Funeral service for Robert Truman Whitlock, Sr. will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 3, 2016, in the First Baptist Church, Fletcher, with Dr. David Whitlock and Rev. Rodney Campbell officiating.

Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Apache, under the direction of the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home of Fletcher.

Robert Truman Whitlock, Sr., age 91, Fletcher, passed away Monday, February 29, 2016 in Lawton. He was born February 18, 1925, the last of eleven children in Grandfield, Oklahoma, to A.F. and Tenna Belle (Edwards) Whitlock. Being the son of a Baptist pastor he lived in Olustee, Butler, Hinton and Eldorado, Oklahoma. He also lived much of his life in Fletcher with his sister and her husband, Kenneth and Byrcha Harrel.

In 1943, at the age of 18, prior to finishing high school, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was a veteran of World War II. He trained for two months at Camp Adair, Oregon, before being deployed. He was sent to North Africa and then to Italy for the remainder of the war. He served in the 5th Army, 91st Infantry Division, which was involved in some of the fiercest fighting during the war. His unit was involved in the following battles and campaigns: Rome-Arno, Po Valley, North Apennines and GO40 WD 45. His awards and decorations include EAME Theater Ribbon with three bronze service stars, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, World War II Victory Ribbon, Distinguished Unit Badge and the Sharpshooter rifle badge. He was wounded three times and airlifted to an Army hospital in Rome. Following the liberation of Europe he was honorably discharged at the end of the war and returned to Fletcher to complete high school, graduating in 1946

He and the former Peggy Yates were married at Fletcher on August 3, 1946. He graduated from Cameron Junior College in 1948 and attended Oklahoma A&M University until 1950 at which time he joined the U.S. Postal Service in Ponca City, Oklahoma, where he served more than 30 years.

The family lived in Ponca City from 1950 to 1981 where their children were both born, grew up and married. Following his retirement Bob and Peggy returned to Fletcher where they have been since retirement.

Bob accepted Christ as his savior at an early age. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fletcher, American Legion Post 306 and a lifetime member of the VFW and the Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, gardening, keeping a pretty yard, reading and watching movies. He was a fan of Oklahoma State University basketball, wrestling and football. He especially enjoyed his family and was loyal to all members of his family. He was a great husband, father, granddaddy, Granny Bob and Granddaddy Bob. Whatever life's circumstances he persevered with dignity and strength.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Peggy; his son, Robert Truman Whitlock, Jr., Fletcher; his son in law, Lee Valentine, Houston, Texas; three granddaughters and their spouses, Courtney and Lance Hays, Nacogdoches, Texas, Anna Grace and Cody Sullivan, Elgin and Miriam and Michael Marlin, Oklahoma City; nine great grandchildren, Asher Kendall, Jackson Hays, Avery Hays, Gracilyn Hays, Samuel Marlin, Liam Marlin, Lucy Jewel Marlin, Cecilia Sullivan and Jude Whitlock Sullivan; his brother, Harold Whitlock, Moore, Oklahoma; his sister, Mary Ottinger, Fletcher, Oklahoma.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his daughter, Janet Valentine; three brothers, L.D., Roy and Frank, five sisters, Ruby Constant, Bonnie Maddox Autry, Byrcha Harrel, Mabel Keen and Gladys Colclasure.

The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Robert E. Jones, Dr. Clint Kirk and the Lawton-Fort Sill VA Nursing Center for all of their outstanding care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Fletcher.