06/15/2026
ROBERT LEON HAMPTON, SR.
September 9, 1943 to June 14, 2026
Piedmont, Oklahoma
Robert Leon Hampton, lovingly known as “Pops,” 82, of Piedmont, Oklahoma, was reunited with his beloved wife, Kathy, in Heaven on June 14, 2026.
Pops was born on September 9, 1943, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Faye Lavell Ivey and Herbert Leon Hampton. He was the only son born to Herbert, who went missing in action in France in 1944 at the age of 20.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Pops enlisted in the United States Army in 1960 and proudly served his country for six years. During his military service, he earned the Sharpshooter Rifle (M-14) badge, Expert 9mm badge, 120mm Tank Gun qualification, and Safe Driver’s Badge. While serving in the Army, he married Beverly Bass, and two sons, Robert Jr. and Randy, were born from that union.
After receiving an honorable discharge, Pops joined the Oklahoma City Fire Department, where he served just shy of 20 years. He often shared the story of not weighing enough to pass the physical exam and being told to eat a big meal before returning to complete the test. Pops retired in 1988 after sustaining an injury on the job.
On July 5, 1969, Pops married the love of his life, Kathy Cook. Three years later, their son Jason was born. Pops and Kathy shared 54 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2023.
Their love story continued even after Kathy’s death. Every week, Pops faithfully brought fresh flowers to her, carefully selecting colors and arrangements he knew she would have loved. When he was no longer able to drive, he directed his sons and daughters-in-law on exactly which flowers and colors to purchase for her each week.
After retiring from the fire department, Pops stayed active and could rarely be found sitting still. Whether at the golf course, mowing greens at Cedar Valley Golf Club, or attending one of his grandchildren’s sporting events, he was always on the move. He worked at Cedar Valley for many years and enjoyed both working and golfing there, as well as in Kingfisher.
Pops was a devoted supporter of his grandchildren. He could often be found standing along the fence at a football game or near the dugout at a baseball game—perhaps a little closer than necessary. He always had an opinion about who should be playing where and what the coach ought to be doing.
Known for his remarkable ability to fix almost anything, Pops was talented at roofing, painting, drywall, tile work, gardening, and countless other projects. He enjoyed keeping busy and was never one to sit idle. If all the mowing and painting were finished at his own house, he was likely headed to one of his sons’ homes to see what project they had going.
Pops was preceded in death by his parents, Faye Lavell Ivey and Herbert Leon Hampton; his brother, Richard Marks; and his beloved wife, Kathy Hampton.
Pops is survived by his sons, Robert Hampton Jr. and wife Susie of Edmond, Oklahoma; Randy Hampton and wife Janet of Piedmont, Oklahoma; and Jason Hampton and wife Katy of Piedmont, Oklahoma; his sisters, Susan Marks of Oklahoma City and Billie Jo Ivey of Oklahoma City.
He is also survived by six grandsons: Shane Hampton and partner Misha Joli, Tyler Hampton and wife Lauren, Colin Hampton and wife Bree, Josh Hampton and wife Haley, Dylan Hampton and wife Kali, and Dalton Hampton; and one granddaughter, Maddie Hampton.
Pops was blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Nash, Bonnie, Kayson, Walker, Bowen, Kohen, and Bo.
He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Heather Marks, and her daughters, Emilie, Averi, and Aurora, along with many dear friends who became family.
A memorial service celebrating Pops’ life will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Piedmont United Methodist Church.
Pops will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his devotion to Kathy, his strong work ethic, his willingness to help anyone in need, and his ability to fix just about anything. Whether he was on a golf course, working on a project, cheering from the fence line, or picking out flowers for Kathy, Pops lived a life defined by love, loyalty, and service. His legacy lives on through the family and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
