01/06/2026
Robert William “RW” Sartor, 95 of Ashland passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his family.
Family will greet friends on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bishop Funeral Home in McAlester, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Kiowa First Baptist Church in Kiowa, Oklahoma officiated by Rev. Haskell Melton. Burial will follow at Kiowa Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Roy Hatridge, Rex Hatridge, Roger Hatridge, Brandon Hatridge, Gerald Goddard, Garett Rose, Dub Thomas, and David Verner.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kiowa Lodge #117, members of Harper's Valley Baptist Church, and all neighbors and friends of Pops.
Robert William “RW” was born on November 7, 1930, to Bill and Idell Sartor. He grew up in Denison, Texas, where he attended high school before proudly serving his country in the United States Army. RW served for 18 months and was stationed in California and Alaska.
Following his military service, RW moved to Wilburton, Oklahoma, where he attended and graduated from Eastern Oklahoma State College. He later moved to Durant, Oklahoma, to continue his education. Shortly after relocating, RW met Mr. Atkinson, a turning point in his life that began his hands-on education in cattle ranching, shaping not only his career, but the man he became. RW followed in the footsteps of his father, working for Luther McClung, where he was told words that would come to define his life and character, “If you will stick with me, I will stick with you.” RW was already known as a hard worker, but through ranching he became a man of integrity, loyalty, and dependability. He was someone people trusted, respected, and relied upon.
On May 29, 1954, RW married Jeanine Shepard in Kiowa, Oklahoma. Together they raised three children, Rick, Lawanda, and Devonda. RW and Jeanine were married for 64 years and worked side by side to build the ranch of RW’s dreams in Ashland, Oklahoma. He remained deeply connected to the land and his cattle until retiring in 2016.
RW was a devoted man of faith and service. He served as a deacon at Harper's Valley Baptist Church and was a member of the Kiowa Eastern Star. He was also a Mason and a member of Kiowa Masonic Lodge #117.
RW was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanine Sartor; his parents, Bill and Idell Sartor; his brother, Lee Sartor; his sister, Joyce Sexton; brothers-in-law, Jerry Newberry, Oliver Baldwin, Dale Davis, W.C. Derryberry, Wayne Sexton, Clyde Shepherd, and Dean Cantrell; his son-in-law, David Hicks; and his daughter-in-law, Mary Wilson.
RW is survived by his son, Rick Sartor of the home; daughters, Lawanda Hicks of Tushka, Oklahoma, and Devonda Sartor and Georgette Sartor-King of Anna, Texas. Grandchildren include Shelly Rector and husband Jeff of Atoka, Oklahoma; Sherri Meadows and husband Ryan of Atoka, Oklahoma; Tabatha Weeks and husband Matt of McAlester, Oklahoma; Tosha Sartor and Brian of Lubbock, Texas; Abby Messer and husband Scott of Tushka, Oklahoma; Rainey Sartor and wife Laycee of Stuart, Oklahoma; Charles Sartor-King of Anna, Texas; and Diana Rodriguez of Anna, Texas; ten great- grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sisters, Naomi Davis; Willie Dell Derryberry; Dora Kay Nichols and husband Sherman; and Ronna Gail Baldwin; brothers, Wallace Sartor and wife Betty; Charles Wayne Sartor and wife Maclyn; and Dorman “Dub” Sartor and wife Sharon; brother-in-law John Shepherd and wife Carolyn; sisters-in-law, Barbara Sartor and Allene Cantrell; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
Above all else, RW was a man of faith. He was never hesitant to share the love of the Lord with those around him. He lived his life grounded in prayer, gratitude, and trust in the Lord. He believed deeply in the power of prayer, whether praying for rain or blessing the food, he never wavered in thanking God for every blessing. Each Sunday, he reminded those around him of what mattered most, often saying his familiar words, “It’s good to be in the house of the Lord.” RW leaves behind a legacy of steadfast belief, humble service, and a life of hard work, a testimony that continues through the lives he touched and the family he led by example.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Christe Bullard and Southeast Hospice of McAlester for the exceptional care, compassion, and love shown during the final days of RW’s life.
