Robert Edward "Bob" Harsch

1930 - 2025

Robert Edward 'Bob' Harsch
July 28, 1930 – July 23, 2025

Memorial services for Robert Edward "Bob" Harsch, 94, of Van Buren, Ark., were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Sallisaw, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.
Bob was born on July 28, 1930, in New Florence, Mo., to Mary Katherine (Hensley) Harsch Smith Stark and Robert Oscar Harsch and passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 in Alma, Ark.
He was married to Florence Velma (Nicholson) Harsch on Jan. 19, 1951, in Fort Peck, Mont. She preceded him in death on March 23, 2018.
Bob was raised in Spokane, Wash., and Fort Peck. He served his country in the Naval Reserve for eight years. He was a Union Construction worker and was the Piping Superintendent for Gunther, Shirley Lane Co. in California, an exclusive hydroelectric specialty company. He worked in Montana, Washington, Ohio, California, Nevada, Utah, American Samoa, and then moved to Sallisaw in 1968. After completion of his job on Kerr Dam, he decided to stay in Sallisaw. In 1987, Bob retired from the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 29 in Fort Smith, Ark. He went into business for himself, Rocking H Welding and Fence Co., and also raised cattle at his home on Dwight Mission Road. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, golf, etc. He was also an avid RV'er!
Survivors are one daughter, Mary Patrice Braun and Larry of Claremore; one son, James Michael Harsch and Rita of Van Buren; nine grandchildren, Christopher Cheek and Ginger of Broken Arrow, Lisa Scudder and Kenneth of Tulsa, Nicholas Halpern and Hannah of Rogers, Ark., Philip Halpern and Karley of Wichita, Kan., Jennifer Boozer and David of Sherwood, Ark., Brian Hawk of Charleston, Ark., Marla Gragg and Austin of Roland, Lauren Braun of Tulsa and Jordan Braun of Owasso; 13 great-grandchildren, Pip Cheek of Broken Arrow, Dylan Harsch and Alyssa Harsch both of Sherwood, Ayden Gragg and Aubriana Gragg both of Roland, Micah Halpern, Annie Halpern, and Emmett Halpern all of Rogers, Myers Halpern of Wichita, Hadley Blaylock of Owasso and Carson Scudder, Colton Scudder and Caitlyn Scudder all of Tulsa; one sister, Betty Jean Ray of Spokane; and several other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one son, Robert Harsch; one grandson, Ryan Harsch; one sister, Ruthie Hensley; and one brother, Kenny Smith.