Robert Joe Boatright, age 89 of Lexington, passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at Norman Regional Hospital. Joe was born November 9, 1923 in Lexington, Oklahoma. He was the 5th of 12 children born to Wiley L. Boatright and Emma Pearl (Phillips) Boatright. Joe grew up a country boy living and working on the farm. He attended Lexington Schools, graduating with the class of 1941. Three months after his graduation he enlisted into the U. S. Navy and proudly served his country for a total of 23 years before being honorably discharged in 1964. During his years in the Navy, Joe served during three wars; WWII, The Korean Conflict and in the early stages of Vietnam. Joe worked as an Electronic Technician for the U. S. Navy and after he retired in 1964, he later went to work for the FAA in Oklahoma City where he worked for another 20 years. On August 24, 1946, while stationed in San Diego, CA. he married the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Witt. Over the years Joe and his family lived in various states including California, Tennessee, Maryland, Florida and Oklahoma. In 1972, Joe moved to Lexington and built a house on his family home place. After retiring he continued doing the things he enjoyed as a young boy, like hunting and fishing. In 1951, Joe picked up the game of golf and later became an avid golfer. He was a member at the Purcell Golf Course and in his later years he was able to shoot his age beginning at age 72. He continued shooting his age until age 85, only with the exception of year 1975 and 1979. While living in Lexington his other hobbies were gardening and raising cattle. He was a member of the Lexington First Baptist Church and for nearly 20 years he taught a Men’s Sunday School Class. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by: Parents: Wiley and Emma Pearl Boatright, Wife: Dorothy Boatright on Feb. 12, 2011, Four brothers: J.B, Chief, Jack and Johnny, Four sisters: Edith Ruth, Judy, Hazel and Barbara,

He is survived by: Son: Thomas Carl Boatright of Purcell, Daughter: Cynthia Marie Boatright and husband David Cook of Washington, 3 sisters: Mary Kathryn Pomikahl of Austin, TX, Lois Marie Weiner of Flordia, Beverly Kay Cunningham of Blanchard, One granddaughter: Autumn Boatright of California, Also many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Graveside Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Saturday October 5, 2013, at the Noble I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Noble, OK. Arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home of Purcell.