Tulsa World: Late football coach, educator remembered for style

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Late football coach, educator remembered for style
Robert Mayes and his wife wore matching outfits everywhere to show their mutual affection.

Robert Mayes, a former Booker T. Washington High School football coach who died Oct. 30 at age 75, is seen with his wife, Blanchie Mayes, in 2007. The two always wore vibrant-colored, matching clothes to show that "they were one." CORY YOUNG/ Tulsa World file

By TIM STANLEY World Staff Writer
Published: 11/7/2009 2:24 AM
Last Modified: 11/7/2009 4:51 AM

Robert and Blanchie Mayes wore their hearts on their sleeves — and on every other part of their clothing.

The longtime Tulsa Public Schools educators, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 3, wore matching outfits everywhere they went, a symbol of the mutual affection for which they were well-known.

"They were one, and they wanted to express that fact through their dress," said their son Robert Mayes Jr. "They always wore vibrant colors."

Robert Mayes Sr. — a former teacher and championship-winning football coach at Booker T. Washington High School and administrator at other schools — died Oct. 30. He was 75.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Paradise Baptist Church, 507 E. King St., under the direction of Jack's Funeral Home.

In keeping with the Mayeses' festive fashion habits, mourners are asked not to wear black.

"When I met Robert," Blanchie Mayes said, "he always wore blue and what I called casket gray. My preference was very loud clothing that people could hear coming."

With a little prodding, Robert Mayes soon acquired his wife's taste in attire. He got into the full spirit of it, she said, and eventually did all their garment shopping.

The couple, who met as students at Washington, worked for Tulsa Public Schools until they retired several years ago.

Robert Mayes, the head football coach at Washington in 1974-75, was devoted to his students, said his wife, who was a librarian.

"One

of the lessons he emphasized all of his career was for young men to settle their differences with words," she said.

Leon Skillens III, an assistant football coach at Washington, went to church with Robert Mayes and once played for him at Carver Middle School.

"On the field, he taught us tenacity and toughness. Off the field he loved his kids and treated you just like a son or daughter," Skillens said. "He helped us be the best we could be as players and in life."

Mayes, who retired in 1987 after more than 35 years, later helped found the Robert I. Mayes Ebony Awareness Bowl, a black history quiz competition for Tulsa middle school students.

Mayes also served on various governing bodies, including the Tulsa County Excise Board and the Board of Equalization since 2003.

Health problems did nothing to weaken the couple's bond, family members said.

Blanchie Mayes, 76, had her stomach removed two years ago because of cancer, and her husband spent much of his time caring for her.

For their 50th anniversary in August, they did what they usually do.

"They just loved on each other," Robert Mayes Jr. said.

He said he is trying to follow his father's family-first example.

"He taught me how to be a good family man and how to love your family completely," he said.

"We're a very tight-knit family."

Mayes is survived by six children and seven grandchildren.

Tim Stanley 581-8385
tim.stanley@tulsaworld.com By TIM STANLEY World Staff Writer

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	Report Comment Few Clothes, America (11/7/2009 8:39:27 AM) I am sorry for your loss Mrs. Mayes and your family. He sounds like a great man and may he rest in peace.
	Report Comment Whoknew?, Tulsa (11/8/2009 6:36:13 PM) I am going to miss Mr. & Mrs. Mayes driving around town in their cadillac and matching outfits.
	Report Comment 2ndjoyce, BA (11/8/2009 8:31:00 PM) "They just loved on each other." I love on that line, Robert Mayes, Jr.!
	Report Comment jay berry, farmington hills (11/8/2009 11:52:42 PM) I am saddened after learning of the death of coach Mays. He was an outstanding coach..but more importantly, an outstanding individual. My heart and prayers go out to his loving and equally outstanding wife and family. He was a man's man...and a players' coach and helped me and countless others when we needed him the most. He didn't seek accolades...but was deserving of all that he got and then some!!!! I love you coach and will always remember your laugh...your concern for others and your spirit. God truly blessed me by having you in my life! Jerome (Jay) Berry Booker T. Washington (State Champs & The Mighty Class of '68)

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