Bob Lashley lived his very best life. A life filled with laughter, music, sports, beloved family, fulfilling work, cherished friends, and complete devotion to his Lord.
Robert Norris Lashley was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma on November 11, 1951. Bob developed his sense of humor (the Lashleys love to laugh!), his love of sports (especially the New York Yankees), his musical ability, and his quiet humility from the examples of his loving parents, Norris and Jewell. What a wonderful childhood he had: playing baseball, getting into mischief with his brother Steve, spending family time with his many cousins, participating in church activities, and – after his sister Pat entered them (without his knowledge) into a school talent show – making music.
Music gave Bob so much joy in living his very best life. Following in the footsteps of his dad and granddad, Bob, Pat, and Steve formed a family band: the Lashley Trio . Performing all through his high school years at youth rallies, banquets, concerts, and school events, the highlight was performing at the Grand Ole Opry at the legendary Ryman Auditorium. Music gave Bob countless opportunities to perform at his alma mater, Oklahoma Christian College (OCC) as a Pacesetter, Spring Sing host, and original member of the Summer Singers. Over the years, he also performed with various bands including Cheyenne , sang as the weekend performers at Crystal's Pizza, opened for various performing artists, and led singing at church. He took special pleasure in watching that love of music develop in his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
In 1970 as an OCC freshman, Bob could not have dreamed that OCC would play such a huge role in living his very best life. After meeting me at OCC, he graduated and took a job recruiting, planning to stay until I graduated so we could move to Nashville to pursue his music career. But God had different plans! Forty-four years later, Bob had directed 40 First Week Follies, 22 Freshman Fanfares, 18 Parent Orientations, and 12 Spring Sings. Working with Alumni, Development, the golf program, and mentoring countless students developed so many precious relationships that we cherish as our OC family.
Family was Bob's greatest delight in living his best life. We were blessed with Andy and Aubrie who gave us immeasurable joy. He coached Andy's baseball and Aubrie's softball teams, taught Andy's Bible school classes, mentored Aubrie's college singing group, and took so much pride in the godly, compassionate, fun people they have become. When Andy married Summer and Aubrie married Lucas, we loved them as our own children. Bob took special delight in watching his grandchildren develop their passions, from music and theater (Mia) to basketball (Bode) to playing numerous instruments (Henson) to orchestra and all-things creative (Simon). His deep love for his close, extended family of siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins enriched his life. The fun we had with our traveling partners (his sister Pat and her husband Jack) took us all over the world. Over the years, he often said, "How did we get so lucky?"
Finally, Bob's faith and devotion to his Lord and Savior Jesus was the foundation of his life. He was baptized into Christ as a boy, and lived with complete integrity, treating all people with respect and compassion (and some teasing). He served the Memorial Road church of Christ for 38 years as a deacon, taught the young boys' training and Father/Son classes for 35+ years, and partnered in missions with Village of Hope in Ghana. Because we know Bob is now with his Friend, we feel an overwhelming sense of peace in the midst of our sorrow.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to look back on your life and know that your life was full of what you most loved? To know that your life was given to what truly matters? Bob did that! He believed that he could not have had a better life. He is singing with the angels now.
Addendum:
What an immeasurable blessing God gave me to have found the love of my life and been his wife for 49 years! I honor Bob's memory along with his children Andy and his wife Summer, Aubrie and her husband Lucas Ross, as well as his grandchildren: Mia and Bode Lashley and Henson and Simon Ross. His loving siblings include Pat and Jack English, and Steve and Kay Lashley. He is also survived by his father-in-law Charles Williams, in-laws BJ and Dana McMichael, Charles and Lesa Branch as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins and dear friends that he considered family.
Andy, Summer, Aubrie, Lucas, the grandchildren and I would like to extend our deepest thanks to you : our dearest extended family, my prayer sisters, the "cloud of witnesses" of our church family, our OC family, and countless loving friends. You have sustained and humbled us with your support, care, and love.
Because of Bob's deep love for children, for the Lord's church, and for OC, any remembrance of him can be given to the children at Village of Hope (via www.heartbeatforhope.com ), the OC Alumni Office, or Memorial Road Church of Christ Children's Ministry.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 12, 2024 at Memorial Road Church of Christ Edmond, OK.