1938 – 2020
Robert Barthel (81) of Muskogee, Oklahoma, passed from this life June 6 in Muskogee. He was born July 31, 1938, to Roy and Shirley (Krumsiek) Barthel in Roland, Oklahoma.
Bob grew up in Roland and graduated from Roland High School. He earned his master’s degree in education and counseling at Central State College and earned his PhD in science. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force in Korea as a dental technician and was honorably discharged. 
Bob married Dorothy Lee Whitten in 1958; she died on April 15, 1997. He later married Leah Moldenhauer, who preceded him in death as well. He later married Mary Irwin.
Bob worked in the Treasury Department for the State of Oklahoma and taught at Tecumseh High School and in the McAlester School system. Until his retirement, he worked for the Department of Labor with the Coal Mine Workers Compensation Program, and at the Veterans Administration with the Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
Bob served as a minister with the Church of God (Seventh Day) and was a major supporter of the congregation in Muskogee. He taught at the Ministerial Training Center and served in many Church leadership roles and committees.
Bob loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attending any and all activities they were involved in.
In addition to his first two wives, Bob was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons Robert (Nanci), Randall (Audri), and Roger (Nina); step-children Kenneth Gitthens, Sharon Wilson, Steven Gitthens, Andrew Gitthens, and Kimberly Keyes; sister, Dr. Judith V. “Dee” Barthel-Blair; and numerous grandchildren and extended family and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dover Family Camp Fund, Oklahoma Conference CoG7, P.O. Box 392, Coweta, OK 74429, or the American Heart Association.
