Obit for Robert Eugene posted by Janet Laubhan Flickinger
Apr 2, 1923 - Dec 4, 2010

http://www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com/

Amspacher, Robert Eugene “Gene”, 87, passed away on December 4, 2010 in Norman, OK surrounded by loved ones.  He was born on April 2, 1923 in Apache, OK to Wilbur H. and Ruby McMahan Amspacher.  Gene was the youngest of the family's five sons, and had one younger sister.  The family moved to Norman in 1935 so that the children could pursue a college education at OU. 

Gene graduated from Norman High School in 1941, where he lettered in both basketball and golf.  As a young man he courted and married Norma Jo Givens, the only girlfriend he ever had.  They were wed in 1943 at McFarlin Methodist Church, where they remained lifelong members.  While together they raised three children, Susan, Robbie, and Mark.  Gene and Norman Jo shared 60 very happy years of marriage and friendship before her death in December 2003. 

After graduating from Norman High, Gene enlisted and served in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II on an SBDU Divebomber.  He fought in the battles on Guadalcanal, Bouganville, and liberation of the Philippine Islands.  He enlisted in 1942 and was honorably discharged at the end of the war, after receiving many awards and decorations.  At one time Gene and his four brothers were all serving active duty during the war, and all returned safely home. 

Upon his return from the war, Gene joined his father in running the family grocery store, Amspacher's Southside Grocery.  Later his brother Byron joined them and together they operated the family business.  The grocery store, located near the OU Campus, was a landmark in Norman for many decades.  Gene was the smiling face behind the butcher counter, always ready with helpful advice on how to cook the perfect roast, pork chop or steak.    Gene was known by all his customers, friends and family as a kind, caring and polite man.  He possessed a quick wit and ornery sense of humor that those who knew him loved. 

Gene was an avid golfer, fisherman and hunter, instilling a love of the outdoors in his sons Mark and Robbie.  He and Norma Jo loved spending time at the family cabin at Lake Texoma, where he spent many hours patiently teaching his children, nieces and nephews (and their friends) how to water ski, pulling them tirelessly all over the lake.  He enjoyed bird watching and always kept a pair of binoculars close by, and fascinated his grandchildren by mimicking different bird calls.  Later in life Gene developed a particular fondness for watching horse races and enjoyed traveling to Hot Springs, AR to watch the races.  One of Gene's favorite hobbies was playing gin rummy with friends and family.  He spent many happy hours teaching his grandchildren how to play, and they reveled in an occasional win against him.  After retirement, Gene enjoyed meeting a group of buddies at the Trails Golf Club for regular games, where he will be greatly missed at the gin table. 

Gene was a wonderful cook and master bread baker.  He delighted his family year after year with delicious breads and cinnamon rolls.  There was always something tasty in the Amspacher kitchen when family and friends dropped by.  After the death of his wife, Gene developed his talents as a skilled artist to fill his time.  He astounded his family with beautiful tile mosaics and hand painted woodcrafts.  These artistic pieces will be treasured by his loved ones for years to come.  

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, one sister, his wife Norman Jo and sons Robbie and Mark. 

He is survived by his daughter, Susan Rutherford and husband Jim; granddaughters, Shannon Dabney, Devyn Gardenhire and husband Damon, Peaches Amspacher, Sarah Amspacher and her husband Brian Przywojski, Bonnie Amspacher and her partner Michael Wilson; daughter-in-law, Claire Amspacher; eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Robbie Amspacher Memorial Fund care of McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, PO Box 6390, Norman, OK 73070. 

This fund was established after the death of his son Robbie in Vietnam on December 25, 1968.

Thank You For Your Service!