James Robert "Smokey" Stover

James Robert “Smokey” Stover, age 86, resident of Broken Arrow departed this life on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Smokey was born at the Colonial Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Ralph and Lorene (Pryor) Stover.  Early in his life, he lived on the farm with his parents and his younger brother Jerry.  During his high school years, he joined the ROTC and was an active member of the marching band where he played the Cornet for the Fort Smith Grizzlies.  He met and married the love of his life, Ida A. McBride while in school.  Smokey graduated from Tulsa University with a degree in Criminology.  He soon became a graduate of the Police Academy and later went to the FBI Academy. Smokey started his law enforcement career with the Tulsa Police Department.  His first assignment was in downtown Tulsa walking a beat.  It did not take him long to move up the ranks of TPD.  He became a patrolman and then a detective.  Smokey soon worked his way into the Homicide Squad.  He had a gift for being able to unravel the truth and solve the crime when no one else could.  Several of these crimes were written in Detective Magazines.  Smokey also had a book written about one of the Serial Killer Crimes he had solved at one time, and it was on the best seller list.  His final assignment with TPD was to start the Vice Squad, this was where he stayed until he retired from TPD.  Smokey was with Tulsa Police Department from 1957-1977.  He started a new career as the Assistant Chief with the Broken Arrow Police Department.  He was soon promoted to the Police Chief, where he stayed until he retired in 1997.  Smokey dedicated his life to protect and serve others.  He was known for his integrity and patience, not only from the force, but by his family also.   Smokey was a great Christian father, husband, and granddad.  His love for Christ shined from him in everything he did.  We will miss you but rejoice that your suffering is gone, and you are home with your Lord and Savior. 

Smokey is survived by his wife, Ida Stover; his daughter, Cindy Nequette and her husband Mike; his grandson, Bryan Nequette and his wife Jessica; three great grandchildren, Jordan, Sophie, and Calvin Nequette; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Lorene Stover; his son, Scott Stover; his younger brother, Jerry Stover; and his granddaughter, Heather Nequette.

Visitation will be from 12:00-7:00 PM on Monday, August 16, 2021 at Brown Funeral Home in Broken Arrow with the family present to receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM.   Services celebrating Smokey’s life will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at Broken Arrow Church of Christ in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma with Scott Keele and Dale Graham officiating.  Smokey will be laid to rest at Park Grove Cemetery in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Family and friends may share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com.  The family of James Robert Stover entrusted his care and services to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 231 E. Commercial St., Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012, 918-251-5331.

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