Robert George Herod

Robert George Herod, 85, passed away on September 24, 2016 in Tulsa, OK. Bob was born on September 26, 1930 on a farm outside Walnut, KS to James and Marjorie Herod, who preceded him in death along with his brother, Jon Herod. He lived and worked on the same farm during the Depression and the World War II years. Graduating from Walnut High School in 1948, Bob was a top student academically, as well as senior class president and captain of the basketball team. During the summers, he worked as a “Gandy Dancer” on the MKT Railroad to save money for college. He began his college career at Pittsburg State College at Pittsburg, KS, before transferring to Oklahoma A & M College in Stillwater, OK. During his college years at what is now OSU, he was a member of the student chapter of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers and was elected President of the honorary IE society, Alpha Pi Mu. He graduated with honors from Oklahoma A & M in May, 1952, with a BS degree in Industrial Engineering and Management. After graduation, Bob moved to Tulsa where he was employed by Patterson Steel Co. and became the Shop Superintendent. While in Tulsa he was a charter member of the Tulsa Chapter of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers. He was also active in the Tulsa Manufacturers Club and the American Welding Society. In 1964 Bob became a Registered Professional Engineer in Oklahoma. Bob married Odena Willis in July 1955. After 49 years of marriage, Odena was lost to cancer on February 5, 2005. In Tulsa two sons were born; Steve in 1959 and Jim in 1961. The family left Tulsa in 1969 and moved to Perry, OK, where he was hired by The Charles Machine Works as a Manufacturing Project Engineer and Plant Engineer. In 1981 became Manager of Industrial Engineering Dept. Responsibilities included environmental and OSHA compliance among other things. Charles Machine Works is the manufacturer of the Ditch Witch line of underground construction equipment. In 1989, Bob was appointed to the Oklahoma Air Quality Council by then Governor Henry Bellmon. He also served on the Solid Waste Management subcommittee of the Oklahoma Environmental Concerns Council. While in Perry he was a member and President of the Perry Memorial Hospital Board and Chairman of the Building Committee during a remodeling and expansion. He belonged to the Perry Toastmasters Club, the Perry Tip-ln Club, the Perry PTA and the Perry Lions Club. He also served as a Deacon, Trustee, and Elder in the Perry First Presbyterian Church. He coached Little League Baseball and managed the Perry American Legion baseball team that won the state championship in 1978. In the 1980’s and 90’s he and Dena were active in the Oklahoma Community Theatre Association going to numerous state, regional, and national community theatre festivals. Bob became president of the Perry Stagecoach Community Theatre. He served on the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Community Theatre Association and was elected as President of the organization from 1994 to 1996. Bob retired from Ditch Witch in December 1990 and three years later, the Herod’s returned to Tulsa. During his retirement the family traveled extensively in the US, Canada, British Isles, and Europe. In 1993, Bob joined the Philcrest Hills Tennis Club in Tulsa to continue his enjoyment of the game and became a valued doubles player. He actively participated in the sport until his death. Bob was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa, and the Mariners Sunday School class. More than anything, Bob loved his family and enjoyed his time with his grandchildren. He loved sports and was an avid OSU fan his entire adult life. In 2007, he married Sandra Edmunds who survives him. They had nine wonderful years together full of love, laughter and happiness. It is a blessing that they found each other late in life. In addition to his sons, Steve and Jim, he is survived by daughters in law, Steve’s wife, Lorie and their two daughters, Meredith and Morgan of Houston, TX and Jim’s wife, Debbie and their two children, Christen Johnson of Portland, OR and Andrew of Perry, OK. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. His extended family includes Sandy’s three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 709 S. Boston Avenue in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.

Robert George Herod

September 26, 1930 - September 24, 2016