Bob L. Kuykendall

We gather today to celebrate the life of Bob Kuykendall. To try to sum up Bob's life in words is no easy task. Because to know Bob wasn't just to know a man-it was to know a force. A presence. A spirit you didn't forget.
Bob spent over 70 years married to his love, Ann. They met at the University of Oklahoma in 1950, married in 1951 and dedicated the rest of their years to their partnership with laughter, and many wild adventures. Together they traveled the world, won many Tennessee walking horse championships, and survived float trips with friends that most of us wouldn't have braved in our twenties. They were a team in every sense of the word-witnesses to each other's lives, co-conspirators, soulmates.
As a father, Bob set the tone with strength, and a sense of responsibility. And then came the grandkids-four at first, with whom he was, let's just say, firm. Rules were rules. Respect was earned. Everyone knew Bob wasn't a man who was afraid to spank "He-Man" aka Robert.
And playing cards, well that was serious business. Kaitlin remembers using money she earned cleaning to sit down at a poker table with Gaga. Not only did Bob beat her and take her cash-he handed over the deck and said, "Deal, loser." That was Bob-tough, sharp wit, and a glint in his eye that let you know he was loving every second of it.
But, years later, something changed. Or rather, someone changed things. When Grace came along-twelve years after the original four-Bob's tough exterior melted a bit. Suddenly, he was referring to Grace as "the boss" - letting her make BIG decisions like what Nanny would make for breakfast. No one else could ever have been Gaga's boss. But Grace was the exception. The way he doted on her reminded us all that even the strongest hearts can be softened by the smallest hands.
Bob was a businessman, and proudly participated in the family business of Kuykendall Pontiac, here in Muskogee, for about 50 years. He loved the art of the deal-not just for the thrill of the sale, but because he took pride in helping people find cars they loved. He was sharp, savvy, and always knew how to close with a smile. His work wasn't just a job-it was a craft. One he approached with purpose, pride, and a handshake that always meant something.
Bob was a man of many talents-some more mysterious than others. Every Thanksgiving, he would make his famous smoked turkey, a recipe he guarded like Fort Knox. Many of us in this room have had that famous Turkey. But, none of us ever did find out what was in that magical brine. Of course there were also the Bloody Marys, my personal favorite- bold, spicy, perfectly made-the way only Bob could make them.
The grandkids remember Gaga dabbling in distilling, too-they'd say his moonshine was legendary. Not necessarily for its smoothness, but for its strength. Nanny referred to it as battery acid, and no one dared challenge that description.
Beyond his family, Bob held deep friendships that spanned decades. Friends like Coleman Fight and many others were constants in his life. These were not surface friendships. They were built on shared experiences, mutual respect, and the kind of loyalty that lasts a lifetime.
Bob Kuykendall lived life fully-on his terms, with his people. He taught us how to work hard, play harder, and take your turkey secrets to the grave if that's what it takes. He showed us that being strong and loving are not opposites-they're partners. And he reminded us that no matter how tough you are, there's always room to call someone "the boss."
Rest easy, Bob. The cards are shuffled, the turkey is smoking somewhere, and we'll be telling your stories for the rest of our lives.