Robert Faken

Robert (Bob) Faken, lifelong resident of Ponca City, passed Monday, June 15, 2015 at Via Christi Village Care Center. He was 85 years of age.

Bob was born March 18, 1930 in Ponca City, the son of Henry Edward Faken and Anna Marie (Bishop) Faken. He held several jobs while in school that included working at the Parisian Cleaners. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1949. Even after High School, Bob worked diligently with others to organize class reunions every five to ten years up until his 50th High School class reunion.

Bob joined the Oklahoma Army Nation Guard (called the Thunderbirds) in 1948 and entered regular Army active duty on September 1, 1950. He served in North Korea from 1950-1952 with Battery C /189th Field Artillery Battalion of the 45th Infantry Division. He received the Korean Service Medal, Army Occupation Medal and United Nations Service Medal. He was also awarded the Meritorious Service Award and Certificate of Appreciation with the 45th Reserve Unit. He was also a member of the 381st Personnel and Administration Battalion. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserve on March 18, 1990 at the rank of Command Sergeant Major, having served 30 years in the Army Reserve. Bob attended nearly all of the reunions of his Army friends, which were usually held in Oklahoma City.

Bob married the love of his life, Joan Ratliff Faken on July 11, 1952. Bob had also worked for Gruner Machine Incorporated. He later worked for Conoco, with a long career in the Geophysical Department. He retired from Conoco in October 1987 after 32 years. The couple enjoyed traveling and had made bus tours to nearly all 50 states.

Bob exemplified that the true value in life is serving the Lord and others with a pleasant and willing heart. Bob always thought of the needs of others. He often volunteered to drive people from Via Christi Village to out-of-town trips and doctor appointments. He was also a member of the staff and did volunteer work at the Red Cross. He was a longtime member of the American Legion and served as host at the 45th Infantry Division Museum. He was also on the board of directors of the 45th Infantry Division Association.

Bob was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church and the Disciple Sunday School Class. He was so very fond of worshipping at church and missed it so during his later days when his health would prevent him from attending.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan, of the home; the couple were blessed with two daughters, Robin Lynn Grossenbacher and husband Gary, of Oklahoma City and Kim Faken Cooke and husband Reed, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Cameron L. Grossenbacher of Enid, and Alex Cooke and Samuel Cooke of Bloomington, Minnesota; other extended family and many many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mary Lena Faken.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday evening, June 16, 2015 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Grace Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2015 in the First Baptist Church Worship Center with Pastor Andy Taylor presiding. Interment will follow in Longwood Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Casket bearers are Cameron Grossenbacher, Reed Wagner, Loyd Dunlap, John Maddox, Rocky Hudson, Jim Jones and Dean Horner.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 218 South 6th, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601.