Robert Michael Lively passed from this life on Friday, March 15, 2019, at the age of 72 surrounded by his family. He was born April 23, 1946 in Tulsa, OK to RC Lively and Edith Davis Lively. He was preceded in death by his parents, RC and Edith Lively and brother Harry Lively.
Robert is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Pugh Lively and their children Lisa Lively Clevenger of Broken Arrow, Charles Michael Lively of South Carolina and Angela Lively Holmes of Broken Arrow. They have 5 grandchildren, Avery, Josie, Jack, Kate and Jude. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Lou Divelbiss.
Robert graduated from Charles Page High School in 1964 where he wrestled and played football. He received a bachelor’s degree in Education from Northeastern State University in 1970. He was a teacher and coach in Sand Springs, Bristow and Sapulpa. He taught history, science and driver’s education for 35 years. He coached football, wrestling and volleyball and enjoyed mentoring young people. Many of his students remember him for his witty banter.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War Era at the age of 20 and served for 34 years as Active and then in the Reserve. While in the military he was stationed at Fort Benning, Fort Sill, Dias Air Force Base and Hardin Simmons.
Robert was a member at First United Methodist in Sapulpa, OK. Some of his hobbies include fishing, hanging out at Grand Lake, traveling, collecting coins, and watching football or a good western. He also liked experimenting in the kitchen and excelled in Christmas exterior illumination.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at the Smith Funeral Home, 1208 S Main St, Sapulpa, OK.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday March 21, 2019 at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery 1423 Cemetery Road in Fort Gibson, OK.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you donate to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Smith Funeral Home 1208 South Main in Sapulpa.