Bobby Poe

Bobby Nelson Poe, 77-year-old Grove Oklahoma resident, passed away Saturday January 22, 2011 quietly at his home. Bobby was born on April 13, 1933 in Vinita, Oklahoma to Nelson and Lucille (Bridgeman) Poe. In one way or another Bobby spent most of his life in the in the music industry. In the Mid 1950's Bobby started the band Bobby and the Poe Kats, together they spawned several high rated singles. After another successful single under the name The Rhythm Rockers, Bobby left his career as an artist to become an artist manager. Managing several bands including, The British Walkers and The Chartbusters, who scored a Top 40 hit in 1964 with their album "She's the One". Bobby married Ora Mae Rhodes in 1952. Together they had two children Bobby Jr, and Teresa. Bobby also started several music tip sheets for the music industry insiders and radio stations. The Pop Music Survey was his largest and most successful, and it grew even larger when Bobby began an annual music convention, which ran for 25 years until 1996. A few years after his "official" retirement, in 1999 Bobby created the Grand Grove Opry to show case local and national music talent. In March 2009 Bobby and the Poe Kats were inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. Bobby also enjoyed playing golf and pool at the Senior Center in Grove, Oklahoma. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Gary Poe. He is survived by his wife Ora Mae Poe of the home, Bobby Poe, Jr. of the home and Teresa Coats and her husband Eric of Monkey Island, Oklahoma. Memorial services for Bobby will be held at the First Christian Church, 102 West 4th Street, in Grove, Oklahoma, on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 2 p.m. Dr. Wayne Shaw will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Bobby Poe's memory through The Bogart Pediatric Cancer Research Program at www.bogartfoundation.org Services are under the direction of Ellis Family Funeral Home. Friends and family may leave online condolences by viewing Bobby's obituary at www.ellisfuneralhome.com

Service Details

Thursday, January 27th, 2011 2:00pm, First Christian Church of Grove