dad love

Robert “Gene” Gurley, 80, of Dewey, died Saturday in Dewey.

Gene was born the son of R.E. and Florence Mae (Riley) Gurley on October 5, 1938 in Clinton, OK. At just two weeks old the family moved to Bartlesville. He was raised and educated in the area, graduating from College High in 1957. While a teenager he developed a passion for roller-skating and was the floor manager at the local skating rink. Gene enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1959 serving six months active duty and six years in the local reserve unit. He was also a former member of the American Legion. While working at Bills Supermarket he met the love of his life Judy Carpenter. They quickly fell in love and were united in marriage on March 3, 1962. They made their home in Bartlesville before moving to Dewey in 1999. Gene started his career with Cities Service in 1967, when the company relocated to Tulsa he commuted to work everyday until retiring in the early ’90s after 30 plus years of service when the company was preparing to move to California. From there he went to work for Doenges as a courtesy driver for several years before working at O’Reilly Auto Parts as a parts delivery driver for over 10 years.

Gene loved the Lord. He grew up in the Salvation Army and later in life joined the First Baptist Church in Bartlesville. He was active in many church ministries including Sound and Boy Scouts, serving as the assistant scout leader of Troop 11. Gene and Judy enjoyed each other’s company and taking drives together. Gene loved to drive, carrying on a conversation or enjoyed listening to big band or rock n roll music. The grandkids remember the many places Grandpa took them with a highlight being the Kiddie Park every summer. Gene loved attending the many school and sporting activities his daughter and grandkids participated in. He will be dearly missed.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Judy; daughter Lisa Lea and Richard of Copan; one brother Kenny Gurley and Sally of Caney; grandchildren Robbie Hicks and Pam of Bartlesville, Julie Queen and Jordan of Dewey, Cody Lea of Bartlesville and Ryan Lea of Minneapolis; seven great grandchildren, Kira Halcom, McKinzie Holmes, Natalye Holmes, Aria Queen, Dominick Queen, Kihanna Edwards and Ciraya Lea; and one niece Gina Anderson of Bartlesville. He is preceded in death by his parents.