Robert Dean Anderson

Robert (Bob) Dean Anderson was born February 13, 1937, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Cecil Rhoard Anderson and Virginia May (Ward) Anderson. He was the first born of their four children and was a lifelong Oklahoman. Bob graduated from Central High School in 1955 and went on to live a life marked by hard work, accomplishment, faith, service, and, most importantly, love.

Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1960. As a result of his critical skills, he was subsequently transferred to civilian service with the Army and he received his honorable discharge in 1968.

Bob was an Engineer licensed in both Canada and the United States. He retired after a 45-year career with Facet Corporation where he ultimately served as CEO. Through his roles with Facet, he traveled extensively throughout the world including Australia, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Argentina, England, Spain, Wales, Italy, Bahrain, and many other places. His career took him far from home, but no matter where his work carried him, his heart always belonged to the people he loved most.

He was an avid sports fan and faithfully followed every sport in which the Oklahoma Sooners competed, as well as the Oklahoma City Thunder. His hobbies included golf and gardening, and he participated in the Tulsa Run for more than 10 years.

Bob’s life was much more than just the things he enjoyed. He was a giving person. For five years, he gave back to his community through the Nightlight program, feeding the homeless in downtown Tulsa every Thursday night. He did not serve for recognition or praise. He saw a need and believed he could help. That quiet willingness to serve others reflected the kind of man he was—humble, compassionate, faithful, and generous.

The greatest love story of Bob’s life began in 1980 when he began dating Kay, who he often referred to as “baby” and later married in 1986. Together, they shared 46 years of love, laughter, adventure, faith, and life. Bob and Kay built a life centered around one another and their family. Their love was not simply something they said, it was something they lived every day. They cared for each other, stood beside each other, and found joy in the ordinary moments of life. Theirs was a once in a lifetime love. For those fortunate enough to witness it, Bob and Kay’s relationship was a beautiful example of what it means to choose each other, year after year, through every season of life. The love they shared will remain one of the greatest parts of Bob’s legacy.

A man of great character and calm spirit, Bob was known for his quiet kind nature. His strength was found in his gentleness, his dependability, and the way he quietly showed up for the people he loved. He loved the Lord, his church, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with his whole heart. He loved talking with them, and talking about them. He wanted to know about their school, their activities, their accomplishments, and the things that made them happy. He loved being part of their everyday lives.

And then there were the simple things that became treasured memories—helping gather eggs from his chickens and feeding his beloved pony, Buttercup. Those moments may have seemed ordinary at the time, but they are now the memories his family will hold especially close. Bob understood that love is built in those small moments.

He was a man who made sure people knew they were loved. He never ended a conversation with a family member or one of his precious friends without saying the words, “I love you.” He said them often and he meant them every time. And now, those three simple words have become part of the gift he leaves behind.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Kay, his son, Billy Anderson (wife, Sharla) of Tyler, TX; daughter, Gwen Baer (husband, Robin) of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter, Kandy Collins (husband, Tommy) of Verdigris, OK; sisters, Anita Vickers and Juanita Myers of Apache, OK; grandson, Grant Anderson of Tyler, TX; granddaughter, Ainsley Anderson of Tyler, TX; granddaughter, Kaylee Davison (husband, Sam) of Colorado Springs, CO; grandson, Joshua Collins of Broken Arrow, OK; granddaughter Kayci Battenfield (husband, Kasey) of Broken Arrow, OK; and great grandchildren, Alana Collins, Taylor Battenfield, Dax Battenfield, Beau Davison, Sloane Davison, and Jorja Vermillion. He leaves behind his three precious dogs who were daily companions and kids to him – Rags, Peanut, and Gypsy. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and beloved friends whose lives were made better by knowing him.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Cecil; his mother, Virginia; his daughter, Jeannie; his son, Bobby Lee; and his brother, Kenneth.

Bob’s life was not defined simply by the places he traveled, the positions he held, or the accomplishments he achieved. His greatest legacy is found in the people he loved and the lives he touched.

He leaves behind a family who will miss his voice, his stories, his humor, his steady presence, his love of sports, and his quiet way of making people feel cared for. They will miss the conversations that always ended with “I love you.” But they will also carry him with them. They will carry his faith. They will carry his kindness. They will carry his example of service. They will carry the love he gave so freely. And most of all, they will carry the certainty that they were loved by him.

Bob lived a life of purpose, faith, devotion, and love. He loved deeply, served quietly, gave generously, and left this world better because he was in it.

His life was a blessing. His love was a gift. And his memory will be cherished for generations to come.

“I love you.” Those were Bob’s words. And they will forever be his legacy.