Cemetery Photo

Adair County, Oklahoma

©Submitted by: Annajo Cantrell-Limore

Robert Galcatcher

© The Stilwell Democrat Journal

June 1960

Submitted by: Wanda Elliott

News Article - Robert Galcatcher - Stilwell Democrat Journal - June 2, 1960
Charges have been filed against Jim Harris, 39-year-old resident of Bunch, in connection with the fatal shooting of Bob Galcatcher, 30, Saturday night in a Stilwell parking lot. The shooting evidently followed an argument which started in a tavern owned by Rufus Rider in the 100 block on West Oak Street.

Bob Leatherwood, who manages the tavern, is said.to have ordered Galcatcher from the place earlier in the evening for quarreling with Harris and other occupants. Adair, county Sheriff R. L. Swepston said Harris told him he had started to go home and was seated in his car with Art Myers, of Watts, when Galcatcher attempted to force his way into the front seat of the vehicle. The car was parked behind the Rider tavern. Harris said he feared Galcatcher was attacking him with a knife. Harris pulled a 25-caliber automatic pistol and fired one shot at Galcatcher from close range. The bullet entered Galcatcher's body in the right side, just below the shoulder, and left through his left chest.

The wounded man staggered approximately 20 feet into the Worley pool hall and fell back out of the door. Seconds later, he was dead.

Harris and Myers drove away from the scene. Approximately an hour later, officers said Myers called to inquire about Galcatcher's condition. When he was told of the man's death, he told Swepston he would bring Harris right in. The sheriff waited an hour and then he and Gene Philpott, undersheriff, decided to go after the pair; However, they met them, with one of Harris' neighbors, on the road to town.

Myers was placed under arrest in connection with the affair. He was later released. Swepston said. Harris was released Tuesday under a $6,000.00 bond.

Galcatcher was a former resident of this area but has been living in Tulsa for some time. Funeral services for Robert Galcatcher were held Tuesday, May 31, in Echota church, under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home. Burial was in Echota cemetery.

He was born March 4, 1930 in Stilwell. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Ida Galcatcher of the home, in Tulsa; one son, Ronnie, also of the home; four brothers and three sisters.