Robert Douglas Samuels, better known as Robbie or Rob, was born in Lyons, KS to Archie and JoAnn Dixon Samuels on February 8, 1950. He joined an older brother Allan and 2 years later, his sister Gerri was born. He spent his early years in Kansas. His dad had the job to build a gas plant in Melstone MT and wanted Robbie to go with him. His question to his dad was, “Is there football in Montana?” If not, he wasn’t going. Robbie spent his high school years at Roundup High School where he played football, was the junior class president and raised as much hell as he could. His infectious smile got him out of a lot of that trouble. After high school, he served in the MT National Guards, worked in the oilfield and at several other oilfield service related jobs and in his later years, he was a real estate broker owning A Round Town Realty. An avid sportsman, Robbie enjoyed skeet, fishing, hunting, bowling, playing golf, 4-wheeling, camping and playing poker. He was a long-time member of Unity Lodge #71 and of Al Bedoo Shrine.
A semi-confirmed bachelor, he was swept off his feet when he met Marlene on a blind date in July, 1982. She was living in Chicago and was visiting family in Roundup. After a short whirlwind, long-distance relationship, they were married in November, 1982. That blind date turned into a loving, fun-filled marriage of 40+ years.
In 2013, Robbie was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia. Always able to remember numbers and names, this disease frustrated him when he lost the ability to do so. He continued to decline and in July 2021, he moved to Tender Nest Assisted Living where he continued to live until his death on March 11, 2023.
He is survived by his wife Marlene, son Jason Dooley, Grandchildren Taylor Dooley and Crystal (Antonio) Laverty, great grandsons Adrian, Mason, Zachary and Sebastian. He is also survived by his brother Allan (Pam) and his sister Gerri Korenko. In addition, he is survived by his Aunt Zelma and his Aunt Roberta and his nephews, Toby (Karen) and Kurt (Candy) Korenko and David Samuels and by his niece Stephanie Trevett (Chris) and by his faithful Corgi, Sophie and cat, Annie. Never one to meet a stranger, a slew of friends also survive him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Archie and JoAnn, his in-laws, Gus and Florence Wacker, many aunts, uncles and cousins, several good friends and his beloved dogs, Mutley, Pepper and Foxy.
Cremation has taken place and graveside services will be held at a later date. Wier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the charity of your choice.
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Graveside
22
Apr
17059 US Highway 12 East
Roundup, MT 59072