Robert Dan Killebrew

Robert Dan Killebrew, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, builder, and farmer, entered into his eternal reward on January 12, 2026, at the age of eighty-eight, in Altus, Oklahoma. He passed peacefully, surrounded by the love that he so freely gave throughout his remarkable life. He was born on April 19, 1937 to Thomas and Kaye Barnett-Killebrew, where his legendary work ethic and boundless creativity were first nurtured. During these early years Robert's twin sister, Roberta Ann, was tragically killed in an accidental fire at the age of seven. This loss had a significant impact on Robert his entire life
From his youth on the dairy farm, delivering raw milk to the local residents, Robert learned to work hard at a young age. He was a gifted musician, finding joy in barbershop quartet singing with his brothers in the Killebrew Quartet and mastering the trumpet. His artistic ability also expressed itself through a lifelong passion for drawing, sketching, and music.
A 1957 graduate of Tipton High School, Robert pursued education, eventually earning a master's degree in education. He attended Central State University and Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He completed coursework at Oklahoma State University as a grad student. During his college years, his stories from working at Baggerly Funeral Home and driving an ambulance while he was in college became treasured by his family.
On September 1, 1957, Robert married the love of his life, Linda Gay Dunlap. Their union was a beautiful testament to a friendship and faith that began side-by-side in church pews as children and flourished into a partnership filled with deep love, and unwavering devotion to family.
Robert's career as a carpentry teacher at Altus High School, under Clifford Peterson, was a ministry in itself. He shaped young men, teaching them not only the craft of building homes, but also integrity, hard work, and pride in a job well done. Under his guidance, students built homes throughout Altus in English Village, Heritage Estates, Lakeside, and along Tyler Street. He lived his philosophy, building a home, living in it, then selling it to begin anew, always teaching, always creating.
Robert championed progress in his community. He advocated for a vocational technical school in Altus, pioneered Roundup Ready cotton in Jackson County, and implemented advanced irrigation techniques. His spirit of adventure led him and Linda to earn their pilot's licenses, flying a Beechcraft Sundowner, a passion he funded by driving a school bus for Altus Public Schools.
He served as a board member for Quartz Mountain Christian Camp and as a longtime elder at the Thomas Street Church of Christ. For years, he and Linda developed Halloween and Holiday events for the community.
Above all, Robert was a man of steadfast and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, which was the foundation of his life. His faith was the cornerstone of their marriage, the compass for his life. He built his family on the foundation of Christ and His love.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Kaye Killebrew; his twin sister, Roberta Killebrew; his sister, Jane Vaughn; his brother, Jack Killebrew; and his grandson, Chris Brown.
He is survived on this earth by his wife of 68 years, Linda Killebrew; his son, Larry Killebrew and wife Beverly; their children, Sarah Hallsted and husband Thomas, and Amanda Killebrew; his daughter Sharon Brown and husband Jim; their children Jeff Brown and wife Sara, Daniel Brown, Caleb Brown and wife Tori; and great-grandchildren Lily Hallsted, Carson Hallsted, Ryder Killebrew, TesaFaith Smith, Nora Smith, Charlie Jackson, Kaitlyn Brown, Cara Brown, Liam Brown, Emma Brown, and Hayden Vila; his brothers, Sam Killebrew and wife Lois, and Tom Killebrew and wife Sandy He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, his church family, and countless friends.
Robert was a true visionary, an educator at heart. A faithful servant of his Lord and Savior, he marveled at God's creation and dedicated his life to lifting others up and helping people find success in their lives. His life was a blessing to all who knew him.
The Killebrew / Brown family will receive guests at Lowell Tims Funeral Home from 5 to 7 PM Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Funeral services will be at 2 PM Friday, January 16, 2026, at Lowell Tims Funeral Home in Altus Oklahoma with son, Larry Killebrew and son-in-law Jim Brown officiating. Robert will be laid to rest at Tipton cemetery with Jeff, Daniel, Caleb, Tom, Carson and Ryder serving as pallbearers.