V. Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute
The quiet, but strong and guiding leadership of former Mayor Robert “Bob” Avery will be missed in Jefferson.
“It was with heavy heart that I recently notified the City Council of Bob Avery’s passing,” said current Mayor Rob Baker. “Bob will be missed by all that knew him. He was always someone that you could rely on for an opinion, advice, or just a shoulder to lean on. Not only did Bob serve as President of JEDCO for the last several years, he was a valuable Mayor for the town from 2008-2010. As I spoke briefly with his lovely wife, Kay, I let her know that the town is there for her and the family, just like Bob was always there for the town. We are all a bit wiser having known Bob. “
Bob was born on March 8, 1953, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Bill and Mary Elizabeth Avery. He graduated from Casady School in Oklahoma City and matriculated to University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma, where he graduated with a business degree in 1975 and law degree in 1978. During his lifetime, Bob practiced law in Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas and oversaw the operations of his family farm in Eudora, Arkansas. He passed away on May 4, 2021.
In 2004, Bob and Kay moved to Jefferson. Bob served his community through volunteer activities including serving a period as mayor of Jefferson, from 2008-2010; board member and president of the Jefferson Economic Development Corporation; board member of the Marion Central Appraisal District; and board member of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. Bob was a member of Gideons and supporter of Samaritan’s purse.
“When asked to make a comment about Bob, I said I would, but I needed a few minutes to think about it,” said former Mayor and Alderman Carey Heaster. “After thinking a bit, I had a long list of things Bob, along with Kay, did, and were still doing for Jefferson. When Bob and Kay moved to Jefferson they fit right in and began to help anyway they could to help better their new hometown. I had the privilege to serve with Bob on City Council when he was the mayor, but knowing Bob, he did not do things for recognition, nor did he want it. So, with that being said, I know Jefferson will miss him very much and our community, along with our country, would be a lot better off with more Bob Avery’s in it.”
“Even though I had known Bob and his family for a number of years, I came to know him better and appreciate him for his work during the two years I worked side by side with him and the other members of the JEDCO Board,” said former and newly elected Alderman Richard Turner. “Bob served as the Board President and did a tremendous amount of the legwork and legal work on his own time. His guidance while always seeking our input allowed us to provide many jobs and tax revenue for Jefferson and Marion County. The thing I remember most is personal related. When I had my heart attack, Bob was always one of the first to offer help and assistance to me and my family!! He was very big on family and for that I also appreciate him! We will miss Bob in Jefferson – in many ways!”
Bob is survived by his wife, Kay; children, Katherine E. Avery Guillot (Thomas) of Houston, TX; W.M. (“Bill”) Avery, II of Pawhuska, OK: and Lindsey Avery Smith (Brent) of Marshall, TX; stepbrother, Robert H. (Laura) Wootten of Des Moines, IA; brother- and sister-in-law, Jerry and Pat Simpson of Jefferson, TX; grandchildren, Vivienne, Sylas and Mabry Charlotte. He is preceded in death by his father, W.M. (“Bill”) Avery; and mother, Mary Elizabeth (Falter) Avery. A funeral is scheduled for 2:00 PM Monday, May 10, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Jefferson, TX. Charles Moore will officiate the ceremony under the direction of Haggard Funeral Home. A time of visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Sunday, May 9, 2021 in the Capt. Wm. Perry Chapel of Haggard Funeral home in Jefferson, TX.
The full obituary elsewhere on this website.