Bob’s family moved to Poteau in 1946 when his dad was working on the construction of Wister Dam. It was in Poteau where he met the love of his life, Leta Faye Mitchell, they began dating and became High School Sweethearts. He often said she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. On August 9, 1952, just after he returned from Korea, they were married. They moved and lived in California for a year and then North Carolina for a year while he was in the service.
After they left North Carolina, Bob and Leta Faye moved back to Poteau where they made their home. He co-owned the OTASCO Store with his father-in-law Marvin Mitchell and worked there for over 20 years. He then became an agent for the State Fire Marshall’s office and worked at investigating fires in Southeastern Oklahoma.
A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Bob was the recipient of the Silver Star for his service to his country. He served the community faithfully as a member of the Poteau Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years. Bob was a charter member and past president of the Poteau Evening Lions Club.
Bob was a member of the Poteau High School Class of 1950. He later attended and graduated from Poteau Junior College. He was a longtime and devoted member of First Baptist Church of Poteau, where he also enjoyed serving on the construction team for the church’s Family Life Center.
Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, photography, and gardening. He loved being able to share his homegrown garden vegetables with friends and family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend whose life was marked by service, faith, and kindness.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Marvin and Freda Mitchell; his brothers, Lloyd Lindstrom, K.R. (Ron) Lindstrom, and John Lindstrom, and a sister-in-law Jackie Lindstrom.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Leta Faye Lindstrom of the home, his daughter, Paula Simpson and husband Mark of Yukon, OK; grandchildren, Robert Simpson and wife Lauren of Shawnee, and Stephen Simpson and wife Megan of Yukon; great-grandchildren, Bentley, Ellie, Baylor and Easton. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Sharon Hutchens (Jack), Carole Lindstrom, and Gloria Lindstrom; his beloved dog Callie; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Robert Simpson and Stephen Simpson, and his nephews Chance Hutchens and Colin Hutchens.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Bert Corr, Jacky Lynch, Bill Pierce and Roger Stephens.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Poteau, with longtime friend and former Pastor Phil McGehee officiating. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Poteau, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, Oklahoma.
Memorial donations may be made to the Poteau First Baptist Church, Poteau Valley Humane Society or the charity of your choice.
You may leave an online message of condolence at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com
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