Robert F. “Bob” Read, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2011, in the Drumright Nursing Home at the age of 91 years.
The son of the late Ezra and Bess Thom Read, Bob was born on July 22, 1920 in Cushing, and was raised and educated here, graduate of Cushing High School in the class, 1937. He received a Bachelors Degree from East Central University in 1942, later receiving his Masters from Oklahoma A & M.
He was united in marriage to Mazie Cox and to this union one son, Robert Read, Jr., was born.
Bob’s first job was serving as lifeguard at Clearlake. He set pins at the Bowling Alley on Broadway, and joined the Army in 1942 serving with the 103rd Reinforcement Battalion in France during the Battle of the Bulge. He was a school teacher, basketball coach and principal at Schlegel, and also taught, coached and was principal at Hillside School retiring in 1981 as Assistant Superintendent of Cushing Public Schools.
During his employment he opened Cimarron Railroad Museum which was housed in the Yale Sante Fe Depot, later moving it to Cushing. He also helped Mazie with the opening of the Friday Store in 1970.
Bob was a member of the First Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ); a member of the Cushing Masonic Blue Lodge #111 and a 32nd Degree Mason. In 2006 he was inducted to the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame.
Bob is survived by many friends, rail fans, former basketball players, students and many loving Sojourn Hospice care staff.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Mazie; son Bobby; a cousin Roger McCrackin and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 29, 2011 at 10 A.M. in the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), with Reverend Larry Haney and Pastor Kevin Clouse, officiating.
Serving as casket bearers will be Mike Harris, Ken Alcorn, John Alcorn, Gilbert Patterson, Rick Reiley and Woody Morehouse.
Serving as honorary casket bearers will be his girl’s basketball alumni members.
Burial will follow in the New Zion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sojourn Hospice, in his memory.
You may share your condolences with the Read family at www.davisfh.net.
Services are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home.
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