Bob Hines

Bob Milton Hines, 90, of Norman, Oklahoma, departed this earth at home on November 14, 2023. Known for his unwavering devotion to family and genuine friendships, Bob’s final moments were spent discussing his third greatest love: the game of golf.

Born on March 27, 1933, in Mountain View, Oklahoma, to Parker and Goldie Hines, Bob was a 13-pound bundle of joy. He was doted upon by his three much older sisters. Raised in Anadarko, Oklahoma, he was a standout athlete in both baseball and football and served as Student Council President. After graduation, Bob attended the University of Oklahoma on a vocal scholarship. In 1953, he was drafted into the U.S. Military, where he served as a Supply Sergeant during the Korean War until his honorable release in May of 1955.

Upon his return to Anadarko, a 6ft 2 Bob locked eyes across a crowded diner with a vivacious 5ft 1 local girl named Joan. This chance encounter marked the beginning of a 66-year love story (and to be fair, a spirited/ongoing battle of the sexes) that culminated in their marriage on August 17, 1956. In March of 1960, the couple completed their family with the birth of their beloved daughter, Tracey Leigh.

Bob was a hard worker and dedicated provider, serving as an Operator at Public Service of Oklahoma for nearly a decade and as Chief System Analyst at Western Farmers Electric Co-Op for over 30 years. His unwavering commitment to his work and family left a lasting impression on his co-workers and community.

In 1993, Bob and Joan moved to Norman to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. While the move was initially difficult for Bob, this all changed when he found his second home at Westwood Golf Course. An avid sportsmen and skilled golfer, Bob soon became Head Marshal and spent the next 25 years building enduring friendships and meaningful connections within his newfound community. In addition to golf, Bob also enjoyed watching OU sporting events. He and Joan attended services at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, where they met many people from different walks of life and embraced them as family, especially their dear friends Steve and Eddie who were like the sons they never had.

Above all else, Bob was a dedicated family man. He was a kind and gentle father, sharing an unshakable bond with his daughter that persisted until the very end. As “Poppa” to his trio of grandchildren, he was dependable, generous, and playful (renowned for the inventive and nonsensical nicknames he routinely bestowed upon each of them). Bob taught his grandchildren many lessons over the years, but his greatest hits include how to drive a car, how to take a joke, and how to properly shake a hand. In 2016, Bob became a great-grandfather. Convinced the eldest was a D1-bound multi-sport athlete and the youngest hung the moon, Bob cherished every single moment he had with his girls and would let just about anyone he met know it.

Bob was many things to many people. But if you remember only one thing about him, remember that he was a man that loved his people, fiercely. And if you remember a couple more, remember that he had a smile that was contagious and one helluva backswing!

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Parker Hines, his mother, Goldie Hines; three sisters, Juanita Noland, Betty Price, and Beula Townsend; and his infant son, James Scott. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Hines; daughter and son-in-law, Tracey and Mitchell Blackburn; three grandchildren, Lindsey Blackburn-Hale and spouse, Jeremy Hale; Jordan Horn and spouse, Zach Horn; and Parker Blackburn; and two great-grandchildren, Ellington Horn and Murphy Horn.

The family would like to thank Dr. Tom Merrill for his kindness and wit in caring for Bob. The family would also like to thank the crew at Westwood Golf for their continued devotion to Bob even after his retirement.

A private family service will be held at a later date. The family requests that donations be made to Westwood Park Golf Course, Attn: Rick Parish, or St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church of Norman, OK.