Robert Lee Haddican

Robert Lee “Bob” Haddican was born February 28, 1930, in Wakita, Oklahoma, to William Felix and Opal Anna (Guthrie) Haddican.  In 1932, the family moved to a farm located northwest of Medford, Oklahoma.  He attended Osage District 42, a one room rural school from grade1 through 8.  He then graduated from Medford High School in 1947.  He participated in football, basketball and baseball.  He was a member of two state championship undefeated football teams in 1945 and 1946.  He attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University located in Alva, Oklahoma, and then enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1951.  Bob married Melba R. Mitchell of Wakita, Oklahoma, on July 19, 1951, in Enid, Oklahoma.  He served in Wiesbaden, Germany, and was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1955.

In 1955, Bob and Melba moved to Norman, Oklahoma, and have been longtime residents.  Bob then enrolled at the University of Oklahoma graduating in 1958, with a degree in Industrial Management Engineering.  After graduation, Bob joined OG&E, retiring in 1987, after 29 years of service.

Bob was a longtime member of the Goodrich Memorial United Methodist Church in Norman, Oklahoma, and served in several leadership positions.  He served as President of the McKinley Elementary PTA, coached Norman little league baseball to a Norman city championship and was a board member of the Norman High School Athletic Association.  During his tenure, the association reinstated the athletic letter program and updated the lighting system at the high school football field.  He is a lifetime member of American Legion Norman Post 88, the University of Oklahoma Alumni Association and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE).  He was a board member of the Central Oklahoma Chapter of ASHRAE and was President of the Engineering Club of Oklahoma City.  Bob loved traveling to family reunions and visiting with family members from all over the United States.

One of his great enjoyments was his 20 years of working at the local, district and council levels with youth of the Boy Scouts of America.  His two sons and a grandson are Eagle Scouts, and he received the District Award of Merit in 1971, received the Order of the Arrow and was honored in 1979, with the Silver Beaver award for his service to the Boy Scouts.

After his retirement in 1987, Bob worked 19 years as a volunteer counselor and Norman Site Coordinator for the AARP/IRS Free Income Tax Preparation Program.

In 2009, Bob was invited to return to his hometown of Medford, Oklahoma, to work as a volunteer to organize, fund raise and construct a new Medford Historical Center.  After eight years under his volunteer leadership, a new 1893 Land Run Historical Center was completed mortgage free and opened in 2017.  Bob was honored to serve in the role he was asked to fill and was proud that everyone in the community would be able to enjoy the facility.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and two older brothers, William F. Haddican, Jr. of Pueblo, Colorado and Jack A. Haddican of Houston, Texas.  He is survived by two sons, Robert B. Haddican and wife Deborah of Norman, Oklahoma, and Timothy K. Haddican and wife Christine ‘Mickey’ of Edmond, Oklahoma; three beloved grandchildren, Kaitlin Hagain and husband Brandon, Allison Haddican and husband Mitch, and Brandon Haddican; four great-grandchildren, Kinsley McKinley, Addilee Hagain, Harper Hagain and Liam Hagain.  Bob loved his family and enjoyed the many family get togethers.

Many thanks to the HarborChase South staff and Valir Hospice Care for providing wonderful care for Bob.

Memorial contributions can be made to Goodrich Memorial United Methodist Church, 200 W. Hayes St, Norman, Oklahoma 73069.