Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Obituary for Harry Leon Shobe
Harry Leon Shobe, born December 31, 1951, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on April 14, 2026. A lifelong resident of Sapulpa, Harry was a man known for his tenacity, humor, and unwavering willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need.
Born to Darrell Eugene and Dorothy Jean Riley Shobe, Harry was the second oldest of four children. From an early age, he showed the determination that would define his life. At just 15 years old, he set his sights on working at a glass factory. When he was first turned away, he refused to accept no as an answer, returning day after day until he was finally hired. That persistence carried him through a long and dedicated career, where he became responsible for keeping the Liberty Glass plant running. He remained devoted to his work until a stroke forced him to step away from the job he truly loved.
Harry had a sharp sense of humor, though it came with a warning label. He wasn’t one for harmless workplace pranks—because anyone who crossed that line quickly learned that his version of “payback” was on an entirely different level. Stories of his legendary retaliation still circulate, from welding a coworker’s toolbox to the ceiling of the glass plant to placing a raccoon in a filing cabinet. Those who knew him best knew: if you started it, Harry would finish it.
That mischievous streak began early. As a boy, he and his brother Gene once dismantled hundreds of firecrackers to collect the gunpowder, packing it into a homemade device fashioned from a toilet paper tube, duct tape, and a fuse. When they lit it atop the fence between their home and a neighbor’s, the result was unforgettable—a large section of fence gone and a crater left behind. It was just one of many stories that would follow him through life.
Beneath the humor and antics was a man who was always there when it mattered. Harry was the person you called when your car wouldn’t start, when you were stuck in a ditch, or when something needed fixing. He showed up without hesitation, ready to help, and never asked for anything in return.
Harry joined the National Guard where he served for six years until a military vehicle wreck caused him to be Honorably Discharged for medical. He loved his time in the Guard and became a certified expert marksman. He loved learning how to operate all the different kinds of machinery, vehicles, and weapons. Learning was a passion for him and what carried him through most of his great accomplishments.
Harry shared a deep and enduring bond with his wife, Christina. Through the years—especially after his stroke—she stood by his side with steadfast dedication, caring for him with strength, patience, and love. She was a true partner, making sure he got where he needed to be, keeping life moving forward, and walking alongside him through every challenge. Together, they built a life rooted in partnership, resilience, and quiet devotion.
From early on, Harry was a great cook. Known on the CB radio as “the Charcoal Kid,” he had a love for grilling and barbecue that never left him. In later years, he and Christina turned that passion into something they could share together. They spent their time going to food festivals, traveling near and far to try new restaurants, and experimenting in the kitchen at home. Harry was always creating new recipes, and many of their adventures were built around finding something new to taste—or returning to a favorite they loved. Those moments together became a meaningful and joyful part of their life.
Harry loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply. He relished opportunities to show up for them. He was endlessly proud, quick with affection, and enjoyed making them feel special. They were a constant source of joy in his life, and time spent with them was something that he treasured.
He is survived by his loving wife, Christina Ann Shobe; his children, Kimberly J. Hayes and her husband Benji, Michelle L. McCarty and her husband Austin, Samantha S. Fisher and her husband Jason, and Kimberlie A. Cook and her husband Issac; his grandchildren, Wyatt Hayes and his wife Samantha, Madison Lucero and her husband Harrison, Haley McCarty, Ian McCarty, Eli McCarty, Sabrina Fisher, Liam Mandevill, and Saylor Cook; and his great-grandchildren, Denver Hayes and Theo Lucero. He is also survived by his siblings, Darrell E. (Gene) Shobe, Jr., Mary D. Earls, and Daniel R. Shobe and his wife Dena, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Harry will be remembered for his grit, his loyalty, his unmatched work ethic, and the stories that will continue to be told for generations. He lived fully, loved deeply, and left a mark that will not be forgotten.
