A visitation for Robert Eugene Powell will be held today from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the Tushka Baptist Church, 202 NE 2nd St, Atoka, OK. Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., tomorrow, also at the Tushka Baptist Church officiated by Pastor Mark Powell and Dennis Powell. Interment will follow in the Tushka Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army.
Robert Eugene Powell, a true cowboy at heart, took his final ride into the sunset on December 13, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, leaving behind a legacy filled with laughter, love, and a touch of cowboy charm and wisdom. Born at home at the end of Community Chapel Road on June 22, 1946, in Tushka, Oklahoma. his beloved home state.
A high school graduate from Tushka High in 1965, Robert wore many hats throughout his life quite literally, including a 1st Cavalry hat that was as much a part of him as his friendly smile.
He built structures as a construction worker for Bob Christie and Big Bear Construction, sliced and diced as a butcher at Powell’s Processing with his brother James, got down and dirty in the oil fields of Western Oklahoma, and lived the life of a true cowboy as a ranch foreman of the Cheek Ranch in Yukon, OK for over 20 years. His service in the US Army’s 1st Cavalry in Vietnam from 1966-67 for 21 months showcased the bravery and resilience that would define his character. Robert had a lifelong love for reading, especially Louis L’Amour books that were scattered throughout his house and his truck. If he wasn’t reading a western, he was watching a western.
Robert was loving, friendly, and as handy as they come. He never met a stranger. Need something fixed? Robert was your man. There was nothing that duct tape, bailing wire and his sense of determination couldn’t fix! His sense of humor was as legendary as his storytelling. Robert was the embodiment of a true cowboy because his work ethic stretched further than the Oklahoma horizon. He also carried on his endless pursuit of good food and good homemade ice cream.
Robert’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, faith, and family. He instilled in his sons and grandchildren the importance of integrity and the joy of life’s simple pleasures, like enjoying God’s creation in Colorado or Alaska or spending hours watching his grandchildren play ball, a pastime that brought him immense joy.
Left to cherish his memory and tell Robert’s story are his sons, Mark and his wife Stephanie of Jenks, and Scott and daughter-in-law Lorna of Butler. Those who called him Papa were his grandchildren, Lexie (and Dylon Kupka), Kodie (and Brett Price), Ty Howell (and Kayleah), Tucker Powell (and Chaley) Clint Powell, and Easton Powell. His greatgrandchildren, Oaklynn, Brodie, Bryn, Huntlee, Boston, Laurelai, Bauer D., and Weston will grow up hearing tales of their great-grandpa’s legendary exploits.
Robert’s siblings, Milford with wife Barbara Powell of Tushka, and sister Vonnie Noak alongside husband Bill of Enid, OK, will miss his hearty laugh and easygoing nature. Robert also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends scattered across the state who will also feel his absence.
Robert is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Gladys whom he married on December 27, 1966. Also, his parents Lester and Leona Powell as well as 7 of his 10 siblings: Jack Powell, Leo Powell, Helen Hair, Dorothy Partain, Mary Lou Powell, Mildred Pitts and James Powell.
His was a life welllived, full of love, laughter, and the kind of wisdom that only a life spent close to nature can impart. Happy trails, Robert — your legacy will continue to ride on in the hearts of those you’ve touched.
“The place a man leaves is in the hearts of those he leaves behind, and in his work” – Louis L’Amour – Sackett’s Land In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a memorial contribution be made to: Tushka Alumni Association 195 NE 2nd Street Atoka, OK 74525