John Robert Waitman
John Robert (Bro. Bob) Waitman age 73, passed away Sunday April 29, 2018 at is home in Ryan, Oklahoma. He was born November 28, 1944 to G J and Opal Waitman and was the youngest of six children. Bob gave his life to Jesus and surrendered to preach at the age of seven. He graduated high school in 1963 from Comanche, OK. He then graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1967 with an Agriculture Education degree.
Bob was a bi-vocational Ag. Ed. Instructor/Pastor. He taught Ag. Ed. at Tuttle, OK and Ryan, OK for a total of 36 years. Bob was ordained into the ministry in 1962 at Countryside Baptist Church in Comanche, OK. Bob preached for 56 years and was currently pastoring Cross Brand Cowboy Church in Waurika, OK 2010-2018. Bob married Donna (Ragsdale) Waitman on September 21, 1968 in Tuttle, OK. Bob loved life and dedicated his to serving others. Bob also loved people, animals (especially Duroc pigs), and above all his Lord and Savior. Bob's mission in life was to lead others to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Donna Waitman, Ryan, OK. Sons Gary Waitman and wife Shannon, of Paducah, TX. Bobby Waitman and wife Gena of Tuttle, OK. Daughter Kandle Brewer and husband David of Seminole, OK. Grandchildren Bailey Waitman, Brecken Waitman, Brennan Waitman, Conner (Lindsey) Brewer, Devin (Lauren)Brewer-Waitman, Kamryn Brewer and nine Great Grandchildren. Sisters Linda Clark and husband Freddy, of Duncan, OK. Karen Mitchell and husband Carlton, Duncan, OK. Sister-in-law Marlene Waitman, Williston, ND. Father-in law Billy Ragsdale, Tuttle, OK. Bob will also be forever remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends.
Preceding him in death include his parents GJ and Opal Waitman, Mother-in-law Irma Ragsdale, Brothers Jack, Jerry, and Tony Waitman and Grandson Marcus Waitman.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, May 3, 2018 at Cross Brand Cowboy Church, Waurika, OK, with Bubba Clark, Mark Kunkel, and Bobby Waitman officiating. Interment will be at Fair Lawn Cemetery, Comanche, OK. under the direction of Dudley funeral Home in Waurika, OK. Visitation will be Tuesday from noon to 8:00 PM and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Dudley Funeral Home Chapel. Family visitation will be Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and nephews. Memorial donations in memory of Bob can be made to Cross Brand Cowboy Church Building Fund, 8500 N. HWY 81 Waurika, OK 73573. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and nephews.