Robert Neil Lackey
Robert Neil Lackey, of Fairmont, West Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on December 26, 2023, he was 68.
He was born and raised in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, where his love of music and history began at an early age, always eager to learn. After graduating from Sallisaw High School in 1973 he went on to study at Oklahoma Baptist University. He mastered the guitar, from country western, classical to flamenco, and in most recent years found much joy playing and teaching the dulcimer.
Robert’s devotion and love for the Lord was seen in many areas of his life. In his early years this devotion took him to England and Wales, to research church history. He was an elder of Welsh Tract Old School Baptist Church in Newark, Delaware where he led services monthly in addition to weekly online bible studies.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Charles Lackey, wife, Pat Lackey. He is survived by his mother, Polly Anna Lackey, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, special friend Elizabeth Grohgan of Fairmont, West Virginia, two aunts, numerous cousins, and beloved friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 1 pm on Friday, January 5, 2024, at Welsh Tract Old School Baptist Church, Newark, Delaware, where a funeral service will be led by Elder John Napier at 1 pm. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.
Lydia Warren
Robert’s stories, talents, and kindness will be missed by everyone at the Folklife Center. His presence always brightened our day and we are thankful for the time we got to spend with him. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Ray McKinnon
Many of us Old School Primitive Baptist will miss Brother Robert and are sadden at his passing.
But we rejoice that he has gone home to where there is eternal peace and rest worshiping his Lord forever and ever.
May the Lord God give us all peace in the passing of a dear brother.
Linda Boies
My condolences to Rob’s family and friends. I met Rob through the mountain dulcimer community. He was active on the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) website, and frequently greeted newcomers and helped others in the dulcimer community. He was one of the hosts of the Wartz Dulcimer Gathering in WV, where I participated in my first music jams. He greeted everyone warmly and made you feel at home. Additionally, I would listed to his virtual YouTube posts, where he lived his faith for the world to see. So sad to see Rob depart this world, but so glad to know exactly where he is. Prayers for our loss.
Gabriel Gonzalez
Praise The Lord for causing our paths to cross. Rest In Christ brother, elder and friend. You were gracious and kind to me as well as encouraging and edifying.
John Knopf
I’m saddened by this news for Rob’s family and friends, but so happy that he is with his Savior now, never to be troubled by pain or sadness again. Rob was fun to talk with and play dulcimores with at gatherings. May the Lord comfort his family at this time of loss.
Dusty Thorburn
I got to know Rob a little over a decade ago as part of the online dulcimer community. He was always so generous sharing his music and expertise and had such a deep knowledge of traditional American music. The “Cherokee Cowboy” will surely be missed. In his rendition of “Tulsa Time” on the dulcimer, he promised to come visit me in California. We never did meet in person, but my life has been enriched through our online interactions. Rest in peace, sweet friend.
Lisa Sullivan (Strumelia)
I am saddened to hear of Rob’s passing. For many years on the mountain dulcimer website Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer, Rob greeted new members warmly and helped so many folks in their personal journey to play music from the heart. His wonderful songs and tunes inspired and uplifted hundreds of players.
I am glad to have known him through his music. Rob was both talented and kind.
Jim Fawcett
Rob and I have been friends for at least 15 years. We met on a dulcimer web site and along with one other person started a gathering that lasted eleven years. Wartz an’ All was our name. But after a while it was known as “Wartz”. He taught us all a lot about the dulcimer and the history.
He was our guiding light through it all. Rest in peace my good friend. Rest in peace.
terence bellamy
I shall surely miss his broadcasts, but most of all I shall miss him though we never met I felt a love to him. His happiness is now complete.
Patty Mattes
I just found out today. My heart breaks. He not only helped me with playing the dulcimer he was a very dear friend to me always encouraging me. I will surely miss him. Praying God’s comfort to his family and friends.