Obituary for Bobby Lee Laws
Bobby Laws, a longtime resident of Altus, Oklahoma, passed away at the remarkable age of 87 years, 11 months, and 6 days. A Master Mason and a truly extraordinary man, Bobby's life was defined by service, craftsmanship, and unwavering devotion to others. On April 24, 2026 Bobby Laws laid down his working tools, and was called home.
He was born on May 18, 1938, at home in Heard County, Roopville, Georgia, to Erie Lee Laws and Annie Mae (Blanks) Laws . He was lovingly raised by his grandparents. After graduating high school, Bobby entered the United States Air Force at the young age of 17. His career on the flight line saw him working on aircraft such as the B 52 and C 5, a testament to his precision, discipline, and skill.
Through a chance encounter at a truck stop, he met Ruby Pauline Simmons, the woman who would become his beloved wife. Together, they built a life grounded in love, resilience, and shared adventure.
Bobby proudly served his country for over 27 years, including a tour in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970, and assignments across the United States and abroad, including three years stationed in Germany. In 1964, he was assigned to Altus Air Force Base, a place that would become his forever home. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant and crew chief, carrying with him the respect of all who served beside him.
Outside of his military career, Bobby was a gifted craftsman. Carpentry was not just a hobby, it was a calling. He found joy in building, fixing, and creating, even constructing a home alongside his son Wayne. His hands were rarely still, and his ability to bring ideas to life was matched only by his legendary memory and sharp attention to detail.
Bobby's life, however, was most beautifully defined by his compassion. He was a man who took care of others without hesitation. When his housekeeper fell ill with cancer, Bobby welcomed her into his home and cared for her until her passing. When her mother became sick, he did the same. He never turned away from someone in need. He listened, he helped, and he gave.
His commitment to Freemasonry was profound. Bobby joined the Masonic fraternity on February 4, 1964, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on November 17, 1964. He lived and breathed the principles of the craft and was widely respected across Oklahoma and the nation for his exceptional ritual work, deep knowledge, and unwavering dedication.
He served as Grand Master of the State of Oklahoma in 1990, and as Grand Secretary in 1991 and 1992. In later years, he again served faithfully as Grand Secretary and was honored as Grand Secretary Emeritus, holding that distinguished role from 2014 through 2020 and beyond. A 33rd Degree Mason and Grand Cross member of the Scottish Rite, he was also active in the York Rite and the Shriners. He helped restart the White Buffalo Degree and devoted countless hours to strengthening the fraternity he cherished so deeply. One of his greatest compliments in masonry was the adaptation of the perpetual pathways which allows more young men to become master masons.
He met his future wife, Linda Derscheid, in 2010. They enjoyed life together from February 14, 2012, until his death.
In addition to his Masonic work, Bobby served as Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter number 49, and was a proud member of the National Sojourners, Tinker Chapter number 43. He found great joy in teaching and mentoring others, striving always to make good men even better. His Masonic brothers knew him as a caretaker, a leader, and a man who never wavered in his duty.
Above all, Bobby was a family man. He was not just a good father, he was an exceptional one. He encouraged, supported, and loved deeply. His legacy lives on through those he nurtured and protected.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Laws, his parents and stepfather Olden McGill, his sons Charles Rammage, Tommy "Youngblood" Rammage, his daughter Lena Anne Anger, and his great granddaughter Britney Rammage.
He is survived by his wife Linda Laws, son Larry Wayne Rammage and wife Frances, daughter Bonnie Patricia Hull and husband Daniel, daughter in law Rita Rammage, as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, one great great grandchild,and his four million fraternity Brothers, whom he considered family.
Bobby Laws was a builder in wood, in brotherhood, and in the lives of those around him. His hands shaped more than homes. They shaped hearts and minds of all whom he came in contact with.
In Lieu of Flowers donations may are requested to the Shiners Hospital Foundation., c/o Office of Philanthropy, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 4, 2026 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma with inurment to follow at Altus City Cemetery, Altus, Oklahoma
To leave a message, comment, or story for the Laws family please visit www.lowell-tims.com
Funeral services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
Read More
He was born on May 18, 1938, at home in Heard County, Roopville, Georgia, to Erie Lee Laws and Annie Mae (Blanks) Laws . He was lovingly raised by his grandparents. After graduating high school, Bobby entered the United States Air Force at the young age of 17. His career on the flight line saw him working on aircraft such as the B 52 and C 5, a testament to his precision, discipline, and skill.
Through a chance encounter at a truck stop, he met Ruby Pauline Simmons, the woman who would become his beloved wife. Together, they built a life grounded in love, resilience, and shared adventure.
Bobby proudly served his country for over 27 years, including a tour in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970, and assignments across the United States and abroad, including three years stationed in Germany. In 1964, he was assigned to Altus Air Force Base, a place that would become his forever home. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant and crew chief, carrying with him the respect of all who served beside him.
Outside of his military career, Bobby was a gifted craftsman. Carpentry was not just a hobby, it was a calling. He found joy in building, fixing, and creating, even constructing a home alongside his son Wayne. His hands were rarely still, and his ability to bring ideas to life was matched only by his legendary memory and sharp attention to detail.
Bobby's life, however, was most beautifully defined by his compassion. He was a man who took care of others without hesitation. When his housekeeper fell ill with cancer, Bobby welcomed her into his home and cared for her until her passing. When her mother became sick, he did the same. He never turned away from someone in need. He listened, he helped, and he gave.
His commitment to Freemasonry was profound. Bobby joined the Masonic fraternity on February 4, 1964, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on November 17, 1964. He lived and breathed the principles of the craft and was widely respected across Oklahoma and the nation for his exceptional ritual work, deep knowledge, and unwavering dedication.
He served as Grand Master of the State of Oklahoma in 1990, and as Grand Secretary in 1991 and 1992. In later years, he again served faithfully as Grand Secretary and was honored as Grand Secretary Emeritus, holding that distinguished role from 2014 through 2020 and beyond. A 33rd Degree Mason and Grand Cross member of the Scottish Rite, he was also active in the York Rite and the Shriners. He helped restart the White Buffalo Degree and devoted countless hours to strengthening the fraternity he cherished so deeply. One of his greatest compliments in masonry was the adaptation of the perpetual pathways which allows more young men to become master masons.
He met his future wife, Linda Derscheid, in 2010. They enjoyed life together from February 14, 2012, until his death.
In addition to his Masonic work, Bobby served as Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter number 49, and was a proud member of the National Sojourners, Tinker Chapter number 43. He found great joy in teaching and mentoring others, striving always to make good men even better. His Masonic brothers knew him as a caretaker, a leader, and a man who never wavered in his duty.
Above all, Bobby was a family man. He was not just a good father, he was an exceptional one. He encouraged, supported, and loved deeply. His legacy lives on through those he nurtured and protected.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Laws, his parents and stepfather Olden McGill, his sons Charles Rammage, Tommy "Youngblood" Rammage, his daughter Lena Anne Anger, and his great granddaughter Britney Rammage.
He is survived by his wife Linda Laws, son Larry Wayne Rammage and wife Frances, daughter Bonnie Patricia Hull and husband Daniel, daughter in law Rita Rammage, as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, one great great grandchild,and his four million fraternity Brothers, whom he considered family.
Bobby Laws was a builder in wood, in brotherhood, and in the lives of those around him. His hands shaped more than homes. They shaped hearts and minds of all whom he came in contact with.
In Lieu of Flowers donations may are requested to the Shiners Hospital Foundation., c/o Office of Philanthropy, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 4, 2026 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma with inurment to follow at Altus City Cemetery, Altus, Oklahoma
To leave a message, comment, or story for the Laws family please visit www.lowell-tims.com
Funeral services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Bobby Lee Laws, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Memorial
Monday
4
May
2:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Thank you for sharing your
memory of Bobby
Provide comfort for the family by sending flowers or planting a tree in memory of Bobby Lee Laws.
Send Flowers
Loading...