Tributes

Robert Kenneth Hoskins bid his last farewell on May 18, 2023, capping off 84 years as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and, most of all, a storyteller. Born in Paris, France in 1938, Rob inherited his Vaudevillian parents' passion for the stage (or at least an audience). His bass voice could add gravitas to the most pedestrian of tales, and like any great performer, Rob knew that a little embellishment goes a long way. Rob put his voice talents to work during stints in television and radio, but those listeners never got the full in-person experience that he delivered when reading the Bible to senior citizen groups or terrifying his grandchildren with the story of "Three Toes.” Rob founded Hoskins Enterprises with his brother, Roger and son, Troy in 1983. Specializing in commercial development and construction, Rob developed Memorial Business Park in Oklahoma City and acquired several apartment units. In 1984, Rob took his talents to Florida and developed a 96-unit apartment complex in Panama City Beach and soon grew the business into an excess of 300 units. Rob was a man of many hobbies including rebuilding old cars, constructing wooden ships, playing golf, and refinishing and building furniture (not to mention being the only guy on the block who both owned and could still crack a bull whip at 70 years old). He was particularly fond of his 1956 Ford Thunderbird, his 1951 MG TD, his 1941 Willys Jeep, and his pride and joy- a 1956 38' Chris Craft cabin cruiser he named "Trodeta" after his children, Troy, Robin, Debbie, and Tara. A firm believer in charity, Rob was honored to serve as a Shriner and 32° Mason, and his grandchildren fondly recall him riding his motorcycle during the Mason's parade in Oklahoma City. He was also a believer in charity on the golf course, where he would take as many strokes as you were willing to give him - and then beat you straight up just for good measure. Rob is survived by his devoted wife, Patsy, who loved him, cared for him, and tolerated his off-color jokes in Ozark, AL for his final 17 years. Rob a1so leaves his four children - Robin Newberry; Debra Anthony, Tara Stamps, and Troy Hoskins - each of whom recall that he never ended a call or left a party without a final "Your Daddy loves you!”. He is also survived by his stepson, Steven Stubbs. He is preceded in death by his parents, Troy Kenneth Hoskins and Dollie Dean Duston Hoskins, a brother, Roger K. Hoskins, and a sister, Troyka Jane Watson. Our final memories of Rob are of a man who could fill up a room with his presence and with his voice. Even when his family (and doctors!) yelled at him to stop, Rob could be found slipping off his recliner to wrestle one of his 11 grandkids or 9 great grandkids, short of breath but grinning from ear to ear. His legacy lives on as a man who knew that strength and compassion go hand-in-hand. If you would like to honor Rob's memory, please don't bother with flowers. He'd ask you to call your wife, your husband, your kids, or your parents - and just remind them that you love them.

Tributes

Mr. Robert Kenneth Hoskins

November 11, 1938 - May 18, 2023