Robert 'Bob' LaBass

Robert 'Bob' Ernest LaBass, 77, of Tulsa, entered his heavenly home on Friday, November 24 2023, just in time to celebrate his birthday. He was born on November 26, 1945 to Robert 'Bob' and Ina (East) LaBass at Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was raised alongside his older sister, Barbara, in a loving home. Hospitality was practiced often by his parents, as he was always surrounded by cousins and close family friends. His childhood was filled with hilarious tales of practical jokes and pranks they did together that grew into caring and looking out for one another as they became adults. Led by example from his parents, he took great pride in spending time with family and friends. As his parents, aunts and uncles aged, Robert was an exemplary caretaker and loyal advocate for their wellbeing. As a boy, his family attended church regularly and he was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church in Tulsa. As an adult, he was an active member of First Baptist Church of Tulsa, where he served as a deacon, usher, Sunday school teacher and driver. His upbringing formed a strong foundation of faith and love for Jesus that resided in him throughout his life. Robert attended Luther Burbank Elementary, A.G. Bell Junior High and graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1964. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Minors in Economics and Psychology at Oklahoma State University in 1968, where he was an active member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and involved in Campus Crusade for Christ. Throughout his life he remained a loyal Sigma Chi and a devout Oklahoma State fan. He was his happiest when watching OSU Cowboy football, basketball and wrestling. He also served on the Will Rogers High School Foundation as an Advisor and Hall of Fame Committee member, proud to be a Roper alumnus. Upon college graduation, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard for four years where he was stationed in Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During his service he was a Radioman, became an expert in Morse code and earned the National Defense Service Medal and the FIRST Good Conduct Medal. Upon his discharge, he was accepted into the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), serving in Frankfurt, Germany for two years as a communications specialist utilizing his Morse code expertise. In 1975, Robert returned home to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and began his civilian career working for Hilti, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Otasco and John Zink Co. over the years in various roles. He then joined Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) as the Executive Bond Project Director for twenty-three years. During his tenure at TPS, Robert led seven school bond issue campaigns that successfully passed from 1996 - 2015, totaling just over $1.3 billion of funding. His outstanding leadership in overseeing the numerous expansion and improvement projects from bond funding will benefit the Tulsa Public School system and our community for years to come. In 2015, he retired from TPS to pursue his true passion, his family. Family came first for Robert. He was a caring husband to his wife, Kristen. He was consistently present and available in raising his two daughters. His gentle and calm demeanor were a comfort to be around, providing a sense of security and compassion that only a father can give his children. He adored his four grandchildren as they brought him pure joy whenever they were together. He never missed a moment he could be involved with their activities and lives. Whenever an invitation or phone call was made to be together, he would always reply with a "Yes, just tell me when and where!". He was the kind of man that showed up, never wanting the spotlight. He was the steadfast and strong person in the background, solving whatever problem was at hand. His presence, love and dedication to his family was one of his greatest gifts. Robert was a wonderful friend and man as evidenced by his many life-long friendships. He had a quick wit, an ornery sense of humor, a nickname for everyone and he never saw a piece of chocolate pie he didn't like. He had a kind, humble and generous spirit, and he was a hard worker with a strong work ethic. He loved doing things himself, hiring someone was always deemed a last resort. Robert had a servant's heart, helping anyone in need, whether it be loaning out his infamous truck, making available his vast collection of tools or assisting with a repair or project for a friend. Robert had a wide array of tastes in his love for music ranging from classic country to the symphony. Music was always playing in his home, often from his extensive record collection. The Bob Wills Birthday Bash at Cain's Ballroom was a Tulsa event he never missed. He also served on the Signature Symphony board for several years. In his spare time, he enjoyed working on his rental home properties and helped many families that he rented to along the way. Gardening, grilling on his beloved Hasty Bake or taking in an OSU sporting event were some of his favorite pastimes. His gift of hospitality was unmatched when it came to his pork tenderloin and homemade BBQ sauce, as many friends and family can attest. It was the BEST! He loved his hometown of Tulsa and never wanted to be anywhere else. In his last few years, he reminisced often about his childhood home on Lakewood Avenue. Robert fought the good fight throughout his life and until the very end. We find comfort in knowing he has been eternally healed and reunited with his parents and loved ones in heaven. Robert is survived by his wife of 13 years, Kristen, of Tulsa; daughter Lindsay Lindstrom (Eric) of Tulsa; daughter Lauren Oonk (Michael) of Tulsa; sister Barbara LaBass of St. Joseph, MO; grandchildren: Jack Lindstrom, Luke Lindstrom, Adam Oonk, and Abigail Oonk; stepson David Frette (Missy) of Tulsa and stepson-in-law Will McKee; and many cousins and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepdaughter Michelle McKee. The family extends immense gratitude to the staff of the Claremore Veterans Center, Seasons Hospice and The Linden at Stonehaven for their care the past five years. Memorial Services for Robert are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 4, 2023, at First Baptist Church Tulsa, followed by a Graveside Service with Military Honors at the National Military Cemetery in Fort Gibson held at 2:30 p.m. A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Moore Funeral Home Southlawn Chapel.

Robert 'Bob' LaBass

November 26, 1945 - November 24, 2023