Robert (Bob) Olin Plumlee's Obituary
Robert (Bob) Olin Plumlee, 74, passed from this life on February 5, 2024, with his wife, Elsa, at his side.
Bob was born June 29, 1949, in Bentonville, AR to Kenneth and Annabelle Plumlee. Bob and Elsa were married December 2, 1999.
Bob grew up in Gravette, AR, and graduated from Gravette High School in 1967. He had a love of music and played the Cornet in the marching band. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1967. His musical talent opened the door to becoming a member of The Uptights, a popular, local band in NW Arkansas.
After high school he attended the University of Arkansas before being drafted by the US Army.
Upon completion of basic training at Fort Polk, LA he was sent to Long Binh Post, Vietnam, 720th Military Police Bn. His military service was from May, 1969 to November, 1970. After his discharge, he returned to NW Arkansas until moving to Tulsa, OK where he became an active member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). In 1976 he advanced to journeyman wireman and worked on many large projects in the Tulsa area.
In Aug, 1979 Bob went to work for Texas Eastern Products Pipeline Co as a District Electrician until Oct, 1990.
In Oct, 1990, he began working as a Field Service Representative for Russelectric, Inc. and worked his way up to Field Service Supervisor, retiring in Jan, 2016.
Bob’s love of adventure and all things related to space led him to skydiving and ultimately to becoming a pilot. He was honored to be able to fly with and be around astronauts while in the Houston area.
His sense of humor and creative problem solving will be missed by all who knew him. He generously shared his IT skills with all. He treasured his well-organized garage collection of old telephone and other electronic equipment as “you never know when you’re going to need to build something from spare parts!”
Bob’s biggest impact was undoubtedly on his family where his generosity and commitment were always palpable. Bob dedicated his life to raising his son, James. Their adventures included road trips, international travel and a shared passion for music and all things technical. Their love of music and technical things is shared by Julia, who was introduced to the family in 2001 and officially became a beloved member when she and James married in 2009.
After marrying Elsa, the two of them embarked on a journey of love and respect for each other. They enjoyed watching western movies at night, going to restaurants, and traveling both in the United States and internationally (France, Italy, Argentina Uruguay, Cuba and Mexico).
After bringing Elsa’s daughter, Marianeli, to Tulsa from Cuba, Bob became a father to her. He taught her how to drive, often shared words of wisdom with her, assisted in her moves around the country and walked her down the aisle when she married Amir in 2015 adding another loved one to the family.
Bob’s greatest source of joy became his four grandchildren. He loved teaching them “how things worked” and with a lighthearted spirit was always there to play silly games with them and teach them “corny jokes”.
While we mourn his passing, each member of the family holds a special part of him in their hearts forever.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth & Annabelle Plumlee and nephew, Kenneth Downie. He is survived by his wife Elsa, son James Plumlee (Julia Hangs), daughter Marianeli Rodriguez (Amir Zamini), sister Betty Downie and grandchildren Naomi Plumlee, Camila Zamini,
Navid Zamini, Cora Plumlee nephew, Tim Downie, nieces Whitney Moore (Ken), Allyson McKay (John) and aunt Thelma Jackson
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