Robert "Bob" Paul Batt

Robert Paul 'Bob' Batt born August 5, 1933 to William Thomas 'Rip' and Myrtle Marie Batt. Bob grew up in McLoud, Oklahoma on a farm north of town. He has lived in Harrah, Oklahoma since 1960. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Sonny and his favorite companion Spot aka 'shop dog'. From heaven, Bob will watch over the love of his life for 56 years, Betty. Bob and Betty have been constant companions since their retirement in the mid '80's from Southwestern Bell. Bob will also watch over his two daughters, Cindy Batt of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Paula Batt and her partner, Skip Thompson of Washington, DC. The stars will shine brighter with Bob now being one. Bob started school at the young age of 4 in a one room country school in McLoud. He loved school and learning. Upon graduation, he worked various jobs and then served in the U.S. Army. During his military time, he toured Europe on all of his passes. When he returned to the states, he began his career at Southwestern Bell. Bob's service with SW Bell included many positions and he retired in 1989 as a Systems Engineer. While at SW Bell, Bob was also the first recipient of SW Bell's Ryder award for his work on restoration of microwave tower service after a severe storm. After, retirement Bob continued to work several more years as a consultant for various independent phone companies both in Boston, Massachusetts and in Spokane, Washington. As an engineer, Bob was very talented both at work and in his spare time. He loved working with his hands and being creative. His greatest joy was playing the pedal steel guitar with his band the 'Over the Hill' band. Bob loved to play music and continued to play even during his cancer treatments. He also enjoyed woodworking and flower gardening. Bob devoted numerous hours to community work. He served the town of Harrah as Councilman and Mayor. He was instrumental in starting 'Harrah Old Timer's Day' which still continues. In 1986, this committee honored Bob as Parade Grand Marshall and in 1987 he was selected as 'Harrah Citizen of the Year'. Bob also served on the Harrah Public School board, the Harrah Senior Housing board and the Harrah Historical Society board. Bob has been a constant source of knowledge to many others who dedicate their lives to community service. Bob leaves behind a host of loved ones and friends including his brothers and their wives Joe and Pat Batt of Jones, Oklahoma and Jim and Gerry Batt of Shawnee, Oklahoma. He loved his many nieces and nephews as well as his great nieces and nephews. He was always teaching them something or lovingly providing them with a life lesson. Betty, Cindy and Paula would like to thank Dr. Randell Allen and the amazing staff of nurses, therapists and techs at St. Anthony Hospital, especially the 4th floor staff. Dad's last 19 days were peaceful and comfortable because of you all. We also appreciate Dr. Gary Rahe, the oncology staff at Saints and Shannon for their support of Dad during his cancer treatments earlier this year. We love you and will miss you greatly. Thank you for wrapping your arms around us and guiding us through life. The world is a better place because you were in it. Memorial gifts may be made to the Harrah Historical Society, McLoud Historical Society, Harrah United Methodist Church or the American Lung Association. The Batt family will receive friends on Friday, November 22, 2013, from 5:00 PM to 7:00PM at Smith-Parks Funeral Service, 2039 N. Tim Holt Dr., Harrah, OK. A celebration of Bob's life will be Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 1:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Harrah, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery, Harrah, OK. Services are under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah, OK.