Bobby Ray Jantz

LTC Bobby Ray Jantz, Ret. was born July 9, 1934 in Anadarko, Oklahoma to Raymond and Ethel (Mears) Jantz. He completed his earthly journey on Saturday, June 4, 2022, in Duncan. He was 87.

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, June 8, between 5:30-7:00 P.M. at Whitt Funeral Home. Services are planned for Thursday, June 9, at 10:00 A.M. in the Whitt Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tracy Jantz, The Assembly of Warner Robins in Bryon, Georgia, officiating with Bro. Billy Morgan, Freedom Biker Church, assisting. A live stream of the chapel service will be available by visiting his obituary at www.whittfh.com. Serving as pallbearers will be Keith Jantz, Steve Jantz, Cody Kaiser, Davy Gregston, Tracy Jantz, and Brent Katzer. Honorary pallbearers will be Les Blalock, Danny Marler, Butch Watts, Guy Harlow, Jerry Emerson, Clark Mitchell, Dan Neal, Jerry Bailey, Tim Burns, Judy Garland, John C. Hendrickson, and Jeff Byrne. Military honors will be presented by the Stephens County Honor Guard and the Patriot Guard Riders. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Whitt Funeral Home.

Bob graduated with the Class of 1954 of Anadarko High School. He married the love of his life, Verna Jean Patterson, on June 11, 1955 in Anadarko. Their family was completed with the birth of their children - Cindy, Keith and Steve.

He joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1957. He was inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame on August 19, 2001. His plaque reads: LTC Jantz graduated from the Oklahoma National Guard Officer Candidate School Class #4 on 24 April 1960. His first duty assignment was as a 13E Forward Observer for HHS 2nd Battalion, 171 Field Artillery where he served as Assistant Battalion Communication Officer, Liaison Officer and Battery Commander. He was Liaison Officer for HHB 45 Field Artillery Group in Enid, Oklahoma. Battery Commander, Battery B 1st Battalion, 156 Field Artillery Group at Duncan, Oklahoma. He was Battalion Intelligence Officer, Training Officer and Executive Officer of HQ 1st Battalion, 158 Field Artillery at Lawton, Oklahoma. He was Battalion Acquisition Battalion, 171 Field Artillery, Altus, Oklahoma. He was Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion, 171st Field Artillery at Altus. He was Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion, 171st Field Artillery when the unit reorganized to 8" Self Propelled. During his career, LTC Jantz distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding service and achievements. He retired in 1994 with 24 years of service.

Bob was employed at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation as a Construction Engineer for 30 years before his retirement in 1984.

Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years, Verna Jean Jantz; children: Cindy Kaiser of Duncan, Keith Jantz of Los Angeles, and Steve Jantz and wife Kim of Oklahoma City; grandchildren: Renea and husband Davy Gregston of Duncan, Cody and wife Kaylee Kaiser of Duncan, Elizabeth Jantz and Kristen Jantz of Oklahoma City; great grandchildren: Hunter and Bo Gregston, Emma, Piper, and Braxton Kaiser; brother, Eddie and wife Cassia Jantz of San Marcos, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill Jantz; son-in-law, Mike Kaiser; and twin great granddaughters, Harlow and Harper Kaiser.

The family wishes to thank the employees of Country Club Care and Complete Hospice Care for the wonderful care they took of Bob.

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





 

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