Robert B. " Bob" Henderson

Bob (Robert Bradford) Henderson Sr. was born October 20, 1935 in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma to Alphonso Creed and Cora Mae (Hardesty) Henderson and passed away in his sleep on April 30, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elaine (Sheffield) Henderson; their two sons and spouses, Brad and Mary Kay Henderson and Phillip Gene and Robin Henderson. Bob is also survived by his brother, Phillip Creed (Leona) Henderson; five sisters, Clara (Dick) Sheffield, Myrtle (T. A.) Staton, Betty Pirkle, Bonnie (Harold) Ballard and Connie (Mark) Fuss; his grandchildren, Joshua Allen Henderson and wife Becca, Joseph Creed Henderson, and Hannah Marie Henderson; his great-granddaughter, Althea Elaine Henderson, whom he adored. Additional survivors include the family of Randy and Sheryl Rountree. He is also survived and celebrated by literally hundreds of in-laws, extended family members, and friends. Bob, Papa Bob, or Uncle Bob was a truck driver, rancher, farmer, and a rock-solid pillar of the Fort Gibson community. He was an avid horseman. Bob and Elaine actually dated on horseback on more than one occasion. Elaine’s wedding present from Bob was a beautiful little sorrel mare named Cricket. To say Bob Henderson was a storyteller would be a major understatement. Every conversation in which he was engaged involved at least one, often more, great stories from his varied life experiences. He always had a twinkle in his eye and was quick to laugh, especially with anyone who would listen to his stories. Papa Bob was, by all accounts, the true definition of a country gentlemen. He loved colorful shirts, ironed and starched blue jeans, and a cowboy hat. He always looked as though he had just stepped out of a western-wear store. Bob was prepared! Whether it was an extra coat behind the seat, an extra pair of work gloves for hauling wood, or his infamous always-worn pair of pliers in the holster, he was indeed ready for anything. Many people around the Fort Gibson area have grown accustomed to his now famous two-fingered wave, given from the steering wheel of his old white farm truck, usually while driving 20 mph below the posted speed limit. Most importantly, Bob would want you to know he was a follower of Jesus. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Fort Gibson. Bob read his Bible and prayed every night, taught Sunday School, and prayed before every meal. He was a Christian example to his family and community. Of all the things he valued, his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior was of infinite importance. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Bob to the First Baptist Church of Fort Gibson Youth Building Fund or the Falls Creek Scholarship Fund, c/o P. O. Box 8, Fort Gibson, OK 74434. Memorial services celebrating Robert’s life will be at 2:30pm, Saturday, May 4, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Fort Gibson with Pastor Nate Capps and Deacon Butch Cook officiating.

Robert B. " Bob" Henderson

October 20, 1935 - April 30, 2019