R.L. "Bob" English

A memorial service for R.L. “Bob” English will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the MMS-Payne Funeral Home Chapel in Claremore. Bob passed away on April 7, 2025 at the age of 85. Bob was born on June 26, 1939, in Stroud, Oklahoma, to Robert and Oleta (Willey) English. He attended Stroud Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1957. After high school, he began working in the Oklahoma oil fields alongside his father. Eventually, Bob found a new career in the grocery business, first in Texhoma, and then in Tryone, working for Ideal Grocery Store for several years. Later, he transitioned into the convenience store industry, working for Stop and Shop and Coastal Mart.

In the early 1980s, Bob met Lora (Long) Kirk, and the two began dating. They were married on July 3, 1982, and together they managed the Coastal Mart for several years. Bob later took a job with the Town of Tyrone before retiring in 2007. In 2013, he and Lora moved to Claremore to be closer to family. Bob deeply loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He rarely missed any event they were involved in. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and drinking coffee with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his step-daughter Lisha Banning.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Lora English, of the home; Cousin: Ray Miller and wife Lori; Step-son: Gary Kirk and wife Angie of Claremore; Sister: Mary Lu Terry of Perry; Grandchildren: Travis and Kristi Banning, Angela Banning, Casey and Kaitlyn Booth, Lauren and Steven Anderson, Rachel Kirk, and Sara Kirk; Great-grandchildren: Davis and Graham Booth, and Paisley and Abriel Anderson.