Robert Otto Stiner
1926-2018
Robert Otto Stiner Jr., or ‘Bob’, as he was known by to most, departed the life he loved on August 30, 2018, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born on November 23, 1926 near Wynnewood, OK, the fifth of twelve children born to Robert Otto Stiner, Sr. and Willie Lee (Cottrell) Stiner. Bob was a World War II and Korean veteran having been drafted in 1945 to the U.S. Navy. He re-enlisted in 1949 and spent a total of seven years in the Navy. His love of being a sailor remained with him throughout his life. His interesting and colorful experiences during these times made him the best of storytellers. Family and friends never tired of hearing his tales of sailing the high seas and traveling the world. He proudly wore his collection of hats with the Navy insignias and enjoyed gathering at reunions with his Navy buddies to exchange never to be forgotten memories.
After returning home in 1952, he met and married Reta (Stewart) Stiner, whom he proudly called “the most beautiful woman in the world”. He still referred to her in this way until his death.
He attended the University of Oklahoma on the G.I. Bill. He then worked as a claims adjuster for The Hartford while attending law school at night. He earned his law degree from Oklahoma City University in 1968.
Bob was an eternal optimist. Even on his worst days toward the end, whenever he was asked how he was, his favorite reply was ‘Perfect…just perfect’. His wonderful sense of humor and good-hearted nature will be greatly missed by all.
Bob was predeceased in death by his beloved wife, Reta; his parents, Robert, Sr. and Willie Lee Stiner; brothers, Willis Stiner and Floyd Stiner; sisters, Dean Jones, Faye Skaggs, Pauline Baker and Marie Dunham.
He is survived by his cherished daughters, Shelley Anella and husband, Lou of Stillwater, OK; and Lisa Kistler and husband, Steve of Stillwater, OK; granddaughters, Kinsey and Kelsey Kistler of Denver, CO, and grandson, Henry Kulick of Minneapolis, MN; brothers, Edmond Stiner of Warrenton, Oregon; Preston Stiner of Edmond, OK; and Claude Stiner of Tuttle, OK; sisters, Reta Gaona of Oklahoma City, OK and Ruth Skaggs of Jefferson, GA; brothers-in-law, Calvin Baker of Midwest City, OK and Dan Dunham of Blanchard, OK; sister-in-law, Sunny Stiner of Tuttle, OK; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank both the Norman Veteran’s Center and The Oklahoma City VA Medical Center for the quality care they gave our proud vet.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Viewing for the family will be held from 10 A.M. to 12 noon on Tuesday, September 4th, and for the public from Noon until 8 PM.
Funeral services will be held at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, OK at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, September 5th, followed by interment at Gracelawn Cemetery.