Robert “Bob” Haigler

Funeral services for Robert “Bob” Haigler, 80, of rural Canton, Oklahoma were held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at the Canton Christian Church with Rev. Mike McReynolds and Pastor Michael Grigsby officiating. Interment will follow at Canton Cemetery under the direction of Pierce Funeral Home, Canton.

Robert Reuel Haigler was born January 13, 1941 at Watonga, Oklahoma to parents Harry Hannibal and Theresa Marie (Buchanan) Haigler, Jr. Bob departed this life on Friday, November 19, 2021 at his home.

Bob was raised at Carlton and attended grade school there before attending Canton schools where he graduated with the class of 1959. Bob was the drum major for the Canton marching band. During high school Bob worked at the Royal Theater in Canton, where he ran the projector and did repair work for Mr. Spies, the gentleman that owned the theater. Mr. Spies also owned the funeral home in Canton at this time and Bob became interested in funeral service. After graduation, he attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University for one year before convincing his parents to allow him to study at Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service at Dallas, Texas. After graduation from Mortuary College, Bob served his apprenticeship at Garrison Funeral Home in Oklahoma City. While working at Garrison’s Bob and many of his co-workers frequented the drug store across the street which had a soda fountain and grill. One day while Bob was in the drug store an attractive young lady working there caught his attention. Bob and Shirley were married on July 19, 1963 by the Rev. Matthew Beers at Bob’s folks home at Carlton.

Together Bob and Shirley operated the Haigler Funeral Home in Canton for 43 years until their retirement in 2006. They also operated the ambulance for many years and had the tag agency in Canton for over 30 years. Bob was very involved in his community where he served as a volunteer fireman for 20 years, served on the school board for over 30 years, was a member of the Lions Club, Eastern Star, the Masonic Lodge and the Canton Christian Church.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; one sister and her husband, Karen and Darel Elmore; one grandson, Cole Owens; Survivors include his wife of 58 years Shirley (Riley) Haigler of the home; two daughters, Dawn Webb and husband Shane of Stillwater, OK and Kim Dreessen and husband Darius of Oklahoma City, OK; son Mark Haigler of Canton, OK; eight grandchildren, Rikki Lea Ashby of Ft. Worth, TX, Angela Jones and husband Steven of Canton, OK, Karri Ashby of Edmond, OK, Kasey Havig and husband Jamie of Green Mountain Falls, CO, Kayla Sutton and husband Mike of Canton, OK, Colby Haigler and wife Jackie of Blanchard, OK, Reid Haigler and wife Kylie of Canton, OK and Stormy Haigler of Canton, OK; sixteen greatgrandchildren, Jada, Imiyah, Liam, Jazlin, Imileigh, Irilynn, Elora, Indy, Daegan, Ella, Hadrian, Rhett, Jovi, Bertie, Ruby and Charlie. Memorials may be made to MAGB

Memorials may be made to MAGB Transportation, the Canton Christian Church or the Canton Fire Dept. with the funeral home serving as custodian at P.O. Box 36, Canton, OK 73724. Condolences may be made online at www.piercefuneralhomes.com.