Robert L. Pike was born on February 25,1945 and passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024, in Edmond, Oklahoma. He grew up in Norwich, N.Y. After graduating from South New Berlin High School in 1962, he attended Union College in Schenectady, NY. Robert was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He received his Bachelor of Arts in 1967 and in 1978 he received his Master of Business Administration from Boston University while serving in the United States Air Force.
Robert grew up in a small farming community. His first school experience was in a one room school. When he said that he had to milk the cows before and after school, that was an accurate statement. His chores around the farm taught Robert about hard work and perseverance. After college graduation, the summer of 1967 was a time of decisions because of the Vietnam War. Robert took a summer job at Montgomery Wards, while awaiting an ROTC acceptance letter from the Air Force. It was there his future wife caught sight of him. During their first conversation, Robert was embarrassed when he thought she had just graduated from high school rather than college. So, he asked for her phone number. They married on June 29, 1968.
His United States Air Force career took them to many wonderful assignments. He had the honor of serving with the USAF/RAF Exchange Program at RRH Buchan near Peterhead, Scotland for two years. After a tour in the States, it was back to Europe. This time it was with the German Air Force. It was the 616 th AC and W Squadron Wasserkupppe, West Germany and then to Ramstein Air Base, Headquarters of the USAF in Europe. Upon return to the States, Robert was the commander of the 82 Tactical Control Flight, Holloman Air Force Base, NM. His last assignment was with the 964 AWACS at Tinker Air Force Base. Major Pike served his country for 20 years.
The family decided to stay in Oklahoma, and he went to work for Boeing for almost 18 years. During Robert's retirement he was a docent at the Oklahoma City Zoo, worked as a clerk for the County Election Board, and was a dedicated blood donor. His greatest joy was spending time with his daughters' families and his grandchildren. He also cherished his Thanksgiving trips to his sister's home in Ohio.
Robert is preceded in death by his mother Florence Burlingame Pike Biviano, his father Harry Lloyd Pike, and his younger brother Donald Pike. He is survived by his wife Judith Ann Hall Pike; daughter Jennifer and husband Martin Kurtz, and granddaughters Ella and Lucy Anne, and grandson Bennett; daughter Stephanie Pike and grandson Dylan McNicol. He is also survived by his sister Claudia Burghard and husband Edward, and his sister Marlyn Morey, four nephews, and his sister-in-law Barbara Pike and niece Amanda Pike in South Carolina. He also has an uncle, two aunts, and many cousins.
The family will celebrate his life at a gathering in December and Robert will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In his memory donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.