Robert Adam Sallee

Robert Adam Sallee, age 62, of McAlester, Oklahoma passed away on Friday, January 6, 2012, at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital North in Oklahoma City.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Adam and Katherine (Shearer) Sallee, Collinsville, Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife of twenty-six years, Barbara, and children: Jennifer Evans, Atlanta, Georgia; Ray and Stephanie Sallee, Loveland, Colorado; Deborah and Keith Sherwood, McAlester, Oklahoma; Robert Gene Sallee, Okmulgee, and eight grandchildren. Robert is also survived by his four sisters: Susan and Mike Worstell of Collinsville, Oklahoma; Berbyl Hagar, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Becky and Gary Stotler, Choctaw, Oklahoma; and Mary Sallee and Larry Johnson, Norman, Oklahoma, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Robert was born on August 26, 1949, in Indianapolis, Indiana. In January 1955 Robert’s parents moved to Collinsville to re-open Sallee Dairy, located at the west edge of Collinsville. Growing up, Robert served in many leadership capacities in the 4-H, FFA and church youth program. In 1965, the Sallee Family were selected as Oklahoma Farm Family of the Year. In his senior year, he was awarded the degree of Oklahoma State Farmer. He also showed his prize Holsteins at the Collinsville Tri-County Fair along with many other fairs in Oklahoma.

He earned a degree in dairy science from Oklahoma State University in 1972. At that time he returned home to become the third generation of dairymen on the family farm. His primary interest was genetics, the breeding of cattle and building a quality dairy herd.

In the Spring of 1985 he married Barbara Elrod. He not only married a former OSU classmate, but became an instant ‘dad’ to her four children. Robert continued the dairy operation in partnership with his father until November 1991, at which time all the dairy cattle and equipment were sold. He and Barbara moved to Okmulgee where they managed the Okmulgee Livestock Auction for several years.

Robert’s failing health, particularly his eyesight due to diabetes, was the determining factor in his retirement. He and Barbara relocated to McAlester to live with Barbara’s mother, Betty. He enjoyed people, and he was a competitive bridge player. He loved entertaining his grandchildren, and he always had a story to relate and jokes to share. We are grateful for his presence in our lives and we will miss him.

Robert's celebration of life is Saturday, Jan 14, 10 a.m., All Saints Episcopal Church in McAlester, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert Sallee Youth Ministries Scholarship at the church. Address: 325 East Washington, P.O. Box 534, McAlester, OK 74502.