Bobby Jake Painter

August 23, 1931 - February 21, 2012

Bobby Jake Painter passed away Tuesday, February 21 at the age of 81. He was born August 23, 1931 in Durant, OK to Jake Hodges Painter and Willie Lee Davis Painter.   He grew up in Tyler, Texas and graduated from Tyler High School in 1948. He played sandlot baseball and tennis for the Salvation Army Tennis League.   He married his childhood sweetheart Emma Jean Horton on September 29, 1950 in Tyler. They honeymooned in Paris (Texas) and immediately moved to Tulsa. He worked for Dawson Lumber Company until he became self-employed as a successful independent carpenter/contractor.   He started building their family home in 1951 where Emma Jean still resides today. Bobby Jake was an avid gardener and loved teaching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren about nature and gardening. He was an active member of the McKinley Neighborhood Association and often volunteered as a citizen patrol for his neighborhood. He was known as someone who would always help anyone in need.   He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Albert Painter and Carl Ray Painter; sister: Mabel Painter Marshall; and daughter: Jerri Sue Painter Parsons.   He is survived by his wife, Emma Jean Horton; sisters: Wanda Painter Harper, Francis Painter, and Betty Painter; sons: Bobby Jake Painter, II and his wife Sheri of Sand Springs, Billy Ray Painter of Tyler, Donald (Don) Lee Painter and his wife Angie of Keifer, and son-in-laws, Thomas (Tom) Parsons of California and Raymond Tompkins of Copan.   Grandchildren: Charles Tompkins and his wife Laura, Joshua Painter and his wife Cherylyn, Jacob Painter, Jordan and Sheldon Schmidt, Jedidiah Painter, Jara Christensen and her husband Justin, Timothy Painter, Luke Painter, Daniel Painter, Amy Pritcherd and her husband Brent, Sarah Harris and her husband Brad, Rebecca (Becky) Painter, Morgan Painter and his wife Laurie. Plus 14 great-grandchildren. Graveside Service to be held Saturday February 25, at 1:00 p.m. Floral Haven Cemetery.