Bobby Gene Eden
Obituary
Bobby Gene Eden was born October 7, 1954, in Springdale, AR to Billy Dene & Fern Juanette (Butler) Eden and passed from this life on December 12, 2023, at the age of 69, at St. Francis Hospital, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, following complications from pneumonia and heart surgery.
Bobby graduated from Springdale High School, in Springdale, Arkansas in the Class of 1972. He was an All-State Clarinetist, and he also served as Drum Major for the SHS Marching Band in 1971-72. Bob was an accomplished, self-taught pianist and singer. He performed with southern gospel quartets around Northwest Arkansas in the early – mid 1970’s. His work career had its early roots working on the family farm, where Bobby toiled with his brothers in such tasks as tending to the grape vineyard, planting, hoeing, picking and otherwise helping with the grape crops. As an older teenager, Bob worked around the Eden and Sons Feed Store in Springdale, and one of his early jobs away from the home and family business was at Oglesby’s Drug Store on Emma Ave. Bob moved to Tulsa in the late 1970s, where he worked for the 7-11 Corporation, and spent the last several years of his working career in the telecommunications business, where he excelled in customer service. Bob retired in November 2022. Bob was a kind, loving, thoughtful, generous person who was loved by everyone he met. One of his classmates commented, “He was liked by everyone that came in contact with him…..his smile, his kindness, and he made everyone feel valued.”
His generosity was exhibited by his donations to various organizations and causes, including Little Light House, St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, the Alzheimer’s organization, volunteering as a reading partner at Grove Elementary, and volunteering at Oktoberfest for several years. Grandpa Bob was especially devoted to his children and Grandchildren, who he loved with all his heart!
Bobby is preceded in death by his parents and his husband and life partner of 38 years, Randall Lee Cole. He is survived by his daughter, Shawna Callaway; his son and daughter-in-law, Shane & Jessica Eden; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jimmy & Carol Eden, Greg & Nadine Eden, and Kenny & Dawn Eden; and his grandchildren, Mary, Job, Travis, Eden, Noah and Finley.
A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2024, at the Ninde Brookside Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bobby’s memory be made to Little Light House, 5120 E 6th St, Tulsa, OK 74135, or https://www.littlelighthouse.org/
Events
Tributes & Memories
Bob was the kindest man I have ever known. I wasn't able to attend his service due to illness. He will hold a special place in my heart forever. Miss you Bob!
Linda Furgerson
I worked with Bob for years at Lumen and he was one of the nicest guys. He always made me laugh and would go above and beyond to help our team and our customers. He will be greatly missed.
Danielle Mostacciuolo
Bob was a well respected, well loved colleague love to buy so many of us here at LUMEN. He and I became close a couple of years ago when we were working on a specific account. We became even closer after he retired as we shared the same breed of dog and lost them just a few months apart, the more I got to know him the more I loved him and as we all are, it’s heartbreaking, but he was such a beautiful soul and I know he said heaven now, and at peace with a strong heart. And my hope is that he has joined Randy and Little Daisy And I thought bring smiles to soften the hurt from the grief. God rest your soul, Bob, and thank you for being you.
Ali
I am sorry to hear about Bob ! He was such a wonderful man and so much fun and such a happy man. I worked with Bob up to his retirement and we were just talking about his trip to see his family and what a wonderful time he had. This just breaks my heart. Please remember all the wonderful memories of him as I will also. My condolence's are with you all. A Dear Friend-Belinda Sperry
BELINDA SPERRY
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