Roy Robert Grueser, 89, passed away Friday, July 31, 2020. He was born January 24, 1931 in Oklahoma City to Le Roy and Bessie (Riddle) Grueser. Roy grew up in Oklahoma City and attended Culbertson High School. He had six sisters and was a bit spoiled. Roy was always up to something and ended up injured frequently by his adventures. As a small boy playing with his mom's crochet, he ran the needle through his hand, and ended up with his picture in the news paper as a brave boy. He was a choir boy as a youth in the Episcopal church. At age 10 he hopped a train and rode it to Ohio, where he was befriended by a kindly old man, who got him where he needed to go. He and his cousin Richard Green had heard about commandos in World War 2, and while playing with a real knife, Roy ended up accidently getting stabbed. At 15 he lost half his right hand in an ice crusher accident, while he worked at an ice house. He completed the Boy Scout rank of Star Scout while a teen. At age 18 he took a job with a lumber company and was accidently backed over by a semi trailer in New Mexico, crushing both his feet. He worked for his father's moving and transport company for a few years. Roy continued to work even though according to his injuries he was disabled. He did all kinds of work including roofing, real estate, mowing contracting, and various other laborious jobs. He was a Boy Scout leader, troop 170 of Midwest City. Together he and his son created a lot of Boy Scout memories including getting stopped by the Lake patrol on Thunderbird Lake, in a 18 man life raft that was not registered. He loved his daughters Yolanda and Heather, and was very proud of their accomplishments and their children. Though he grew up Episcopal, he found his spiritual home with his wife Charlotte at the Portland Avenue Baptist Church. He grew in his faith, which polished his already kind and generous spirit. It was very moving to the son when he first heard Roy pray. Even up to the last week of his life he would give thanks every day for his meals. Roy enjoyed his wife Charlotte, stepdaughter Peggy, and granddaughter Cyndi and husband Tim. Roy was kind and gentle, and had a tenderness for those he loved. He was not the greatest with words, but he was excellent with his attitude. He was always busy, loved to have fun and be with family. He enjoyed gardening and woodwork, card games and dominos, as well as genealogy. Roy had several sayings that he would repeat to anyone who would listen. If you told him bye or goodbye, he would say, "Buy Bonds." For the last two years he was readily recognized in his work parka, overalls and his bright blue sock hat, that he wore constantly. He was charming and cheerful, admired by many who knew him, and will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parent, Lee Roy and Bessie Grueser; sisters, Jackie Reimenschneider, Rosalee Flanigin, Betty Jo Olson, Ruby Bergman, and Goldie Degenais; and daughter, Holly Smith.
His is survived by his wife, Charlotte Grueser, Yukon, OK; daughter-in-law, Peggy Kloehn, Yukon, OK; grand-daughter, Cyndi Elmore and husband Tim, Yukon, OK; sister: Rebecca Gardella, of Portland, OR;
daughter, Yolanda Barnhill, McPherson, KS; daughter, Heather Echola and husband Robert, of Florence, KS; son: Robin R. Grueser and wife Renee' of Guthrie, Ok; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Companion Home Health & Hospice, and to the many doctors, nurses, and health care workers who went out of their way to help Roy. We would also like to express thanks to all the family, church family and friends who were supportive and encouraging, and for all their kindnesses they showed.
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