Charles R. “Bob” Spalding

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  • Charles R. “Bob” Spalding
    Charles R. “Bob” Spalding
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Charles R. (Bob) Spalding, 93, a long-time resident and business owner of Cordell, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Dec. 21, 2019, at the Cordell Christian Home. He was born on June 17, 1926, to Willie and Helen (Catlin) Spalding in Oilton.

Bob grew up and attended school in Oilton, graduating in 1944. After high school Bob enlisted in the United States Army and served as a combat veteran in the European Theater of Operations during World War II.

Following the war, Bob went to work for Standard Oil doing geophysical seismic work. While working in Washita County he met the love of his life, Rosemary Knie, and they married Oct. 4, 1952, at the First Baptist Church in Cordell. They were married for 65 wonderful years before she preceded him in death in 2017.

While working for Standard Oil they lived in many different places, including Ardmore, Louisiana, Mississippi, and then back to Oklahoma City, eventually moving back to Cordell in 1966 to raise their sons Greg and Wes. At that time he joined his father-in-law, Robert G. Knie, in his real estate and insurance business and formed Knie Spalding Agency. They also operated a farming and ranching business.

He and his family were members of the First Baptist Church. Bob loved to sing with his friends in various men’s quartets over many decades. He was active in the Cordell Rotary Club and later the Cordell Civic Club for many decades.

Survivors include two sons, Greg Spalding and wife Terri of Coppell, Texas, and Wes Spalding and wife Kristy of Cordell; grandchildren Christopher Spalding and wife Ashlee, David Spalding and wife Courtney, Jonathan Spalding, Daniel Spalding, Emily Saunders and husband Collin, and Audrey Spalding; great-grandchildren James Spalding and Eli Spalding; and brother Bill Spalding of Maumelle, Ark.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Helen Spalding; sister Betty Lou; and his wife, Rosemary Knie Spalding.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at the First Baptist Church of Cordell, with interment following at Lawnview Cemetery in Cordell. Military rites were performed by the United States Army.