Robert F. Anthis

Robert Felts Anthis of Muskogee died Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at his home in Muskogee surrounded by his family. Robert was born on February 8, 1931 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Ernest Roscoe Anthis and Elizabeth G. Felts Anthis. He attended Central High School of Muskogee (1949); Oklahoma State University, the U.S. Military Academy (1954); earned his Masters in 1962 at Purdue University; served on U.S. Military Academy faculty 1962 – 1965; the U.S. Army C&GS (1968). Robert served his country in the Army and fought in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. Robert married his childhood sweetheart, Jean Black Anthis of Muskogee on June 18, 1954. They have 5 children. Stan and Cathy Anthis of Muskogee; Carolyn and Jeff Laughlin of Kiev, Ukraine; Susan and Dan Kretzer of Broken Arrow; Janet and Tim Harmon of Olathe, Kansas; Steve and Angie Anthis of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He also has a sister, Anna Claire Brennan of Muskogee. They have been blessed with 20 grandchildren. Karen Anthis of Duncan, OK, Kevin Anthis of Muskogee, Kristin Anthis of Norman, OK, Carla Anthis of Muskogee, Sarah and Peter Salajka of McLean, VA, Jessica Laughlin of Fayetteville, AR, Jeffrey and Annie Laughlin of Ft. Bragg, N.C.; Jacob Laughlin of Orlando, FL; Anna Laughlin of Manhattan, KS; John Erik Laughlin of Kiev, Ukraine; Paul Kretzer of Lafayette, LA; Elizabeth Kretzer of Broken Arrow; Quentin Harmon of Nashville, TN; Sean Harmon of Manhattan, KS; Forrest, Holly and Ben Harmon of Olathe, KS; Bret, Carson and Addie Anthis of Winston-Salem, N.C. He also has 5 loving nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; Ernest and Elizabeth Anthis; and three brothers, Ernest Jr., Louis and Edward Anthis. After retirement from the military, Robert was General Manager of Gaige Aviation in Boise, Idaho. He was also employed at Gem Flight Center, and co-owner of Falcon Air from 1976 to 1985. He enjoyed flying as a private pilot, flight instructor and charter pilot. He was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed tennis and flying. He gave his time by serving on the Muskogee Airport Board, Five Civilized Tribes Museum Board and the “Meals on Wheels” program. He was also active with the West Point Society of Eastern Oklahoma and was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church of Muskogee. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at St. Paul United Methodist Church of Muskogee with Reverend Mark Jardine officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery with the Honor Guard of Fort Sill, Oklahoma serving as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Multiple Myeloma Foundation 383 Main Avenue, Fifth Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851. www.multiplemyeloma.org

Robert F. Anthis

February 8, 1931 - March 22, 2011