Robert Neil Ivins

On Wednesday, October 18^th, Robert Neil Ivins, fondly called Big Rob, passed away at the age of 46.  On July 14^th, after hearing that Rob looked yellow, Rob’s mom, Becky Ivins, texted Rob asking, “Rob, are you yellow?”  Rob’s reply, “I’m as courageous as they come.”  That was on Friday.  On Monday, Rob went to his doctor who sent him to the emergency room where he was admitted with a mass on his pancreas.  He spent 45 days at Mercy Hospital and was released on home health on August 31st. Rob loved being at home with Sandra and his dogs.  He passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family.  

Born in Oklahoma City to Jim and Becky Ivins, Rob attended Rollingwood Elementary, Putnam City Jr. High, and Putnam City Original High School.  He furthered his education at Rose State College and Frances Tuttle Technology Center.  After a couple of years in real estate, Rob worked at PetsMart and in the hospitality industry at Switzer’s Lighthouse, LaQuinta, Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, the Westin Hotel, and a few others, before he went into the oil and gas business as a landman and leaser.  Rob was a personal trainer and Anytime Fitness Gym owner.

Rob Ivins was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Mary Ivins and Carl and Eulene Deen, and his much-loved cousin, Jason Coover.  About 3 hours after Rob passed away, he was joined in heaven with his Hero Uncle Larry Zerby.  Rob was also preceded by his beloved tiny dog Baxter and his highly trained giant schnauzer Ziggy.

Rob Ivins is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Adkins Ivins, his children Brittany Wright and her husband Brandon Wright, Chris Adkins, Kelsey Burdrick, Callie Burdrick, Kayla Burdrick, his grandchildren Brody and Lula Adkins, his parents, Jim and Becky Ivins, his siblings and their spouses, Eric and Trish Ivins, Emily and Kent Hathaway, and William and Jaci Ivins, his nephews and nieces who all loved Big Rob, Valerie Ivins, Griffen Ivins, Anya Hathaway, Liam Hathaway, Alec Hathaway, Hannah Hathaway, Mary Ivins and Adam Ivins.  In addition, Rob is survived by numerous Aunts and Uncles.  Rob loved his cousins and is survived by 15 cousins:  Cyndi Stewart, Andy Coover, Joe Coover, Clayton Coover, Bill Zerby, Dustin Zerby, Ashli Zerby Parsons, Candice Zerby Hutcheson, Aron Deen, Dana Deen Wagoner, Toby Deen, Tommy Carl Deen, Mary Molina Kroese, Mark Molina, Julie Molina Bro; and numerous cousins’ children. 

Rob was quick-witted and a master at movie quotes.  His favorite music was by Weird Al Yankovic and Billy Joel.  He loved comedy movies from the ‘80’s and he was a Star Wars fan.  

Rob was best known for being a great friend.  He spent his life nurturing friendships. 

He loved the outdoors and spent about ¾ of his waking hours in the fresh air. 

Rob and Sandra spent most weekends at their 40-acre paradise on Poteau Mountain near Heavener, OK.  They enjoyed their recreational time riding the side-by-sides, picking blackberries, and photographing bears, coyotes, and building Rob’s castle.

He was passionate about his pets, a playful giant schnauzer, Rocky, and his new European-bred Doberman puppy, Lacy.  Rocky and Lacy often visited Rob’s hospital room during Rob’s 45-days at Mercy Hospital.

Rob Ivins was patriotic.  He was proud of his family’s military service and was an avid supporter of the Oklahoma Chapter of Warriors for Freedom. 

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