Bobby James 'Bob' Pettis and Barbara Jean Pettis died Monday, June 30th, 2014, in Holdenville, Oklahoma - Barbara passed early in the morning, and Bob joined her later that evening. A joint memorial service to celebrate their lives will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2nd at Calvary Baptist Church, 622 South Hinckley in Holdenville. They were long-time members of Calvary, where Bob served as a deacon, song leader and Sunday School teacher. Barbara, an accomplished musician, was a pianist and organist, also serving as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher.

Barbara was born on May 7, 1932 in Kansas City, Missouri to James Benjamin Pendleton and TV Case, husband and wife. Barbara was the youngest of three siblings to sister Teevie Eileen and big brother James Benjamin. While still very young, the family moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Exceptionally gifted and talented, Barbara graduated from College High School in 1949 just after turning 17, due to being passed from the 3rd grade straight to the 5th grade. She then attended Oklahoma A&M College in Stillwater where she met Bob, who turned out to be the love of her life.

Bob was brought into this world at Carter Camp in Cromwell, Oklahoma on August 23, 1928, son of James Dowe "J.D." Pettis and Opal Pluma "Mom Jean" Buchanan, husband and wife. After his parents divorced, J.D. had the great fortune to meet and marry Loris "Mimi" Wood nee Burt. From that union, Bob got his BIG little brother, Joe Burt Pettis. Bob grew up in Cromwell, graduating from high school in May, 1945, just as World War II came to an end. Immediately after the graduation ceremony, Bob and several of his buddies piled in a car, drove to the nearest recruiter, and signed up. He served two years in the Army, much of it in war-torn France and Germany, before his honorable discharge as Corporal. He then enrolled at Oklahoma A&M, attending on the GI Bill. Of course, it was there that he met Barbara Jean, who became the love of his life.

Bob 'n' Barbara were married nearly 63 years. After Bob obtained his bachelor's degree in vocational agriculture, they tied the knot in Bartlesvillle on September 1, 1951. Except for a late honeymoon in Acapulco, they lived in southwest and west Texas several years, where Bob worked in the oil field before settling in as an oil scout. Barbara worked, too, until giving birth to their first child, Clay, in 1954 while they were in Pecos. From Pecos, they went to Sanderson, and then on to Midland, Texas, where Jim Cole was born almost two years after Clay. The family was not, however, through growing. Bob's favorite daughter Leslie (it mattered not that she was his only daughter) came into the world a little over two years after Jim Cole. All Bob and Barbara's children survive them with the exception of little Jay Don, who died during birth in 1961.

Barbara was a stay-at-home mom until her kids reached their teens. She then finished her degree at East Central State and became an elementary school teacher. She taught at Butner, Skiatook and Wann before retiring in the early 1990's. When Barbara began teaching, Bob decided he wanted to start teaching, too. Even though he already had a bachelor's degree, he had to go back to college for one year to update some credits, which he did at O.S.U. Thereafter, he taught Vo-Ag at Sperry, Copan and Wann, before also retiring in the early 1990's.

Barbara was an accomplished pianist and devoted homebody. She loved playing the piano. A very talented artist, she also read books nearly every day. Bob, on the other hand, loved horses. He was a very experienced horseman. He had a keen eye for horseflesh and a vast knowledge of pedigrees. He taught equine studies for some time as an adjunct professor at Coffeyville Junior College. Even more than horses, though, Bob loved people. He never met a stranger.

Shortly after retiring, Clay suggested Bob 'n' Barbara move to Holdenville. They did and soon fell in love with Holdenville. They bought 40 acres just north of town and built their dream home where Bob kept and raised high-bred registered quarter horses until recently. Barbara, on the other hand, kept and raised their kitten she named "Bunny". The fact is, though, that their adopted church is one of the main reasons they fell in love with Holdenville. Yes, Calvary Baptist became their church family, and they loved every precious second spent serving their Lord and Savior through and with their church.

And last of all, but certainly not last in their hearts, Bob 'n' Barbara loved and enjoyed their family without bounds, qualifications, or reservations. Their love for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was unconditional and limitless.

Bob 'n' Barbara are survived by their daughter Leslie Neeley and her husband Orville, son Jim Cole Pettis, and son Clay Pettis and his wife, Jana. They also leave behind many grandkids: Vandy Stone and husband Corey; Bri Ozment and husband Jimmo; Lindsay Pettis; James Pettis; Nikki Neeley; Trey Neeley; Stephen Neeley; Travis Neeley; Jamie Pettis; Angela Kitsmiller and husband Austin; and William Cole Pettis. Great Grandkids are Tevar, Bobby James, Polly Pat, Jeannie Me and Litton. Little Heston is expected to arrive in a week to ten days.

Barbara's mother and father preceded her in death as did her big sister, Teevie Eileen Welch. Barbara is survived by big brother James "Uncle Jim" Pendleton and his wife, Dora Mae. Bob's mother and father also predeceased him. His BIG little brother Joe Burt Pettis survives, along with his wife, Kay.