Bobby Gene Bourlier

Bobby Gene Bourlier, a beloved figure and dedicated Soil Scientist, was born on May 18, 1932, in Custer City, Oklahoma. He passed from this earth, which he cared so much about, on September 11, 2025, in Norman, Oklahoma.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home, 2500 W. Modelle Ave., Clinton, Oklahoma. Services will be held Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at the Randy Kiesau Chapel located in Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home. Bob will be laid to rest at the Masonic Cemetery in Custer City, Oklahoma, with pallbearers Robert Yarbrough, Justin Bourlier, Brody Tucker, Brett McGee, and Richard Thomason honoring his memory.

Bob's lifelong commitment to the stewardship of our natural resources was evident throughout his distinguished career with the Department of Agriculture, where he served with honor until his retirement in 1994. His passion for the environment extended beyond his professional life to include outdoor pursuits such as hunting, fishing, camping, and farming. He also possessed a remarkable talent for woodworking, crafting beautiful cabinets, desks, gun stocks, lamps, and cedar chests. Among his cherished creations were intricate plant sculptures made from locally sourced rose rocks, which he generously gifted to friends and family.

After graduating from Oklahoma A & M (now Oklahoma State University) in 1954, Bob began his career as a Soil Scientist in Estancia, New Mexico, in 1955. His journey took him to Aztec, New Mexico, and later to Pawhuska, Oklahoma, where he worked for a decade before eventually relocating to Norman, Oklahoma, for nearly another decade of service.

A man of faith, Bob was raised in the Methodist tradition and remained devoted to his church community, actively participating in the First United Methodist Church in Pawhuska, McFarland Memorial United Methodist Church in Norman, and Independence United Methodist Church in Custer City. He generously donated his time, resources, and skills, contributing in various ways, from ushering to maintenance tasks, even building a closet for the choir robes in Custer City. Whatever was asked of him was given.

He is survived by his loving children: Marilyn (Tom) McAuliffe, Gina Harmon, Gary Bourlier, and Lora Bourlier (Richard Thomason). Bob took great pride in his grandchildren—Robert (Marilyn) Yarbrough, Justin (Michelle) Bourlier, Calla (Brett) McGee, Brody Tucker, Kerrigan Bourlier, Noah Smith, Robyn Smith, and Jordan Thomason—as well as his great-grandchildren, Xander Yarbrough, Rose Yarbrough, Kinsey Bourlier, and Jameson Hodge. Additionally, he leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends from Rivermont Independent Living in Norman, especially his beloved cat, Annie.

Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn Geraldine Lorah, with whom he shared 45 wonderful years, his second wife, Loretta Jane Ashurst, who passed in 2023 after 22 years of marriage, and his son, Dr. Robert Eugene Bourlier. He was also predeceased by his parents, Cressley Leman Bourlier and Florence Catherine (Avery) Bourlier, along with his sisters Alma Louise (Harry) Jantz and Mary Anne (Parker) Ingram.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to Dr. Jonathan Bryan, Good Shepherd Hospice, and Cornerstone Care, for their excellent compassionate care of our father.

Bob's legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, as a compassionate steward of the land, a nurturing family member, and a generous friend.