Myers, and his grandchildren, Spencer, Ethan (Laura), Lucas, Lori (Lee), and great grandchildren Shay and Cady. He is also survived by his brother Glen Wilbanks (Beverly) of Edmond, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services are planned for 10:00 am on Friday, September 23, 2016, at Matthews Funeral Home, 601 South Kelly, Edmond, OK. Burial will follow at Calvin.
In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the Oklahoma Wounded Warriors Organization.
Dear Wilbanks Family,
My father, Garner Rollow and his brother, Jimmy, were close friends with Robert when your family resided in Wynnewood. I loved Robert’s wit and humor. He was one of a kind. For several years the three of them would meet in the back of Rollow and Son Insurance to have a Martini or two and swap stories. My friends and my children (once they were over 21) and I considered an invitation to join them for a “Martuni” drank from a red solo cup, one of our highest honors! My family still continues to regale each other with some of those stories.
I was deeply saddened today to read of Robert’s passing. He was a fine man held in high regard and he will be missed by many. His integrity, honesty and loyalty as a friend will live long after his passing. I know that God will be with you all during this difficult time. God blessed you with a wonderful father and brother. May he rest in peace.
Dear Wilbanks Family,
My father, Garner Rollow and his brother, Jimmy, were close friends with Robert when your family resided in Wynnewood. I loved Robert’s wit and humor. He was one of a kind. For several years the three of them would meet in the back of Rollow and Son Insurance to have a Martini or two and swap stories. My friends and my children (once they were over 21) and I considered an invitation to join them for a “Martuni” drank from a red solo cup, one of our highest honors! My family still continues to regale each other with some of those stories.
I was deeply saddened today to read of Robert’s passing. He was a fine man held in high regard and he will be missed by many. His integrity, honesty and loyalty as a friend will live long after his passing. I know that God will be with you all during this difficult time. God blessed you with a wonderful father, grandfather and brother. May he rest in peace.