Dr. Robert “Bob” Melton passed into heaven on Wednesday, February 16th, 2022, in Arizona.
Bob was born on July 23, 1948, to Albert and Noweta (Roberts) Melton in Okemah, OK. He spent his entire childhood in this area and his first 12 years of education. Later in life he enjoyed the Okemah reunions and childhood friends and relatives in that area! Lots of special ‘John Luckett” stories.
Bob attended Oklahoma State University for his undergraduate studies, then UMKC School of Dentistry for his DDS degree. He subsequently joined the UNMC Pediatric Residency Program (pediatric specialty degree) in Omaha, NE. In his fifties he earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix in Tulsa. On his first night of class, his fellow students thought he was their teacher due to his age. He thought that was hilarious!
Bob loved learning in all areas, but dentistry held a special place in his heart. He practiced and owned offices in Springfield, Joplin, Drumright, Stroud, Tulsa, Bristow, Blackwell, and Newkirk. He loved mentoring young dentists fresh from school and later selling them the practice and building another one – helping to create local dental entrepreneurs was one of his many gifts. He was very proud of the young dentists and dental assistants he helped mentor, none more than Travis Burkett. Travis made it possible for Bob and Kathy to spend more time in AZ.
Bob had a love of Detroit muscle and old cars – he and Kathy made lots of friends at various car shows and parades. One of his muchanticipated auctions being Barrett Jackson, in Scottsdale, AZ. Many dentists are known to love golf, not Bob! Fast cars, good movies, traveling to foreign countries, and family vacations with kids, grandkids, and great grands.
Bob’s life made an abrupt change when he stopped drinking alcohol on March 17th, 1991. As a family, we are extremely proud of this accomplishment and his determination to be an example to our friends and children. Upon receiving the diagnosis of Parkinson’s in December of 2016, Bob reluctantly retired in July of 2017 and moved to AZ. Many times, you could hear him tell AZ friends he’d still be working if he could!
Bob faced Parkinson’s and dementia like he did all things in life, head on. A gentleman to the end, his caregivers, hospice workers, and fellow residents at Lake Pleasant Assisted Living were amazed with his manners and acceptance of his disease.
Bob leaves here on earth, his wife Kathy. His children Christy Huff, Florida; Michael Melton (Donna) and their daughter Nikki (Addie, Bryar, Caroline) all of Norman, OK; Brad Melton (Chelsea) son Bryson, daughter Brylee all of Gravette, AR; John Melton (Kelli) daughters Taylor and Brooklyn of Springfield, MO; Sister Dee Bachus (Mike) - Surprise AZ; brother-in-law Mike Allcorn (Sandy) of Fair Grove, MO; Various cousins on Melton and Roberts’ sides and special ‘brother’ by another mother, Richard Hancock (Lynette), Tulsa, OK.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Christi Marie and his favorite brother-inlaw, Chuck Bachus.
Bob’s memorial service will be held at his home church, Oak Grove Baptist Church, located just west of Drumright, OK. The
