Mr. Robert Newton, after 81 years,  dozed into the peaceful slumber of eternal rest on Thursday morning, October 29, 2020 from Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Service for Mr. Newton are Private Family attendance, only.

You may visit Mr. Newton, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the funeral home on Wednesday from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

Robert Frank Newton was the first of eight children born to Frank and Adean McDowell Newton on October 14, 1939. Robert, fondly nicknamed Bob or R.F., was born and raised in Gibson Station. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. John Baptist Church in Gibson Station under Rev. L.B. Williams. He attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementary in Gibson Station and graduated from Wagoner High School.

Robert married Frankie Lee of Muskogee in 1961 and to this union, three daughters were born. In 1974 Robert and Frankie became foster parents and happily welcomed two foster sons. Robert was a member of Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church for more than 56 years where he served as chair of the Hospitality Committee as well as the Building and Finance committees. Robert always allowed God to remain the center of his life to lead him through triumphs and trials.

Robert worked for many years in construction and Egan Manufacturing Co. in Muskogee. Robert always maintained a goal of one day owning his own business and commended the personal and community benefits of both.

In 1964, while returning from the farm, Robert was struck by a drunk driver. He was critically injured and could no longer work in construction or manufacturing. After years of medical recovery, Robert made a defining decision to start his own business. In 1967 with his wife Frankie, they opened Green Country Fruit and Vegetable Market at 1100 N. 11th Street in Muskogee. Robert served the community providing his farm-raised produce and through his God-given gift of horticulture talent. Bob extended his generosity to many families, offering credit to those in need.

Robert and Frankie taught their daughters the value of serving others and business operations. Parents of community youth often sent them to Robert to be taught the value of hard work. He also offered many youngsters their first job where they learned work ethic and teamwork. Robert was always deeply humbled by the many adults who thanked him as they got older for the positive impact he had made on their lives.

In 1982, Robert leased the fruit and vegetable market to the state co-op and began a new business venture: Newton Brother's Fish Market. He later expanded his culinary talent into smoking and perfecting his famous barbeque, assisted by his late brother Eugene. The restaurant quickly grew and in 1988 Robert then moved it back to the location on 11th street where he opened Smokehouse Bob's Barbeque.

Robert thoroughly enjoyed his patrons who visited SmokeHouse Bob's from all across the United States, including Redd Foxx, Danny Glover, Leon Russell, and the Harlem Globetrotters. But most of all he found great fulfillment in serving organizations, schools, and universities to benefit his community. He also generously donated turkeys and hams to families during the holidays and the annual historical Juneteenth celebration.

Robert was a member of the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce and received the Alpha Lambda Zeta Business of the Year Award as well as the Alpha Kappa Alpha (Alpha Epsilon Omega) Legacy Award for oldest black-owned business in Muskogee, Muskogee Chapter NAACP Image Award, and Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Grandfather of the Year award. Robert was a founding member of the Muskogee Juneteenth Historical Foundation and served as the appointed Chairman of the National Juneteenth Bar-b-que Commission. Robert was featured in Southern Living magazine and the book B BQ Joints: Stories and Secret Recipes from the Barbeque Belt by David Gelin, featuring his barbeque and amazing sweet potato pie.

He and Frankie continued to operate SmokeHouse Bob's restaurant for fifty years until his retirement in 2017. He was extremely proud of his contributions and service to the community.

On the morning of October 29, 2020, Robert Frank Newton was called home from labor to reward and rest.

Those who are greeting him at God's heavily gates are his mother Adean Newton and father Frank Newton, brothers Ronnie, Clint, Eugene and Jeff, granddaughter Dinah Murray, and a great-grandson Kingley Archie.

He leaves to cherish his memories and carry on his legacy; his loving wife Frankie of the home, daughters Millicent Newton-Embry (Gus) of Oklahoma City, OK Stacy Billings (Donald), and Tracy Clemons (Anthony) of Muskogee, OK. Two special sons Darphus Murray of Tulsa, OK and Lucus Murray (Chaundra) of Oklahoma City, OK. A sister Franceola Murray of Kansas City, KS, and two brothers Floyd (Marsha) and Chester (Diana) of Muskogee, OK. Six grandchildren, Kandis Archie, Broken Arrow, OK, Marcus Conard, Coweta OK, Myriah Moore, Muskogee OK, Alexis Embry, Oklahoma City, OK, Falyn Embry, Houston, TX, Hailey Clemons, Oklahoma City, OK, Jacques Murray, Oklahoma City, OK and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.