Dr. Robert Lee (“Bob” or “Bobby”) Chambers transited into Life of Eternality peacefully on June 18, 2017 in Weatherford, Oklahoma at the age of 65 after fighting a courageous battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme IV (brain cancer) since the end of 2014.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Dr. ChihChen Sophia Lee, son Robert (Robby) D. Chambers, of Hydro, Oklahoma, step-son Dr. Tyler T. Miller of Dallas, Texas, step-daughter Belinda C. Lee of Weatherford, Oklahoma, sister and brother-in-law Linda and Jim Rothfuchs of Niles, Michigan, sister and brother-in-law Donna and Les Avant of Banner, Oklahoma, brother Bill Chambers and sister-in-law Crystal Chambers of Chickasha, Oklahoma, four nieces and four nephews, and a host of devoted great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert W. and Alberta L. Chambers.
Bob was born on November 24, 1951 in El Reno, Oklahoma to Robert and Alberta Chambers. He graduated from El Reno High School in 1970. He attended college at Southwestern State College (SWSC, currently known Southwestern Oklahoma State University SWOSU), receiving the Bachelor of Music Education in 1974, and the Masters of Education in Music in 1976. He earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) in Trombone performance with the minors of Music Theory and History from University of Oklahoma in 1986. He had an incredible career at SWOSU as a Professor of Music, where he mentored many students and taught applied lessons and classes in Trombone, Euphonium, Guitar as well as Graduate Classical and Jazz History and Theory Classes for 41 years, and directed SWOSU Symphony Orchestra for 38 year (when he also played violin occasionally).
Bob was a very accomplished musician in many genres (from Medieval Sackbut or Lute Music to the 21st Contemporary Classic Multimedia repertoires, from Bluegrass on fiddle or Banjo, Polka on trombone or accordion, to Bebop Jazz on Trombone or Guitar/Bass) and with amazing talents. He often commented that he was so fortunate to wake up every day and do what he loved. He was the Principle Trombonist of Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra since 1989 and Lyric Theater in 1999. He also served as a contracted trombonist of Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra, Enid Symphony, just to name a few, over the years. He was a dedicated educator, transforming his passion of music into mentoring his students. In addition to music, Bob enjoyed the Romantic Arts, Reading, Mechanics (rebuilding several cars and motorcycles of his own), Motorcycling, Carpentry, Hunting, and gun collection.
He was an active and dedicated member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, International Trombone Association, Oklahoma Music Educators Association, Oklahoma Bandmaster Association, and the International Association of Jazz Educators. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hydro and Weatherford, Oklahoma. He enjoyed performing at various clubs, churches and organizations when he had an opportunity.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff members of Corn Heritage Village of Weatherford, Russell-Murray Hospice, and Weatherford Regional Hospital for their care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s Honor to the First United Methodist Church of Weatherford General Fund, or SWOSU Foundation Instrumental, String (going into the SWOSU Symphony Orchestra) or Music Therapy Scholarships (http://www.swosu.edu/academics/music/alumni/foun-donation.pdf).
Heaven’s orchestra and jazz band will be much more glorious with his addition.