Robert "Bob" Leikam
BY Staff Reports
Sunday, February 24, 2013
2/24/13 at 5:00 AM
Robert “Bob” Leikam died peacefully, surrounded by his family, the morning of Wednesday, February 20. A native of Tulsa, Bob graduated from Will Rogers High School. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University where he met his wife of nearly 50 years, Lois White. They moved to Tulsa where he completed his Political Science degree at the University of Tulsa. Following graduation, he founded one of the first executive search firms in the city, Tulsa Personnel Service. Many people would later thank him for getting them their first “real” job. In 1958, at a young age, Bob was elected Water Commissioner for the City of Tulsa, the lone Republican on the City Commission. Springdale, the community where he grew up, brought out the vote for him. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church and was in high demand for his leadership skills and financial acumen. He served on numerous finance and building committees through the years and spearheaded the Baptist Children’s Home capital campaign with entertainer Roy Clark. He was a star athlete his entire life, moving from college baseball to handball and then tennis. He was a tough competitor and won many championships at the downtown Y in the 60’s and 70’s. He had a keen sense of humor and a quick wit. He was a voracious reader and an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. After selling Tulsa Personnel in the 70’s, he became a full time real estate investor. After the death of his wife, Lois, Bob met JoAnne Oliver. Bob and JoAnne were married in 2000. JoAnne brought laughter and a wonderful circle of friends into his life. They shared many happy times at the Summit Club (where he was a charter member), the Petroleum Club, the Tulsa Men’s Club, and traveling with friends and attending First Presbyterian Church. JoAnne provided him compassionate, loving care as he struggled with his health. He had 3 children: Robbie Mc- Cracken (Bryan) of Tulsa, Kip Leikam (Patricia) of Tulsa, and Lisa Bullock (William) of Greensboro, NC. His later life revolved around his beloved grandchildren: Robert Leikam (Christian), Alex Leikam (fiancee Lauren Dove), Meagan McCracken, and Ian McCracken. He was very generous with them, sharing time, resources, and wisdom and was never happier than when surrounded by them at the pool or a family event. He is also survived by JoAnne’s mother, Marge Oliver, and JoAnne’s children, Jade Graham and Frederick Brian Latimer, step-grandchildren, Chloe Graham and Karsten Graham. His faithful Goldendoodle, Roxie, provided much comfort the last several years. Visitation: Sunday, February 24, 1 – 5 PM, Moore’s Rosewood. Services for Bob will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa Tuesday, February 26, at 2:00 p.m. A reception at the church will follow. Memorial contributions may be made, in his name, to The Parent Child Center of Tulsa or to the First Presbyterian Church Music Program. Moore’s Rosewood 918-744-1202 This obituary was published in the Tulsa World on 2/24/2013.
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