Tobie Richard Titsworth, III

Tobie Richard Titsworth, III of Claremore, Oklahoma went to be with Jesus on July 4, 2023. Tobie was surrounded by all of his loving family during his final earthly journey. Born to T. Richard and Edith (Stephens) Titsworth on May 13, 1945 in Henryetta, OK. Tobie graduated from Beggs High School before going on to OSU. After completing his BS in Agricultural Education in 1967, Tobie went on to earn his MS in 1973, and his EdD 1976, all from Oklahoma State University. He then continued to be a lifelong learner.
 Tobie had become interested in agriculture while working on the 40-acre family farm his parents purchased in 1957 in Beggs. He loved taking care of the animals, driving tractors and riding Old Babe. At school he was a member of the FFA and enjoyed playing basketball. His family was awed by stories of life on the farm which had no indoor plumbing. Tobie worked for his father and uncle as a young man doing carpentry and general handyman work. When he was a senior in high school Tobie built a house. Carpentry continued to be a lifelong passion and in retirement, Tobie built his dream woodshop in which he constructed many special projects for family and friends.

 After having attended church throughout most of his childhood with his younger sister, Connie, Tobie accepted Christ as his Savior during his freshman year at OSU and was baptized shortly afterward in his home church, Beggs First Baptist. From that moment, Tobie was completely committed to the Lord and honored Him the rest of his life with his service as a Sunday School teacher; deacon; and church staff member, serving alongside his son Scottie for a time. Because of Tobie’s testimony, his parents and other family members came to know the Lord. He was the most Godly example a family could have asked for and the Heavenly reunion will be sweet.

 Tobie met the love of his life, Laura Jeanne Barnes, in 1966 at Oklahoma State. Knowing that she was the one for him, he wasted no time asking her to be his cherished wife. They were married on Christmas Eve that same year and celebrated 56 blessed years completely devoted to one another.

 After graduation from OSU, Tobie was accepted into Officer’s Training School for the United States Air Force. He and Jeanne bought a new Camaro, took the $100 they had to their name and headed to Zillah, WA to see Jeanne’s parents. Soon after, Tobie received orders to report to Lackland AFB and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in December 1967. He then went to Aircraft Maintenance Officers School at Chanute AFB, Rantoul, IL. While he and Jeanne were in Rantoul, their son, Scottie Richard, was born.

 Tobie’s first active-duty assignment was at Carswell, AFB, Texas where he served as the Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor for the Field Maintenance Squadron as a Captain in a position normally held by a major. Stephanie Ann was born there to complete the family in March 1971. He continued on active duty for 4 years.

 In 1979 the Titsworth family moved to Claremore when Tobie accepted a position at Claremore Junior College, as Vice President of Academic Affairs (1979-1992). The institution became Rogers State College, and later an accredited 4-year university. Tobie was immensely proud of the improvements he helped attain at Rogers State University. After his retirement, his Hillcat flags flew on his pickup on basketball game days. Subsequent employment in Oklahoma includes Vice President of Academic Affairs, OSU Institute of Technology, (1995-1998); OSU Northeast Technology Center Deputy Superintendent (1998-2008); and Vice President for Student Affairs, Rogers State University (2008-2014) retiring after 40 years in education. The family has teased that Tobie retired three times and one retirement only lasted one hour!

 Though he served the previous 23 years as a Reserve officer at Tinker Air Force Base along with his various academic career positions, Tobie accepted a recall to Active Duty in 1992 and he and Jeanne reported to Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH to be the Reserve Advisor to General Yates, Air Force Material Command. He managed the Command’s reserve program at 16 bases across the United States, which enabled him and Jeanne to travel extensively. Toward the end of this active tour, Tobie was selected for a general officer’s position as the senior reservist to the Commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, LAAFB, CA. Following that assignment, he retired as a colonel in 1998 with over 30 years distinguished service. Tobie’s Air Force career produced lifelong friendships and cherished memories.

 Family was of the essence to Tobie. From delving into his genealogy to taking great interest in the day-to-day activities of his children and grandchildren, to holidays spent keeping special traditions, family time was of utmost importance. His children consider him to have been their best friend and confidant. One of his grandchildren noted recently that Papa had the ability to make each grandchild feel as if they were his favorite. It was rare that Tobie missed an event in which a family member was a participant. He demonstrated his love in the most tangible of ways and his wise counsel was sought often by all of us. Truly a legacy has been left. His love and beautiful smile will be missed immensely.

 Tobie was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law James Culbert. He leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend, Jeanne, son Scottie and wife Lauri, daughter Stephanie and Scott Ingold, granddaughters Ashley and Justin Baughman, Alexandra and Billy Clark, Edie and Austin O’Banion, Dorie and KP Pendleton, grandson Eric Titsworth, and bonus grandchildren Brittany, Chris, and Brandon Ingold. Great grandchildren Alice and Adam Baughman; Aleah, JJ, and Billy Clark; Lynleigh and Levi O’Banion; Dylan, Delilah, and Devon Edic Adaline Laura Baughman will arrive in October.

Tobie is also survived by his sister Connie Culbert; nephews Shaun and Christie Culbert, Joe and Shannon Culbert; brother Roger and Chris Titsworth, niece Selena and Clint Scism; brother and sister-in-law Kelly and Joan Barnes, niece Joy and Stuart Miles, nephew Don Barnes; sister-in-law Melodi and Kerry Naasz, niece Kate Smith and nephew Casey and Karen Wesselius; and numerous great nieces and nephews. Precious life-time friends include Tom and Linda Harvel, Jerry and Joleene Kennedy, J.A. and Nora Carter, James (deceased) and Pat Gilchrist, Don and Betty Schultz, and Ray and Diane Barrio.

 Tobie spread his special sense of care to everyone with whom he came into contact. Members of his various office staffs through the years held him in highest regard. His fellow church members treasure his teaching and friendship. Community members often mentioned his kindnesses. Tobie endeavored to leave each person with whom he came in contact a little more joyful because of his interaction.

 A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2023 at New Life Baptist Church, 24525 S 4140 Road, Claremore, OK with interment at 2:00 p.m. at Beggs Cemetery. Visitation at MMS-Payne Funeral Home is scheduled for Sunday, July 9 from 1:00-5:00 with family receiving guests from 3:00-5:00.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Senior Adult Ministry of New Life Baptist Church.