Bobbie Leander Diehnel

B.L. Diehnel loving father, husband, committed civic campaigner, dedicated patriot and unwavering supporter of his country went to be with his Lord and Saviour Tuesday, December 11, 2007 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Julia Williams, Charelcie Hambright, one brother Carroll Diehnel and granddaughter Stephanie Downey.

Funeral services for Bob will be held Friday, December 14, 2007 at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland with Rev. Connie Taylor and Rev. Ora Compton officiating. The body will be cremated under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.

Bob was born to Charlie and Ruby (Spradlin) Diehnel on September 2, 1926 in Pawnee, Oklahoma however he lived most of his adult life in Cleveland. He graduated from high school in Clarksville, Arkansas and attended college at Oklahoma A & M and the University of Tulsa. Bob was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church and served the church in every lay position available. He is a past member of the Cleveland Rotary Club where he served as president and is a Paul Harris Fellow. Bob and Roberta were active participants in the exchange student program. During this time they hosted many students from Argentina, South Africa, and New Zealand to name a few.

Mr. Diehnel retired from Williams Brothers Engineering where he was Manager of Business Development. After retirement he continued his love for promoting civic projects that he considered to be for the betterment of Cleveland. He was one of the many organizers of the Feyodi Creek Park that many Keystone Lake visitors enjoy today. Bob took on many projects and opponents during his life however he always wanted his opponents to know that is was never personal. His goal was simply for the betterment of the community. Mr. Diehnel worked tirelessly for the Cleveland Area Hospital and diligently worked in keeping the hospital open at a time when many rural hospitals were closing. Bob served as president and member of the hospital board for many years. B.L. was past member of the city commission and was instrumental in the effort to get a water pipeline south of town, which has proven to be invaluable to the development of Cleveland. Bob was also active in the local and national politics and was a tireless campaigner for the causes he believed in.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Roberta, two sons David and Doug as well as Dougís wife Diane Norton, Granddaughter Stephanie Downey, great granddaughter Marley, sister Freddie May Fultz, extended family Tom and Kim Rathanaphonh and their son TuTu as well as a host of other relatives and friends.