Robert Dean Sallee, known to many as Bob, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the age of 97 at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.
He was born on August 5, 1928, in Newkirk, Oklahoma to Elmer and Margaret (Leasman) Sallee. Bob spent his formative years in Arkansas City, Kansas, where he graduated from Arkansas City High School.
On October 2, 1949, he married Ruby May Sloan in Yates Center, Kansas. Following their marriage, they made their home in Yates Center until moving to Coffeyville in 1956. Bob was yard manager at Home Lumber Company until becoming a building contractor in 1970. Bob was a dedicated contractor until retiring from his own company, Sallee Construction, in 1992.
Bob was a man of many passions. He loved to fly airplanes, enjoyed square dancing and boating with Ruby, and wood carving creating many beautiful pieces. He also found joy in raising cattle. His charisma was unmatched, and he always had a smile for everyone he met. But what mattered most to Bob was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Survivors include two daughters, Sandra (Sallee) Henry and the late Johnnie Henry and children, Tara (Henry) Adkison and husband, Jason of Cherryvale, and Brandy (Henry) Thiesing and husband, Justin of rural Liberty, and Marla (Sallee) Larimore and husband, Dave of Coffeyville and their children, Kerby Larimore and wife, Destony of South Coffeyville, OK, Misty (Larimore) Craig and husband, Shane of Nashville, TN, and Bobby Larimore and wife Ashton of St. Joe, MO; and son, Larry Sallee and wife, Amy of Coffeyville and their children, Laramie Sallee and wife Billie of Coffeyville, and Wade Sallee and wife Danielle of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma; seventeen great-grandchildren and one arriving soon; and twelve great-great-grandchildren plus another arriving soon.
He is preceded in death by his father Elmer Sallee, mother Margaret Sallee, and his cherished wife Ruby Sallee.
Friends and family may pay their respects on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at David W. Barnes Funeral Home, located at 306 North Cline Road in Coffeyville.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 2400 Woodland Ave, in Coffeyville, with Pastor Yves Kinangwa officiating.
The family suggests memorials to DAV (Disabled American Veterans); contributions may be left with or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.
Robert's life was filled with love, laughter, and dedication to his family and work. We invite you to share your memories of Robert and upload photos to his memorial page at www.dwbfh.com as we remember and celebrate his remarkable life.
