Robert (Bob) Lawrence McAnally stepped into eternal glory on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at the age of 94. He was born on July 9, 1925 in Hydro, OK.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Floy Quinelle (Nell) McAnally and four daughters: Danita Bynum and husband, Gregg, of Amarillo, TX; Becky Harris and husband, Dean, of Gulfport, MS; Betty Ann Tomlinson and husband, Steve, of Bartlesville, OK; and Susan Meyer and husband, John, of Tulsa, OK. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Shane Harris, Chad Harris, Drew Harris, Heidi Knight, Samuel Tomlinson, Colton Meyer, Casey Meyer, and Cristian Meyer, and three great grandchildren: Cale Harris, Blake Harris, Eli Knight as well as other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Artie and Alma Belle McAnally; sisters: Betty Joyce McAnally, M. Francis Williams and Maxine Jackson; and brothers: Clarence N. McAnally and Franklin D. McAnally.
Bob attended high school in Artesia, NM and joined the U.S. Navy before his high school graduation. He was a World War II veteran and served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946 as a Petty Officer Third Class Quartermaster on the USS DeGrasse and the USS Lofberg in the Pacific Theatre. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Oklahoma in 1951, and pursued graduate hours in accounting from the University of New Mexico and Texas Tech University.
Bob met and married his wife, Nell Holt, in Artesia, NM on December 3, 1954. They resided in NM for 41 years before moving to Amarillo, Texas for eight years, and the Bartlesville, OK area for sixteen years. He was an accountant, realtor, and legal researcher during the time he lived in New Mexico. He collaborated with the Nature Conservancy Agency to create the Mimbres River Preserve for future generations to enjoy in Mimbres, NM. He also coordinated with the University of Southern California to preserve Mimbreno Indian artifacts and archaeological dig sites. Bob donated the property and was the founder of Mimbres Christian Camp, a place where numerous youth accepted Christ and grew in their spiritual walk. His favorite hobby was watching and cheering on the OU Sooner football team. He was passionate about his children and grandchildren furthering their education and careers. He served as a deacon and elder in several Christian Churches including First Christian in Artesia, NM, First Christian in Deming, NM, Paramount Terrace Christian in Amarillo, TX, and Town and Country Christian in Bartlesville, NM. Robert also served as a Boy Scout leader in Artesia, New Mexico in his earlier years.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. A memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at Mowery Funeral Service Chapel with Rev. Lanny Smith officiating. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com
