Robert Bob Risley

Funeral Service for Robert Bob Risley, 84, of Vian, Oklahoma, will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Vian, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Vian, Oklahoma under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Robert Bob Risley, 84, of Vian, Oklahoma passed this life on Thursday, August 1, 2024 in Vian, Oklahoma. Robert was born in the Carlisle Community to Maud (Ross) Risley and Clifton W. Risley on May 4, 1940. Robert has two sisters, Shirley Kellogg Malone of Vian, OK and Allene Layman of Vian, OK. Preceding him in death are his parents, Cliff and Maud; his wife, Emma Lou McConnell; four brothers, Donald Risley, Carmel Risley, Roy Risley, and Norman Risley; and one sister, Alice Florine Carey.

Robert attended Box School in Blackgum, Oklahaoma. He married Emma Lou (McConnell) Risley on July 14, 1967 in Stilwell, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death on September 17, 2021. They had two sons, Charles Clifton Risley and Melissa Gatewood of Hartshorne, OK and Mark Allen and Amanda Risley of Vian, OK; five grandchildren, Sherri Fisher and Seth of Okemah, OK, Myranda Debus and Brandon of Rogers, AR, Joseph Risley and Ashley of Hartshorne, OK, Bobby Joe Risley of Vian, OK and Hallee Risley of Vian, OK; five great-grandchildren, Skye, Dalli Jo, and Aspin Fisher, and Lyndon and Ashton Risley.

Robert was adored by all his nieces and nephews, and he was always referred to as "the favorite uncle." Robert was a great horseman and spent his career running several ranches where he instilled in his sons the value of hard work. Robert learned to sing, play rhythm and bass guitar at an early age. He spent many weekends playing music at the Blackgum Community building as well as gospel singings and many other different venues.

A special part of his life was playing music at the old cabin homestead in Risley Holler, where he and his siblings made it a tradition to play live music weekly. Music was a vital part of his life and he enjoyed picking the guitar and singing with his grandchildren. In his younger years, he participated on several trail rides, and coached little league. Robert enjoyed playing cards, working puzzles, watching western movies, gardening, fishing, and sipping his coffee, but most of all he adored spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Robert touched many lives more than he ever realized. He was a true cowboy, and he will be greatly missed.

Active Pallbearers will be Joseph Risley, Bobby Joe Risley, Mark Risley, Charles Risley, Johnny Mac Risley and Johnny Terrell. 

Honorary Pallbearers will be Brent Garris, Harold Scoggins, Danny Gates, Troy Scoggins, John Ellis and Seth Fisher. 

Viewing will be 10 AM - 8 PM Tuesday at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw, OK where the family will greet 6 - 8 PM.