Bobby Keith Bonebrake

Bobby Keith Bonebrake
August 6, 1949 – June 12, 2025
Olathe, Kansas

Bobby Keith Bonebrake passed away on June 12, 2025, at the age of 75. He was born on August 6, 1949, to Clarence Keith and Alberta (Ferguson) Bonebrake in Cushing, Oklahoma, and graduated from high school in Collinsville, Oklahoma.

Bob continued his education in Oklahoma before enlisting in the United States Navy, where he was on active duty during the final years of the Vietnam War. Much of his time was spent in Adak, Alaska, a remote island in the Aleutian chain, where he served as a radio operator, tracking enemy radars and submarines. He received the National Defense Service Medal, which is awarded to service members who served during times of armed conflict. After his military service, Bob attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, where he later became the Sports Information Director. During his tenure, he managed press and publicity during two significant events: when Mike Moore was the first pick in the Major League Baseball draft and when both the NIT and the NCAA held their first and second rounds of the 1982 National Men’s Basketball Championships back-to-back at ORU’s Mabee Center Arena. He also completed graduate work in journalism and creative writing at the University of Oklahoma.

Bob spent more than 30 years as a writer, editor, and researcher, working for the Associated Press and other news and publishing groups in Oklahoma, Washington, D.C., and California.

Much of his journalism career was spent covering the business world, including some of the most fascinating and controversial business leaders of the time. He worked for several years at the Tulsa World, where he served as the Business/Oil Editor. Additionally, he was a respected sports journalist, including a period as a sportswriter and Oklahoma state sports editor for the Associated Press. While with that global wire service, he covered an NCAA National Championship season for the University of Oklahoma football team and the Heisman Trophy year of OU running back Billy Sims. Bob’s passion and knowledge of sports persisted throughout his life, and even decades later, he had a remarkable ability to recall sporting events, players’ names, key statistics, and dates.

Bob was also an independent author and wrote books and scripts for others as a ghostwriter. His first novel, "King of America," was one of three finalists for the 2005 William Rockhill Nelson Award, a prestigious regional award given by The Kansas City Star. His first play, "Platinum Blonde," won the Plays-in-Progress workshop award at Rockhurst University in Kansas City.

He never lost his curiosity or love of learning, which earned him the nickname of “Bobopedia”.

Family was at the heart of Bob’s life. He leaves behind his mother, Alberta (Ferguson) Bonebrake; his beloved wife of 36 years, Valerie (Tag) Bonebrake; stepson Robert W. (Gina) Robinson; and grandchildren Tristan (Perla) Stone, Devin (Rylee) Robinson and Brooklyn Robinson. He also leaves his great-grandson Matteo Stone; siblings Susan (Steve)Baker, Charles Kent Bonebrake, Douglas (Paula)Bonebrake, and Sandi (Chuck) Peeples and many nieces and nephews he loved dearly. His father, Clarence Keith Bonebrake, and his sister Marilyn (Bonebrake) LaPointe preceded him in death.

Bob cherished music, film, theater, reading, writing, and engaging conversations. Bob and Valerie’s travels took them across five continents, creating many wonderful memories. Faith played a significant role in Bob’s life. Following his sister’s death, he penned his own faith story, published as One Lousy Friday in April: My Journey from Faith and Back. He created the Marilyn (Bonebrake) LaPointe Debate and Forensics Fund at Oral Roberts University. This fund opens the door for more Debate and Forensics Team students to earn college degrees and helps to fuel the continued growth and success of these vital programs. As a result, young men and women who love God and are devoted to serving Him are being equipped to share His love with others around the world.

A service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle, 13300 E 136th St N in Collinsville, Oklahoma. Bob will be laid to rest with military honors at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Collinsville. Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, at Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home, 1302 W. Main St., Collinsville, OK. 74021.

A Celebration of Life will also be held on June 27th from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, at his home church, Resurrection, a United Methodist Church, 24000 W Valley Parkway, Olathe, KS 66061.  Lunch will be served.

In his honor, memorial contributions can be made to Oral Roberts University, Marilyn LaPointe Fund, 7777 South Lewis Avenue, Tulsa, Ok 74171, Attn:  Joe Muller.