In Loving Memory
Robert “Bob” Braund
1950 – 2026
Bob was born in Paris, Ontario, Canada in 1950 and moved with his family to Talihina, Oklahoma in the Spring of 1990. To say that this man was a jack of all trades is an understatement. He started work at a very early age and could easily recall his days working on dairy farms and in the tobacco fields with his mom. For many years he was a cross-country trucker, traveling all over Canada and the US. After moving to the States, he owned and operated a lawn care service, he also enjoyed many side jobs around the community and continued these right to the end. From metal scraping, barn tear downs, brush hogging to backhoe work, you name it, he could do it! He started working at Talihina Public School after marrying his honey Pat, on September 27, 2003. He started off driving bus and proudly retired as Transportation Coordinator in 2017. He always enjoyed tinkering in his shop and on his trucks, he loved to take broken things and revive them, always working the land and on new projects. He even built an 80ft bridge, on his own, over the creek so Pat, his honey, could join him in their 4 wheeling adventures. The past few years, he would start his days off with a trip to see his “girls”, his chickens, and has always had a faithful companion-his dogs, by his side. He frequently expressed he was the most happy when surrounded by family, and during his time alone in the woods-saying he would often just turn off his tractor and sit quietly, sometimes for hours, listening to nature. We believe this was his “church”. Many people saw him as a gruff and sometimes grumpy guy-but those who know him, know he had a huge, tender heart. He loved telling hilarious stories-he had these for days, loved to ‘give people a hard time-loved it even more when people would give it right back!
Always on the move, however over the past few years, he spoke more and more about his appreciation of time-time to enjoy family, life, and simple pleasures like kicking back with an ice-cold barley sandwich after a hot day and watching The Duke. His love for his wife, children, family and friends was palpable and total. His loss is felt deeply, and it will be our honor to keep his memory alive.
A few noteworthy achievements throughout Bob’s life, he was an Ombudsman Volunteer for Keddo. He was awarded a 5-year service award for serving as an advocate for nursing home residents at the Talihina Veterans Center. He also received an Appreciation Award from Talihina Public Schools for his many dedicated years of service to public education and also awarded for being a certified inspector as well.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Luther and Beryl (Harrington) Braund, and brothers in law Lowell MacLaggan and Tom Schurink.
Bob is survived by his wife Pat of the home, his son Ben Braund and wife Lindy, his daughters Amy Innes and husband Joe, Becky Braund and fiancé Thom Rouble, Christy Bryson and husband Lucky, Tracy Wheeler, and Julie Hanus and partner Walt, his 11 grandchildren, his 11 great grandchildren, and his sisters Mac MacLaggan, Sharon Elsden and husband Doug, Anne Knill and husband Gary, Diana Gross and husband Jim, Roseanne Braund and husband Robert, Chris Schurink, and Melanie Holmes and husband Mike, along with many other relatives and loved ones.
The Celebration of Life Services for Bob will be held 2pm – Friday, January 23, 2026, at Talihina Public School Auditorium with Pastor Rodney Killingsworth officiating. The Family of Robert “Bob” Braund will meet and greet friends after the conclusion of his service.
Any donations can be made to Shriners International or to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Robert Braund’s memory, and all floral arrangements are welcome as well.
Online condolences can be made at www.holtfuneralandcremation.com
“Through Love, Serve One Another”
The Family of Robert “Bob” Braund has entrusted his arrangements to Holt Funeral and Cremation, 522 Dewey Ave Poteau, OK 74953, (918) 721-0026. Poteau’s Only 100% Locally Owned and Family Operated Funeral Home – Our Family, Loving Your Family Through
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