Bobbie Lee Archiquette passed away peacefully in Tulsa on Friday, April 8, 2016, in the company of his loyal daughter, Kristy, and close friends.
Those who knew him admired his hard-working and selfless nature.
Born in Pawhuska in June, 1926, Bob was the son of the late Davis and Willie Archiquette (Coberly). He and his father were proud but humble Oneida warriors. Bob also shared Cherokee/Choctaw and Mayflower ancestry from his late mother Willie (Wolf/Coen/Moore). He was the last living male in his direct ancient line of Archiquette chiefs who signed the Treaty of Manhattan in 1626. In fact, he still received a few cents each year and bit of cloth as a result of the Treaty. Ironically, he was also a descendent of Edward Doty, who signed the Mayflower Pact in 1620.
Bob worked as senior mechanic for American Airlines in Tulsa for more than 30 years. He rarely talked about his WWII Navy service in the Battle of Okinawa. He never complained about the hard life he lived on the plains of Pawhuska, or the discrimination he and his first wife Gladys (Carnes), a Choctaw Indian who preceded him to heaven, endured for decades due to their native heritage.
Instead, guided by the goodwill of Gladys, he made the best of things, choosing to be a better man, focusing on the greater good; adopting Indian children to grow up alongside his son; helping his fellow man in charitable work, and through community service in many Oklahoma Masonic Lodges.
Bob was an early, life-long member and past master of the Oklahoma Indian Degree Team, famous worldwide as American Ambassadors, and for conducting Masonic ceremonies in native tongues. A 32nd Degree Mason, he demonstrated his sharp mind and memory until he was well past 80. Because of the positive difference he made in the lives of others, Bob received the Oklahoma Masonic Medal of Honor in 2011.
Sports were also in his blood. He rarely mentioned that his father Davis and uncle Chauncy attended the Carlisle Indian School and played ball with the famed Jim Thorpe. Maybe that's why he also spent days coaching softball and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports.
Bob survived all four younger half-brothers (Troy, Ary, Willie, Edward) and his son Claude Lee. Survivors include his daughter, Kristy; his second wife, Louise; one sister, Patsy; his granddaughter, Susan Archiquette Eastman; Jacob Evans, Kessie Evans. Several other grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and many friends.
Bob was a rare and noble man. His courage was strong; yet his heart was soft. Bob never bragged about anything; he never coveted anything. He never envied anyone. He may not have shown too much outward pride, but many people were proud of him. Bob left the world a better place for us all.
Visitation will take place on Monday April 11th, 2016 from 6:00-9:00 PM at Moore Funeral Home - Eastlawn Chapel
Service will take place on Tuesday April 12th, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Moore Funeral Home - Eastlawn Chapel
Service entrusted to
Moore Funeral Home - Eastlawn Chapel
1908 S. Memorial Dr.
Tulsa, OK 74112
918-622-1155