Individual Details
Robert Lynn "Butch" FURR
(25 Dec 1943 - 13 Apr 2024)
Long after Butch Furr’s grandfather Robert Houston Peacock died, Furr found a diary the World War I veteran kept during his time overseas. Furr, 74, said his grandfather, a private first class in the war who worked as a barber when he returned to Tulsa, never talked about his service. But the Tulsa man does have childhood memories of attending American Legion post dinners with Peacock and attending the downtown Veterans Day parades with him. Reading the diary — a copy of which he recently gave to American Legion Post 1 — provided Furr with a new perspective on his grandfather. “They went through an awful lot to protect us,” Furr said. World War I had been underway for a few years when a group of men in Tulsa decided to serve their country. More than 100 men began meeting at the Chamber of Commerce in March 1917, making preparations to join the U.S. forces overseas. Those men eventually joined the 111th Engineer Regiment, 36th Division — known as the “Tulsa Engineers,” according to the American Legion’s website. “There was a call to arms, and the city rose up for that call to arms,” Davis said. According to Peacock’s diary, the men from Tulsa set sail for France on the USS Antigone in July 1918. They saw their first “real battle” that September, according to Peacock’s writing, when they attached to the First Army and met German soldiers on construction roads. The U.S. forces took 25,000 German prisoners as a result of that encounter. On Sept. 16, 1918, Peacock described some of the scenes he had witnessed in one week’s time: “Our boys strewn over the battlefield, tank blown up by mines, Germans chained to machine guns. … French civilians released after four years bondage and returned to their homes at Thiacort. Their gratitude for deliverance was very touching.” Throughout the fall and winter, Peacock described the group’s various jobs, often working on roads and in rock quarries. They were involved in the final offensives of the war: St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne. On May 30, 1919, Peacock and company arrived in New York City, and a few weeks later, their return to Tulsa was honored with a parade and celebration, according to the American Legion. The snow stayed away for that parade.
Events
Birth | 25 Dec 1943 | Tulsa, Tulsa County, OK | |||
Marriage | 2 Jul 1963 | Patricia Kay KILLOUGH | |||
Death | 13 Apr 2024 | Tulsa County, OK | |||
Burial | Woodland Memorial Park Cemetery, Sand Springs, Tulsa County, OK |
Families
Spouse | Patricia Kay KILLOUGH (1946 - 2019) |
Child | Living |
Father | Rubert H. "Preach" FURR (1925 - 1993) |
Mother | Emma F. "Babe" PEACOCK (1925 - 2004) |
Sibling | Living |
Notes
Death
R.L. "Butch" Furr, a man of boundless energy, unyielding determination, and unwavering love for his family, departed from this world on Saturday, April 13, 2024, leaving behind a legacy etched in the hearts of all who knew him. Born on Christmas day, December 25, 1943, in Tulsa, to Rubert H. "Preach" Furr and Emma Francis "Babe" Furr, Butch's life journey was marked by resilience, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to those he held dear. Growing up in Tulsa, Butch's spirit was forged on the playing fields of McLain High School, where he excelled as an athlete, leaving an indelible mark in track and baseball. He even tried his hand at the daring sport of bull riding. Throughout his life he enjoyed duck hunting, deer hunting and fishing. He was also an avid OU football fan, never missing a game. Butch found a lifelong partner in fellow co-worker, Kay Killough, while working at the local Red Bud Store. On July 2, 1963, Butch and Kay were united in marriage. Together they embarked on a journey filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Throughout their years together, they created a home in Tulsa and Sand Springs, weaving a tapestry of cherished memories and enduring bonds. Even though they were unable to always live together they continued to be friends who loved and supported one another and their family. Butch's professional pursuits were marked by excellence and achievement. From his early days at The Red Bud to his remarkable ascent in the construction industry, Butch's tenacity and skill earned him accolades, including the prestigious Patterson Award in 1965, naming him, Outstanding Carpenter Apprentice of the Southern States Apprenticeship Conference. As one of the superintendents on the iconic Williams Tower (currently known as the BOK Tower), his contributions to the skyline of Tulsa will forever be remembered. Yet, amidst his professional endeavors, Butch's heart remained rooted in his family. He was the epitome of a devoted father, brother, and grandfather, finding joy in the simple pleasures of tending to his garden, sharing meals with loved ones, and lending a helping hand whenever needed. His presence brought warmth and comfort to those around him, and his unwavering support was a beacon of strength in times of need. In retirement, Butch continued to impart his wisdom and passion for craftsmanship, making regular visits to construction sites to check on the work being completed. His dedication to excellence was matched only by his boundless generosity and kindness, leaving an indelible impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was not only a man of industry but also a historian at heart. His fascination with World War II led him to amass an extensive memorabilia collection, a testament to his deep appreciation for history and the sacrifices of those who came before. Additionally, Butch was also dedicated to the legacy of Charles Page. Butch's memory will forever be cherished by his daughter, Jackie Bliss and husband, Echota West of Sand Springs; his sister, Lonna Barr of Tulsa; his grandchildren: Katy Brown and husband, Andrew of Sand Springs, and Emma Plute and husband, Brandon of Mannford; his great-grandchildren: Tucker Brown and Wesley Plute, and a host of relatives and friends whose lives he touched with his irreplaceable spirit. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 1, 1120 E. 8th St., Tulsa, OK 74120. A fitting tribute to Butch's unwavering patriotism and commitment to his community. As we bid farewell to a beloved father, brother, and friend, let us take solace in the knowledge that Butch's legacy of love, laughter, and resilience will continue to inspire us all. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 22, at the Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with John Litterell officiating. Followed by burial at Woodland Memorial Park. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs.Endnotes
1. Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service, Sand Spring, Oklahoma.
2. findagrave.com.