Robert Lyn “Bob” Okerlund, of Smethport
Smethport–Robert Lyn “Bob” Okerlund, of Smethport, Pennsylvania, passed away at Penn Highlands Elk, surrounded by his loving family.
Bob was born December 21, 1949, in Kane, Pennsylvania, the son of Jack and Gayle Okerlund. He was a 1968 graduate of Smethport Area Junior-Senior High School.
On April 21, 1973, Bob married the love of his life, Joan (Fox), in Gifford, Pennsylvania. For 53 beautiful years, Bob and Joan shared a marriage built on love, faith, commitment, and devotion to one another and their family. Together, they built a life they loved in Smethport, creating a home and family that remained at the center of Bob’s life.
Bob was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He enlisted on November 3, 1969, during the Vietnam era and completed his military training at Great Lakes Naval Training Center before being stationed at Coronado Island in San Diego and serving aboard the USS Ticonderoga. During his service, Bob participated in a Western Pacific tour that took him to the Philippines, Singapore, and waters off the coasts of Vietnam, China, and Japan, and included crossing the equator. His military honors included the Vietnam Service Medal, Seventh Fleet Citation, and National Defense Service Medal. Bob was honorably discharged from the United States Navy on September 1, 1971.
Following his military service, Bob began what would become a long and dedicated career with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. His career reflected one of the qualities that defined him throughout his life: an unwavering work ethic. Through hard work, dependability, and commitment, Bob advanced through positions of increasing responsibility, ultimately serving as Assistant County Maintenance Manager. He retired after decades of service.
Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down for Bob. “Bus Driver Bob,” as he became affectionately known, spent years entrusted with transporting the children of local school districts in buses owned by C. L. McKiernan. It was a responsibility he took seriously, as he did nearly everything entrusted to him. He also enjoyed working for his son, David, where he could continue doing something he loved—operating heavy equipment and driving his beloved Paystar dump truck.
Work was never simply a job to Bob. He believed in doing things well, fulfilling his responsibilities, and giving an honest day’s work. That example became one of the many gifts he passed along to his children and grandchildren.
Bob was equally committed to his community. He was a Lifetime Director of the McKean County Fair Association, where he served for many years as a committee leader and Treasurer. Through countless hours of service, he helped guide an event that brought generations of families and community members together.
At home, Bob enjoyed raising beef cattle on the family farm. Whether working the farm, maintaining equipment, serving his community, or helping his family, Bob was happiest when there was something useful to be done. In later years, he and Joan also enjoyed escaping Pennsylvania winters for the warmth of Florida. There, Bob participated in recreational golf and horseshoe leagues and served as Captain of the Kissimmee South Horseshoe Team. Bob was also an avid sports fan, spending years cheering on the beloved Buffalo Bills and many MLB teams.
Above all else, Bob’s life was grounded in his faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His faith was not simply something he professed; it was something he lived. At East Smethport United Christian Church, Bob served as Sunday School Superintendent, CYC Leader, and Vacation Bible School Director, and trustee. Music was another meaningful expression of his faith. He often shared his voice in worship, singing solos, with the church choir, and alongside his identical twin brother, Roger. His faith remained a source of strength throughout his life and an important part of the legacy he leaves his family.
