Robert William Schuster

Robert William Schuster, 73, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away on October 13, 2024. Born on February 8, 1951, in Eureka, California, Bob was a man with boundless energy, a larger-than-life personality, and a heart for others.

From a young age, Bob was an athlete who excelled in track, played football, and while living in Hawaii, excelled at surfing. His love for sports continued throughout his life, whether skiing in Colorado and New Mexico or passionately cheering for his favorite teams. Though Bob had a special love for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys, he was fair and also cheered for the Oklahoma Sooners and LSU Tigers, ensuring none of his children believed he had a favorite.

Though Bob was a West Coast California guy at heart with all the best qualities, he fully embraced the Oklahoma Red Dirt life when he moved here—so much so that even his siblings marveled at how he became an Okie.

Known for his charm, wit, and a belief that everyone was his friend or would be eventually, Bob had a wide circle of friends. There was always someone dropping by for a good laugh, a shared story, or just plain fun. He made people feel welcome with his irreverent sense of humor and his ability to put everyone at ease.

Bob was also the "cool dad." Great music was always playing in the background, filling the house with tunes that shaped the memories of his children. He was the kind of dad who made sure his kids knew how deeply they were loved, with his warmth and sense of fun always at the center of their upbringing.

Bob was the proud owner of Schuster Construction and Schuster Stockade Fence companies, where his razor-sharp mind, precision with calculations, and work ethic earned him a stellar reputation. Outside of work, he lived a life of service, dedicating his time to causes close to his heart. He worked tirelessly with organizations like Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, and the Wild Turkey Federation, and volunteered with the Ponca City Extra Eyes program to help keep his community safe.

Throughout Bob's life, he served in positions of leadership at Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, Grand Avenue Church of Christ, and later at Asbury Methodist Church. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he leaned on it during both the good times and the hard times. His deep belief in service, compassion, and kindness was rooted in his strong spiritual foundation.

One of Bob’s deepest commitments was to Bridgeway, a local organization in Ponca City dedicated to helping individuals struggling with mental health, addiction, and homelessness. Bob had a heart for those facing personal challenges and worked closely with Bridgeway to help people get back on their feet, offering them a second chance at life. His compassion for those in need was evident in the care and time he gave to this important cause.

Bob had a lifelong love for animals, always keeping one or two loyal dogs or cats by his side. They were a constant source of companionship and joy throughout his life.

Bob is survived by Mary Ann Rogers  of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the mother of his four children; Benjamin Schuster (Diane) of Medford, OK; Dinah Schuster (Michael Stevenson) of Raleigh, NC; Stephen Schuster of San Antonio, TX; and Hannah Schuster (Billy Nasser) of Prairieville, LA. His cherished grandchildren include Brandon Schuster (Giselle), Blake Schuster (Sierra), Chelsea Schuster, Benjamin Schuster Jr. (Brooke), Isabel Schuster, and Finnley Schuster. He is also survived by his siblings: Jack Cogle of Cookeville, TN; Ron Schuster of Veronia, OR; and Marilyn Metzger of Las Vegas, NV, as well as beloved nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and other extended family members.

To those who knew him, Bob was Superman—a man of strength, kindness, and generosity who made an indelible mark on everyone he met. His legacy of love, laughter, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Bob is preceded in life by his wife, Gayl Vap Schuster in 2000, his wife, Pamela Williams Schuster in 2020, his parents, Walter Schuster and Helen Gilcrease, and his brother, Steven Hescock.

A Remembrance Gathering will be held on February 8, 2025, in Ponca City, OK. Additional details will be provided at a later date. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Medford. www.lanmanfuneralhome.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.