Bobby Jack Bumgarner

Bobby Jack ‘Bob’ Bumgarner was born September 29, 1937 in Graham Township, Oklahoma to John Stanford and Sue Elizabeth (Digby) Bumgarner – the youngest of seven children.  He passed from this life on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 in Duncan, at the age of 87 years, 8 months and 19 days.  He and Anita Ruth Gibson were married on September 15, 1961, in Davis.

Affectionately known by family as ‘Bob Jack’ or ‘Uncle Bob’ – he grew up in Davis, graduating from Davis High School, Class of 1955.  He completed a 25-year career as a Registered Land Surveyor with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (Davis, Lindsay and Marlow Offices) and then 10 years as a Personnel Relations Specialist at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  Bob also served in both the U.S. Army Reserves and U.S. Air Force Reserves.

Bob was a charter member of the Oklahoma Society of Land Surveyors.  Few know that he was recruited by the local Soil Conservation Field Office after their inquiry with Davis Schools for students who excelled in math.  After observing his performance as a Land Surveyor his superiors encouraged him to transfer to the state office in Stillwater so he could attend college and major in Engineering.  Though he declined that opportunity, his superiors assigned their interns to work with him to gain practical experience as part of their Surveying and Engineering development program.

After losing his father at the young age of five, he began helping support his mother during his early teens by working for local cattlemen in the Davis area.  Through this work, he developed a deep and lasting passion for livestock, horses, and pasture management—knowledge that would somewhat shape the course of his life.  Alongside his brother Tom, he built and maintained a successful livestock operation for nearly twenty years. Following Tom’s passing in 1988, he continued the work they had started together, carrying on the operation for another two decades.

Acknowledging his civic responsibilities, Bob served on the Arbuckle Memorial Hospital Board, City of Davis Planning Board, as Deacon at the Vinita Ave Church of Christ in Sulphur, Oklahoma and the Food Closet at the Chisholm Trail Church of Christ in Duncan, OK.

Bob was loyal and devoted to the Lord, his wife, son and entire family.  His grandkids were his main passion, and he was adamant to attend all their religious, academic and athletic activities.  He was continually providing encouragement to attain their goals and ambitions as well as celebrating their accomplishments.  His highest honor was their request that he perform both of their baptisms.   

Friendship was deeply important to him—he always wanted the best for those he cared about and showed genuine concern for friends and family facing difficult times.

Those left to cherish and honor Bob’s memory include his wife of 63 years, Anita; son, John Bumgarner and wife Monica of Duncan; grandson, Joshua of Edmond; and granddaughter, Marissa also of Edmond; and many nieces and nephews.  His absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew and loved him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John Stanford and Sue Elizabeth Bumgarner; his brothers, James ‘Jim’ Bumgarner, Tom Bumgarner, Glenn Bumgarner, Ralph Bumgarner, and Dale Bumgarner; sister Evelyn Sulcer; and a nephew, Jim Bumgarner.

To celebrate Bob Jack’s life, visitation will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, at Whitt Funeral home, north of Duncan.  Funeral services will be graveside, held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Green Hill Cemetery in Davis.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.

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