Bobby D. Eaves

Bobby D Eaves Jr., 52, a long time resident of Checotah, Oklahoma, went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 18th, 2020. He was born June 1st, 1968 in Tishomingo, Oklahoma to Luther Bobby Eaves and Margaret (Burns) Eaves. He was baptized on October 19th, 2000 into The General Assembly and Church of The Firstborn. Bobby was blessed with 4 beautiful daughters, who he loved very much. Bobby married the love of his life, Tarena (Taylor) Eaves December 9th, 2000. Throughout his life, Bobby loved fishing and outdoor life. Even as early as 11 years old, he would camp out down at the creek. Bobby always said he didn’t think his Mom even knew where he was but he would see his stepdad, Son, and his coon dogs coming out to check on him every evening. Bobby took on his stepdad’s habit of checking on those around him and nurturing them without seeming like he was trying to discipline. That is probably why when Bobby drove a school bus for Checotah public schools many of his little passengers took up his nieces and nephews affectionate term of Uncle when addressing him. The teachers reprimanded the children for calling him Uncle Bobby, and Bobby being the playful and non-authoritarian man that he was could not bring himself to correct the children and he soon became Mr. Uncle Bobby. His playful nature showed through most when he loved you. If Bobby pestered you, you knew he loved you. If he had an ornery pet name for you or found a way to tease you, he would tease you mercilessly. He will certainly be remembered at Proform Industries where he worked at the time of his death. It was always the highlight of his day to come home and tell his wife the stories of whom he got to pester that day. Aside from being surrounded by friends at Proform that he loved to pester, he appreciated that his work day ended earlier than Tarena’s so that he could get home and collect all of his Amazon packages from the porch before his lovely bride arrived home. Bobby so loved collecting the trains, coins, Star Trek memorabilia, and pocket watches that arrived in those packages. His other passions included going to church, getting to spend time with his fun loving grandchildren, helping people out, front porch sitting with the neighbor, creating works of art with his paint brushes, and grilling for all those that would come to eat. We all loved how he applied all of these passions. He was creative and always looked for unique solutions to problems. In sharing beloved memories his daughters, Kari, Katie, and Lizzy, reminisced about the hours they would spend on the road just so he could have a day or two with them on the weekends. Instead of begrudging the time driving, he would create scary stories on the fly, shamelessly sing karaoke at top volume, or dance to a song playing loudly. We will all miss his goofy text messages and his funny faces that he would make just to see us smile because more than anything he believed in his family, peace, and unifying everyone with humor. Our smiles still happen, but as his daughter, Melisha, expressed we never expected to say goodbye this soon and we won’t let him down. We will remember his words “don’t sweat the small stuff and remember it’s all small stuff”. It is hard to express what an impact he had on the lives of those around him. He was Uncle Bobby to so many more than just his actual nieces and nephews and more of a Dad to some of them. He poured his love into his nephew, Wyatt, who became so much more than his nephew. The moments they shared together will always be remembered. Often these moments were under the carport maintaining or upgrading vehicles. Their last maintenance project on Tarena’s car was the starter. He said, “it sounds awful, but starts on a dime every time!” That stuck out to Tarena because it is somewhat a metaphor of Bobby’s life. Things were not always perfect and there may be grumbling along the way but he served those around him with laughter and food from the grill every time. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret (Burns) Sparks; stepfather, Son Sparks; brother, Michael (Katfish) Eaves; sisters, Angela Marie Sparks and Vickie Grogan; father-in-law, Loyal Taylor; and grandparents, Jess and Faye Burns. Survivors include his wife, Tarena (Taylor) Eaves; children, Melisha and Janette Eaves, Karalee Eaves, Katelyn (Eaves) and Austin Mead, Elizabeth Eaves, and a nephew he claimed as his son, Wyatt Peyton; grandchildren, Harper, Greyson, Brecken, Dominique, and Jhordyn; brothers, Doyle Sparks and Ricky Sparks; his in-laws, Dean and Brinda Taylor, Twyla and Scott Ledesma, Laura and Patrick Burcham, Crystal and Heath Holley; his aunts who are more like sisters, Aunt Becky and Aunt Deborah; nieces and nephews, Trésha, Dakota, JayJ, Tara, Koda, Majestica, Wyatt, Phoenix, Tesla, Alyssa, Isaiah, Emily, Triton, Frederick, Klover, and Henry; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Because of this awful pandemic, we will not be having a service at this time. However, we love celebrating his life and would love to hear stories from friends and family members. Please, share your stories with us on Facebook or through email so that we can rejoice in the many happy moments that Bobby shared with others.

Bobby D. Eaves

June 6, 1968 - November 18, 2020