Robert V. Ummel

Our beloved, wonderful husband, father, papa, uncle, and friend is now in God's hands. He was greeted by his loving daughter,Sharon, other family members and many friends on July 25, 2012. He died peacefully in his home after a long battle with diabetes, heart, and kidney disease for several years. Bob Ummel was born in Ransom, Kansas on November 21, 1933, to Lloyd and Mildred Ummel. He graduated from Ransom High School in 1951. He joined the Navy shortly after graduation and was assigned to the USS Kearsarge, serving as a Gunner's Mate, and remarked that he had the same "bunk" until his enlistment ended in 1954. He returned to his hometown, fell in love and married "the girl next door" Loretta Hilmes, on October 23, 1958, in Ransom. Bob, Loretta and family moved to Lindsay in 1966, and Bob spent most of his life since in the Lindsay area. He retired from Weatherford International in 2007, after a long career in oilfield service as a plunger and gas lift specialist. He worked for many years in construction, and was self- employed in Lindsay doing remodeling and home building. In his younger years he worked as a brakeman and conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad in Kansas. Bob was very active in the Lindsay Elks organization and had been a member there since 1968. He held several offices in the Lindsay lodge including Exalted Ruler and later served as District Deputy for the national organization. With the help of his good friend Charlie Jones, owner of our local radio station, the Lindsay Elks and many of our local merchants, they revived the annual "Christmas Parade", including Santa and Mrs. Claus giving "goodie bags" to all the children. He also organized the first annual Lindsay Elks Benefit Golf Tournament in 1992. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed playing golf, dancing, collecting coins, card games with his family, and helping with the Elks activities. He held a lifetime membership with the VFW through the lodge in Ransom, KS and was also a member of the local American Legion. Bob was a hard-working man of many talents that dearly loved his family and friends. He leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, his daughters: Brenda and Mark Hilmes of Blanchard, OK, and Julie and James Hubbard of Lindsay, OK; brother, Lyle Ummel of Ransom, KS; his Grandchildren: Austin and Becky Brown, Jessica Brown, Kambrie and Britt Shannon, Kassandra Kelly, Kolby Rushing, Matthew Lail, and Mercedes Lail; his step-grandchildren: Crystal Hilmes, Shaun Hilmes, Jeremy Childers, Travis Hubbard and Niki Ramage. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Kelton and Jalee Shannon, Braydon Mitchell, Brenna and Hailynn Kelly, Kayden Rushing, Kendra and Brooklyn Brown, and Taizlee Lail. Preceding him in death were his parents, Lloyd & Mildred, one brother, Ronald Ummel and one daughter, Sharon Brown. Services for Mr. Ummel are set for two o?clock p.m. on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at the United Methodist Church, located at 114 W. Chickasaw Street in Lindsay, Oklahoma, with Rev. David Shahan officiating and military honors by American Legion Ball Smith Post 23. Services are under the direction of B.G. Boydston Funeral Home of Lindsay, Oklahoma. Condolences for the family may be made online at www.boydstonfuneralhome.com.

Robert V. Ummel

November 21, 1933 - July 25, 2012

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