Robert “Bob” Earl Durham, beloved husband, father and grandfather,  was born in Jay, Oklahoma on February 8, 1934 to parents William and Reba Durham, and passed this life on September 15, 2024.  William and Reba were wonderful parents, and Bob had an idyllic childhood with his five brothers and four sisters.  He married the love of his life, Sue (Deitrick) Durham on June 17, 1956 at the Mt. Herman Baptist Church in Jay, Oklahoma. 

Bob went to college at Northeastern State in Tahlequah, OK, and did his Master’s graduate work at the University of Arkansas.  He served in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Bliss and the Army Chemical Center near Washington DC.  He worked on the Nike missile program, replacing gun batteries on ships, and also around the White House, with Nike guided missiles. 

Bob & Sue had three children – Debbie (Durham) Stephens, Stan Durham and David Durham.  They moved to Monument, NM when Debbie was 3 months old, in August of 1958 to start the new school year as teachers in Monument.  Over the years, they spent school holidays and the summer months in Cookson, Oklahoma.   Every summer they loved fishing and boating with their kids, enjoying the lake, and visiting both their extended families in Northeast Oklahoma. 

Although Bob started out teaching in Monument, he soon became principal at elementary schools in Hobbs, NM – including  Will Rogers Elementary, Southern Heights, and Broadmoor.  He and Sue retired in 1986—to spend their time traveling all over the United States.  They pulled their camper behind them, and visited almost all 50 states, except Hawaii.  In 2002, they moved permanently back to Cookson, Oklahoma – where they spent the last 20 years of Bob’s life – loving their beautiful home on Tenkiller Lake. 

When their precious daughter, Debbie, passed unexpectedly in March, 2023, Bob and Sue moved to John Knox Village retirement village in Lee’s Summit, MO.  Their sons, Stan & David, were able to spend a lot of precious time with them the last 18 months – and they treasured every moment together. 

Throughout Bob’s life, he was a committed follower of Jesus Christ, and deacon of their local Baptist churches.  He spent his last 20 years involved with the Cookson Baptist Church.  He loved his church family and he loved witnessing of the love of Jesus.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Debbie, and all of his siblings except his sister, Sue.  He is survived by his wife, Sue, his sons, Stan (Lori Perry) Durham and David Durham; son-in-law Rob Ediger, grandchildren Andrea, Tory (Crystal), Tell, Chad (Erica), Sara, Lexy (Casey), and Nathaniel.  Great-grandchildren Elissa, Shaye, Johnny, Garrett (Elexes), Owen, Sophia, Caden, Brylee, Brynn, Waylon, and great-granddaughter, Dahlia.

At Bob’s request, a private graveside service will be held at a later date.