Robert B. Zumwalt

Robert B. Zumwalt, M.D. , 96, died March 29, 2024 in Norman after a brief illness. He was born June 17, 1927 in Vinita, OK., to Virgil Wade and Mabel Catllin Zumwalt.

He grew up in Vinita where his parents operated a grocery store. He graduated from Vinita High School and attended Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee. He joined the Navy and served as an on-ship medic in the final months of World War II. “Bob” appreciated the fellow sailors calling him “Doc” so he decided to pursue a medical degree. After finishing Oklahoma Baptist University he entered and graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

He practiced briefly in Vinita before settling in Tecumseh where he operated a family practice serving Tecumseh and Shawnee residents for many years.

Bob married Martha “Jane” Owens in 1957, and they had one daughter, Robin. In Tecumseh, he was actively involved in the community including service on Pioneer Multi-County Library Board and the Rotary Club. In addition, he served as a faculty member at the OU College of Medicine, supervising physician residents in rural areas of the state. He also was a pilot and performed FAA physicals on individuals seeking a pilot’s license.

Bob married Marilyn Stafford Rieger in 1982. They enjoyed traveling the world, cycling, camping, boating, snow skiing, classical music, painting and retired life in Santa Fe., N.M. They cycled the Oklahoma FreeWheel many times. He enjoyed hiking and skiing difficult trails well into his late 80s. Bob also was a regular in the Park Plaza tennis group.

Bob and Marilyn moved to Norman in 2019 to be closer to family.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Dr. Gerald Zumwalt, and a sister, Patty Wade Zumwalt.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Zumwalt of Norman; daughter, Robin (Dick) Clark, of Cincinnati, OH; Marilyn’s children, Jolene de Verges (George), of Dallas, TX; Elizabeth (Jim) Gossett, of Lansing, N.Y.; John “Andy” Rieger (Karen) of Norman, OK.; Larry (Patty) Rieger of Claremore, OK.; Sharon Rieger (Jan Pavella) of Phoenix, AZ.; and Robert (Oya) Rieger of Lansing, N.Y. ; ten step-grandchildren and seven step-great grandchildren who affectionately called him GrandBob; nephew Kurt Zumwalt and nieces Kristen Zumwalt Woolery and Gretchen Elise Zumwalt.