Bobby Buttress

Bobby Dee Buttress, dedicated husband, father of two, and friend of many, departed this life on December 13, 2022 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, at the age of 65.

Bobby was born to Bobby Doyle and Lucy May (Byrd) Buttress on November 19, 1957 in Lodi, California, where he spent his early years. He moved to Quincy, Florida, in 1963 and then to Poteau, Oklahoma, in 1970. He graduated from Poteau High School in 1975 and attended Carl Albert College and Northeastern State University for several years. He was a group care worker for elementary and high school boys at the United Methodist Children's Home from 1978-1983, where he worked alongside and fell in love with his bride, Lois Savage. Bobby and Lois married on March 29, 1980 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. They raised two daughters, Amanda and Chelsea, and shared their lives for 42 years.

Bobby worked in the Nursery Industry for 20 years- managing crews, designing landscape and irrigation systems and supervising large projects and operations. In 2003 he opened Smokin' Bear Bar-B-Q where he enjoyed running a food truck and catering parties and events. His pulled pork, smoked bologna and baked beans will never be forgotten. In 2009 he began working at Northeastern State University where he served as a custodian, groundsman and eventually the shipping and receiving supervisor where he stayed until his passing.

Bobby was a true "Renaissance Man" who enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved golfing and being outdoors, and the river was his favorite place to be. You could often find him kayaking, fishing, camping or sitting around a campfire playing guitar. He shared this love with his children and eventually his grandchildren- who affectionately call him Bob-Bob. Bobby never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. His deep booming voice, infamous beard and larger than life personality were overshadowed only by his love of family. Bobby often remarked how abundantly blessed he was, and he blessed many lives in return. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by a loving family which includes his wife Lois Buttress of the home; his daughters Amanda Buxton and husband Logan of Arkansas City, KS, and Chelsea Buttress of Arkansas City, KS; his bonus children Kristy Deeds of Albany, OR and Thomas Trapp and wife Kim of Stillwater, OK; his sister Rochelle Buttress Wright and husband Robert and their son Kyler of Shady Point, OK; his Bubba Terry Bemis of Okmulgee, OK; and his six grandchildren Colby, Grace, Connor, Kaitlynn, Layne and Shyann. Many nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives also survive him.

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A Celebration Of Life will be held Monday, December 19, 2022 at 2 PM at the Tahlequah United Methodist Church, 300 W Delaware, Tahlequah, OK.