Robert James Pike's Obituary
Robert Pike Obituary
Born June 2, 1939, in Bethany, Oklahoma, Bob was adopted and raised by Richard Irving Pike and Patricia (Rancipher) Pike. Growing up in Tulsa, Bob would attend and become a graduate of Marquette High School.
Bob’s first interest was a fascination with cars. It seemed he inherited this love from his dad and could not wait to get a car of his own. His eyes were set on buying his dad’s pea green 1953 Plymouth. To begin saving, Bob became employed with Safeway at the age of 15. Since that point and time, there have been a steady stream of cars and trucks throughout Bob’s lifetime. His memories seemed to always relate to the car or truck he was driving at the time.
Following high school, Bob entered Seminary. It was determined, after a good ol college try, that he was not priesthood material. This certainly opened the door for Bob to meet Martha “Martie” Delaloye at a church gathering a few years later. The two hit it off, but Bob was a little bit overwhelmed by the size and energy of the Delaloye family - being raised in a small family. This would not hinder Bob too much though as he and Martie married, in 1967, and spent the next 55 years together – building a wonderful family of their own.
Supporting his family, with a 45-year career in the newspaper industry, Bob was employed by the Newspaper Printing Corporation of Tulsa. He eventually served as district manager. Bob was quite proud when he hired the first female newspaper carrier in Tulsa. It seemed this move fit in with Bob’s personality as he was always on the cutting edge and was a bit of a trend setter.
These characteristics could also be seen at home where his creativity led him to build beautiful ponds and gardens. He and Martie were some of the first members of the Tulsa Water Garden Society and once again ahead of their time. They were hardscaping before hardscaping was a thing! Other trend setting endeavors, that Bob believed he led, included buying a BMW in 1972. Most people thought a BMW was only a motorcycle and were surprised to see him pull up in an automobile. In 1976, Bob wanted ceiling fans installed throughout his house. Very few people had ceiling fans then – now everyone does! Bob also started wearing western clothes before that was ‘cool’ and credits himself for influencing the now more than accepted attire. A trend no one would want to follow, Bob was also snake bitten twice in less than 24 hours. To make matters worse, he had traveled at least 40 miles from the location of the first occurrence earlier that day!
Other activities that Bob enjoyed included woodworking, going to car shows and going to the lake where he would boat, fish, and camp with his family. There was also a time that he worked with OK Fireworks and would bring plenty home for his family and friends to enjoy. Indeed, he would have quite the neighborhood display ready for the 4th of July!
Bob was always well stocked on his Guinness beer and, although described as quiet, was ready to share a drink and a story with a family member or close friend. He liked to tell the same jokes and stories, over and over. So much so that the family began to tease him and number them.
Bob was a man of faith and was a long-time member of St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church in Bixby. His devotion to all that he deemed important will certainly be missed. His family and friends will undoubtedly miss his presence.
Bob passed away on May 3, 2022 in Broken Arrow. He was 82.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by: his loving wife, Martha “Martie” Pike; daughter, Theresa Curry and her husband, Don; son, Robert Pike; grandchildren: Joshua Curry and his wife, Eryn and Benjamin Curry. He is also survived by a step-sister, Arlene Rochau along with numerous in-laws, whom he dearly loved.
Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma, 2450 N. Harvard Ave, Tulsa, OK 74115 or to St. Clement of Rome Outreach Ministry, 15501 S Memorial Dr, Bixby, OK 74008.
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