Robert B. Treece

Funeral services for Robert B. Treece, will be held 2:00 pm Monday, December 29, 2014, at the Western Heights Baptist Church with Rev. David Head officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Robert was born November 14, 1926, in Stigler, Oklahoma. He was the son of Samuel Oscar and Ora Elizabeth (Horton) Treece. As a young boy Robert moved with his parents to Marshall, Arkansas. During this time Robert attended school, helped work in the fields picking cotton, and harvesting fruits, and vegetables. The family later moved to the Boston Pool area where he helped his family on the farm. At the age of 16, Robert moved to California and began working at the #3 ship yard in San Diego, California. At the age of 18, Robert was inducted into the United States Army on February 14, 1945. He was a part of Company B 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion. Following boot camp, Robert and his battalion were headed to Japan at the time of surrender. Robert was with the first wave of troops to enter Japan and was stationed in Tokyo, he always talked about how the area was so desolate. On October 30, 1946, Tec-4 Robert Treece was discharged from the U.S. Army. During his time in the Army he received the following citations and decorations: Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Ribbon, Victory Ribbon with one Overseas Service Bar, and Expert Marksman. Robert returned to Cleveland and was united in marriage to Betty Jo Shipman on May 22, 1947, in Sedan, Kansas. The couple established their initial home in Cleveland. Robert worked a short time for the City of Cleveland and later accepted employment with Indian Electric in 1948. Robert started working with the brush crew. He also worked as a lineman, metering tech, substation tech, then to a supervisor until his retirement in 1988, after 40 years of service. Robert loved to play music, and was a marvelous musician. When he and his famaily began playing music the house would be full of people listening, dancing and having a food time. Robert and Betty enjoyed driving and looking at the scenery. Robert was a whiz in math. He entered a local contest on when the lake would reach the conservation pool level. The lake officially reached the level within 35 seconds of Roberts calculations. Robert was presented with a new boat, motor and trailer for his efforts. The family have many happy memories of water skiing, fried chicken, picnicís and family fun. Robert and his family spent many years enjoying the boat. Robert and Betty would frequent Branson and they especially liked the Presley Theater. Robert B. Treece, of Cleveland, Oklahoma, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Thursday, December 25, 2014 at the age of 88 years, one month and eleven days. He was in his home surrounded by loved ones. Survivors are his two daughters, Sharron Jo Wittenborn and her husband John of Cutler, Illinois, Denice Ann and her husband Vance Cook of Mannford, Oklahoma, one son Robert Wayne and his wife Janet Treece of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; brother Jim and Maxine Treece of Cleveland, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren Robert Dean Klintworth, Dexter Evan Klintworth, Jackie Weldon and husband Tony, Jamie Lynn Treece, Klinton Wayne Treece, Kaci Cook, Kirby Cook, five great-grandchildren Jakob Weldon, Lukas Weldon, Samuel Weldon, Abigail Weldon, Kaitlyn Sweatt; step grandchildren Jeff Wittenborn, Jay Wittenborn, Julie Sikorski, Kaitlyn and Claire Wittenborn and a host of other relatives and friends that will mourn his passing. In addtion to his parents Robert was preceded in death by his wife Betty, siblings Virginia Mulvihill, Sam Treece and L.C. Treece.