In Memoriam

With the passing of my father I realized that many Men of Gridiron had left us without the recognition they deserved. This page is devoted to the memories of GUS who have been called to their maker. Periodically I will be adding obituaries from the PUAFA files. Please send me obituaries if you have them, or simply memories and recollections of deceased Men of Gridiron for inclusion here. The email address is: menofgridiron@yahoo.com

Dr. Raymond L. Alber, age 90, died Thursday, July 13, 2006, at the Appalachian Christian Village following a brief illness. He was a native of Omaha, Nebraska, and a son of the late John G. and Mabel Goss Alber.

Dr. Alber was a graduate of Phillips University in Enid, OK. Post-graduate studies included three years of study in Butler School of Religion in Indianapolis, and special studies in Psychology and Pastoral Counseling in Cotner College on the campus of the University of Nebraska. In 1972, he was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Kentucky Christian College.

A minister and the son of a minister, he was a builder of churches holding pastorates in Nebraska, Florida, West Virginia and California. He served for thirteen years as vice-president of Emmanuel School of Religion in charge of development until his retirement in 1980.

As an evangelist he headed the Alber Evangelistic Party, holding meetings in 32 of the continental United States and the Island of Hawaii. As an author he published a booklet “The Church of the New Testament” and with his father co-authored a booklet “The Claims of Christ.”

Dr. Alber has been a familiar figure on state and national platforms. He served two years as president of the National Evangelistic Association. He has served on many boards and committees including the National Evangelistic Assoc., the European Evangelistic Society and Milligan College. Dr. Alber was a 32nd degree Mason, and a charter member of Jericho Temple in Kingsport, TN. He was active in service clubs, holding office in the Kiwanis Club and a former president of the Lions Club. In 1974 he was listed in Personalities of the South. He is also a Founder of Emmanuel School of Religion. Interdenominationally he served as secretary of the Greater Miami Ministerial Alliance and was vice president of the Ventura County Ministerial Alliance in Ventura, CA. He was a member of the Central Committee for the Billy Graham Greater Florida Crusade and worked extensively with the Florida churches during the crusade.

As a wood craftsman he built all kinds of clocks, such as Grandfather, Grandmother, and Granddaughter, Eli Terry, Steple, Viena Regulator, mantle and desk clocks. He also built such things as cabinets for stereo speakers, end tables, stack tables, etc.

Dr. Alber is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Cheatham Alber, in 1999; and a brother, Royal Alber. Survivors include one son, Gary Alber and wife, Rochelle, Johnson City; and one daughter, Ann Marie Alber, Hendersonville, TN; and one brother, Harold Alber, Davenport, Iowa.

Edward W. Bank was born June 16, 1915, in Tripoli, Iowa, to Edward and Clara Weber Bank and died Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2001.

He was a 1932 graduate of Enid High School and attended Phillips University for two years. He graduated from Oklahoma University with a B.S. degree and later attended Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, graduating in 1940.

He married Dorothy Turner May 2, 1942. He served in the Army during World Word II, with the 106th Evacuation Hospital in Europe as chief of orthopedics. He practiced in Minneapolis, Minn., before working with the VA at Fort Howard, Md., as chief of orthopedics. He had a teaching fellowship at Johns Hopkins University in anatomy.

He came to Enid in 1951 and began his practice in orthopedic surgery. He was, at the time, the only orthopedic surgeon in northwest Oklahoma' retiring in 1982. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church since 1926, and served as deacon and elder. He was past president of the Oklahoma State Orthopedic Society and a member of Rotary.

Surviving are his wife, Dorothy of the home; a son, David Bank, M.D. of Elk City; two daughters, Carolyn Jennings of Louisville, Colo., and Mary Bank of Oklahoma City; two sisters, Mrs. Sam Smith of Vancouver, Wash., and Lucille Jackson of Tampa, Fla.; six grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Herbert C. Barnard 81, of Indianapolis, passed away October 29, 2008, at St. Francis Hospital South. Born in St. Louis, Missouri on July 31, 1927, Herb was a graduate of Phillips University and Yale Divinity School.

He was a retired Disciples of Christ minister and a former pastor at Cascade Christian Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Eastgate Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Herb retired from the Christian Church Foundation with over 20 years of service. He was a member of Downey Avenue Christian Church.

Herb loved his family, travel, singing and reading. Herb is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jennie Beth Barnard; sons, Steve (Darlene), Tom (Rene), and Dave (Nora); grandchildren, Eva, Carly, Dougie, Annabeth, Joseph, Samuel, John David, and Christopher.

The Rev. W. Robert “Bob” Bell, 85, of Mountain Home died January 5, 2008, at Baxter Regional Medical Center.

He was born and raised in Wichita, Kan. He completed studies at Phillips University in Enid, OK, and became an ordained minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), serving congregations in Mountain Home, Rogers, Monett, Mo., Slater, Mo., Stockton, Kan., and Leon, Kan.

Most knew him as the Rev. Bell from his ministry with First Christian Church in Mountain Home for 16 years. Additionally, he served 12 years as minister to Lake Norfolk Presbyterian Church in Henderson, as well as four years as visitation minister for First United Methodist Church in Mountain Home.

However, there is much more to Bob’s life. He also was a natural artist, published cartoonist -- both editorial and “Budgie” comic strip, published author of “Feathers From Heaven,” holder of two U.S. Patents, furniture maker, woodworker, self-taught offset printer, gardener -- a true “green thumb”, resourceful, creative handyman who could fix or make just about anything, fisherman, early bow hunter and a friend of nature, creatures and their habitats. He also restored an incomplete, disassembled civilian Jeep, and hand built his mother’s retirement home alongside his brother and father-in-law.

He was married to Winifred for 61 years and was father to daughter Patti of Springdale and son Don and daughter-in-law, Lee, of Rogers. He also is survived by a brother, Fred Bell Jr., and sister-in-law, Phyllis ,of Lawrence, Kan.; a sister-in-law, Lois Milburn of Wilmette, Ill.; a sister-in-law, Roberta Carlson, and brother-in-law, David ,of Downers Grove, Ill.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Samuel Robert Brentnall was born at Cleveland, Oklahoma, in 1903. He graduated from Phillips University in Oklahoma with a bachelor of arts degree in 1924. General Brentnall also received a doctor of philosophy from Phillips University. Entering the U.S. Military Academy that July, he graduated June 9, 1928 and was commissioned a second lieutenant of Field Artillery in the Regular Army. General Brentnall was an All-American football player at West Point from 1925 to 1928.

The following September General Brentnall entered Primary Flying School at Brooks Field, Texas and graduated from Advanced Flying School at Kelly Field, Texas in October 1929. He was then assigned to the 55th Pursuit Squadron at Rockwell Field, Calif. On Nov. 21, 1929 he transferred from the Field Artillery to the Air Corps. Assigned as a flying instructor at the Primary Flying School, March Field, California, in June 1931, the following October he transferred to Randolph Field, Texas in the same capacity.

Going to the Panama Canal Zone in February 1935, General Brentnall was assigned to the 16th Pursuit Group and later served there with the 29th and 78th pursuit squadrons. On his return to the United States in October 1936 he became Air Corps representative at the Stearman Aircraft Factory, Wichita, Kan. The following July he entered the Air Corps Engineering School at Wright Field, Ohio and graduated in August 1938. A month later he began a mechanical engineering course at Leland Stanford University in Calif., from which he graduated with a mechanical engineering-aeronautical degree.

Assigned to Wright Field, Ohio in August 1939, General Brentnall served in the Experimental Section of the Materiel Division, and later was appointed chief of the Production Engineering Section there. Transferring to Army Air Force headquarters in Washington, D.C., in August 1943, he was named chief of the Production Branch in the Materiel Division. Going overseas in May 1945 General Brentnall joined the U.S. Strategic Air Force in Europe, returning to Army Air Force headquarters in July 1946.

Reassigned to Wright Field the following month, General Brentnall served with the Engineering Division and a year later was designated assistant deputy commanding general for research & development there. In October 1947 he was named chief of the Industrial Mobilization Planning Division there, the following month became deputy director of research & development, and in October 1949 was appointed director of research & development. A year later General Brentnall was appointed special assistant to the chief of staff, U.S. Air Force, for the B-47 program, with station at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and the following February was designated director of Production and Service Engineering there.

Transferring to Far East Air Force on July 20, 1951, General Brentnall was named special assistant to the commanding general; that August was appointed assistant vice commander of FEAF, and a month later was designated vice commander.

Moving to Washington, D.C., on Aug. 24, 1953, General Brentnall served with the Office of the Secretary of Defense as assistant for production, Office of Guided Missiles. A month later he was designated assistant deputy chief of staff, operations, for guided missiles at Air Force headquarters, and on April 8, 1954 were named assistant chief of staff for guided missiles.

He received an honorary doctor of science degree from Phillips University, Okla., in May 1955. He was rated a command pilot.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, and the Bronze Star.

The Rev. Ronald Jay Carr, chaplain, 75, of Tyler, formerly of Garland, was born to the late Oren Glenn and Mable Gladys Carr in Alva, Okla., on Dec. 9, 1933. He departed this world on Feb. 25, 2009, in Tyler.

He was raised in Wichita, Kan., and graduated from North High School. He received his bachelor's degree from Phillips University in Enid, Okla., and Bachelor of Divinity and Masters of Theology from Texas Christian University. He was ordained as a Disciple of Christ minister in 1960, and served Disciple churches for many years throughout Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri.

In 1964 he joined the Kansas National Guard 69th in Kansas City. He was commissioned as chaplain with the rank of second lieutenant and was activated during the Pueblo Crisis for service in Vietnam. Upon returning to the states, he joined the Texas Army Reserve, 94th General Hospital Unit in Mesquite. Mr. Carr loved his troops and traveled as a service chaplain serving units in Fort Hood, Fort Sill and served as chief chaplain for the 5th Army, based in Little Rock, Ark., serving Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas and Louisiana during Desert Storm.

In transferring to the Episcopal Church, he studied for canonicals under Bishop Powell of Oklahoma Espier Diocese and was ordained deacon, then priest in 1976 in Ardmore OK. He served as rector of Our Saviour Episcopal Church in Dallas, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Durant, OK., St. Paul Episcopal in Oak Cliff and numerous interim positions.

In December of 1993, Rev. Carr retired from the Army as a colonel. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Joyce Joan Carr; sons, Brad and wife Tracy, Jeff and wife Donna, Marc, and Shawn and wife Amy; grandchildren, Jennifer, Courtney, Kelsey, Matthew and Patrick Carr.

Reverend Richard H. “Dick” Chilton, 89, of Winter Haven, FL died on April 24, 2007 at his residence where he lived with his wife, Jerry and grandson, Peter J. Kent.

A native of Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, Reverend Chilton married his college sweetheart Geraldine Elizabeth Whitmer in 1942. They were married for 64 years. Reverend Chilton graduated from Phillips University in 1945 where he was awarded Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Bachelor of Divinity Degrees. He was a full time minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), serving churches in Oklahoma and Texas for over forty years. After his retirement he served as Associate Minister with the Haines City Florida, Christian Church.

Reverend and Mrs. Chilton moved to Winter Haven in 1989. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Elizabeth Chilton and five children, Charles (Nancy) Chilton, Dr. Robert (Elaine) Chilton, Cynthia Kent, Connie (Jeff) Howard and Carol (Ron) DeAtley. Survivors also include a brother, Raymond Chilton, a sister, Lillie Mullinax, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Reverend Chilton was active in the YMCA and Chamber of Commerce in Oklahoma City and Dallas. He enjoyed walking and gardening with his wife, Jerry, and spending time with his family.

Jim Cline ‘55

Raymond James "Jim” Cline, 74, retired editor and publisher of Conway Springs Star and Argonia Argosy, died Sunday, January 27, 2008. He was born to Raymond Hartsell and Vesta Garst Cline on August 31, 1933. He was a 1951 graduate of Conway Springs High School, and received his BA degree in English / Journalism from Phillips University, Enid, OK in 1955.

Jim was the third generation editor and publisher of the Conway Springs Star. He was also a former school teacher. Jim was an active community leader and was involved with numerous committees in his church, the Chamber of Commerce, local Fine Arts Recital Series and the CSHS Alumni Reunion. He served the First Presbyterian Church as Elder, Sunday school teacher, choir director and youth director.

Jim married Dalice Ann Shinn on June 2, 1956. She survives. Also survived by sons: Michael, Conway Springs; Bradley (Michelle) Goddard, Stephen (Karina) Seattle, Washington; grandsons: Iain; Issac; sister Shirley (R.H.) Hale Tucumcari, NM.

Ted Coldiron '33

William Todd “Ted” Coldiron, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on July 18, 2007 in Oklahoma City at the age of 96. Ted Coldiron was a long-time resident, businessman, and civic leader in Enid. He was born on April 14, 1911 in Pond Creek, Oklahoma to Henry and Clara Coldiron. He grew up in Pond Creek, lived one year in Douglas during middle school, and completed high school in Enid, graduating in 1929. He attended Phillips University where he was a member of Gridiron, before completing college at Oklahoma A&M, graduating in 1934. In Stillwater, he met Chloe Lawellin, and they married on March 17, 1934. They were married for 62 years until her death in 1996.

Ted Coldiron taught school in Hominy while completing his Master’s Degree in History at Oklahoma A&M. In 1938, he returned to Enid to open his first clothing store, Coldiron and Davis on the downtown square. From 1938 to 1983, he owned and operated several Coldiron’s clothing stores and fabric stores, as well as C&C variety stores. He closed his final Coldiron’s store in December, 1983 and retired. In 1984, he was named Enid Citizen of the Year by the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce.

During his lifetime, he served as President of the Enid Board of Education, President of the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Board of Bass Hospital, and President of Enid Kiwanis Club. He also served on the board of trustees at Oklahoma Baptist University, was a charter member of Oakwood Country Club, and served in many capacities for the Boy Scouts of America and the Salvation Army.

Ted Coldiron was also a farmer in Pond Creek, owning Riverside Ranch. A member of Enid’s downtown merchants association, he pushed for a downtown mall. During his years on the Enid School Board, he was instrumental in building Waller Junior High School and O.T. Autry Vo-Tech School. He was a member of Enid First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and a Sunday School Teacher after joining in 1938. In the late 1980’s, during his retirement, he served as Church Administrator and was an active layman in the Southern Baptist Convention.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and his wife, Chloe. He is survived by two daughters, Retta Jo Kunard of Enid and Jan Coldiron Smith of Oklahoma City; by four grandsons, C. Dwight Kunard, Jr., Kurt Smith, Kyle Smith, and Craig Smith; and by 7 great-grandchildren.

Dan Couger was one of the important developers of the academic field of information systems (IS) and also an important contributor to IS practice. His publications provided essential source material for the field. His research aided the development of IS personnel. He was a participant in the most significant IS model curriculum efforts. His influence was global.

Dan earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Philips University in Enid, Oklahoma, in 1951. After two years in the Air Force and a short stint as an industrial engineer with a government contractor, he went to work in 1954 for Hallmark, where he was unsuccessful in his attempt to get "Mr. Hall," the company's founder, to buy a computer for the company. Dan earned a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Kansas and a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Colorado in 1964.

He joined the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, in 1965. Dan was one of the founding professors for IS at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and a pioneer in teaching students how to combine computer technology with business strategy. He was honored by his university with the rank of distinguished professor. In 1998, Scott Oki, a former student, endowed the J. Daniel Couger Professorship of Information Systems. Dan was elected a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery, one of a very small number who have been so recognized. Among other awards was the Outstanding Teacher Award by the DPMA.

During the critical years at the beginning of the field, Dan published the Computing Newsletter for Collegiate Schools of Business, supported initially by IBM. It was the best source of information on current developments affecting teaching of computing and information systems in schools of business.

Dan was involved in major model curricula efforts for information systems. He was a member of the committee that produced the 1972 ACM graduate program. He was the author of the 1973 ACM undergraduate model curriculum report. He was a member of the 1983 revision of the ACM Information Systems curriculum. He continued this involvement through the 1997 report, "IS'97 Model Curriculum and Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Information Systems," by ACM, AIS, and AITP.

He wrote 18 books, had hundreds of articles published in professional journals, and lectured in more than 60 countries. Several of his books are noteworthy contributions to the field. Two of the books filled a need in the field by describing systems analysis and techniques and methodologies: System Analysis Techniques (with R. W. Knapp, Wiley, New York, 1974) and Advanced System Development/Feasibility Techniques (with M. A. Colter and R. W. Knapp, Wiley, New York, 1982). He published the results of pathbreaking research on IS.

Dan died in 1997. A memorial tribute by the Association for Information Systems can be read at "In Memoriam."

Dr. Herbert P. Davis, Minister, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) died October 12, 2007. He was preceded in death by Eileen Huff Davis, his beloved wife of 62 years, in June, 2007.

Twins, Herbert Perry Davis and Robert Hubert Davis were born May 13, 1921 in Port Arthur, Texas, to Henry W. Davis and Birdie Lay Davis. The Davis family has had active members in First Christian Church, Port Arthur since 1918. His brother, 2 sisters and cousins still live.

His preparation for ministry was at Phillips University with the class of 1944. It was there he and Eileen Huff met. They were married January 19, 1944. Herb and Eileen are survived by three daughters, 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

The Davis pastorates included Sulfur, OK, Monett, Springfield, Marshfield, Trenton and Independence, MO. He also was administrator of a retirement community in Raytown, MO, and the Kennedy Home of NBA in Martinville, IN.

In retirement he served several congregations as Interim Minister and a hospital as chaplain. Herb served on many church and civic boards including Drury College and Culver-Stockton College. His Doctor of Divinity degree was conferred by Culver-Stockton. Throughout his life he was well-read and involved in continuing education. Active in Masonic bodies, Herb and retired President Harry Truman became friends in Independence, MO.

Officiating at burial services in Blue Springs, MO, was his minister cousin, Dr. Robert E. Gartman

Arthur Maurice Detamore, 85, of Indianapolis, Ind., went to his heavenly home Christmas morning, Monday, Dec. 25, 2006.

Art, known as Pappy to his family, was born June 16, 1921, in Shawnee, Okla., to Roger and Gertrude Orr Detamore. He met his future wife, Berta Jean, while attending Phillips Theological Seminary in Enid, Okla., and they were married June 3, 1945.

After serving as a senior pastor in Oklahoma and Texas, including at South Hills Christian Church in Fort Worth, he served as an executive in the national office of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) from 1962-1986, when he retired as president of the Church Finance Council. He served in his retirement as a consultant for church extension of the Christian Church, retiring for a second time in 1994, with honorary doctorates from Phillips University and Jarvis Christian College of Texas.

He spent the following years making furniture for his grandchildren, volunteering at Indianapolis community hospitals, beautifying the landscape in his garden and traveling with Berta Jean, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family.

In his final battle with Parkinson's disease, he continued to minister through his ongoing concern for others and his constant friendship with Christ through his illness. His family considers his steadfast, lifelong example the most powerful sermon he ever preached.

Survivors: His wife of 61 years, Berta Jean Buckles Detamore; his children, Arthur Trent Detamore of Fort Worth, Laurie Jane Husted and David Drew Detamore; nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Memorials: Art Detamore Memorial Fund for Allisonville Christian Church, in care of Christian Church Foundation (Disciples of Christ), Box 1986, Indianapolis, Ind. 46202, 317-635-3100, or via the web at www.disciples.org/ccf.

Rev. Dr. Joe C. Detamore, 84, of Danville passed away at 3:05 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2009 at Colonial Manor Nursing Home.

Joe was born Oct. 13, 1924, in Shawnee, Okla., the son of Roger and Gertrude (Orr) Detamore. He married Frances Jones in 1946 in Enid, Okla. She preceded him in death. Joe later married Marian Jean Hoover on Dec. 18, 1969, in Oklahoma City, Okla. She preceded him in death on July 27, 1997.

Joe graduated from high school in Oklahoma. After high school he joined the United States Navy and served from 1942 to 1946, serving in Guam during WWII. After returning from the Navy, he attended Phillips University in Enid, Okla., Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, and later Lexington Bible Seminary in Lexington, Ky. Joe was a Disciples of Christ minister. Working in Neosha, MO., Ark-ansas City, KS., London, England, Springfield, MO., Jefferson City, MO., Danville, IL., Oklahoma City, OK., Corpus Christi, TX, Lynchburg, VA.; and Charleston, IL., where he retired in 1988, as an interim minister. After retiring, he worked at other various churches where he was needed. He was a member of the Masons for several years, YMCA and Central Christian Church. Joe was an avid reader of theological books. He also loved going to Table Rock Lake to go boating and water skiing. Joe was always focused on work and enjoyed eating a good steak.

He is survived by his two sons, Roger Detamore of Bismarck and Dr. Timothy (Tina) Detamore of Clinton, Ohio; two daughters, Lesile (Rob) Tanner of Spring Hill, Fla., and Lisa (Herbie) Arroyo of Tampa, Fla.; one step-daughter, Kim Davis of Lynchburg, Va.; close friend, Jesse Shelby of Danville; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews; and former daughter-in-law, Sharon Detamore of Bismarck.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, two brothers, Arthur Detamore and Byrum Detamore.

Roy Dillabaugh, 67, of Washington Twp. passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 as a result of an automobile accident. Roy was a longtime, active member of Normandy United Methodist Church. He graduated from Phillips University in Enid, OK with his BA in religious studies and continued on to receive his M. Div. from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN.

Roy was an independent financial planner, earning his CLU, ChFC and CFP. He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed golf. Roy loved being with his family; this included traveling and spending time at Norris Lake in Tennessee. He will be remembered for his generous spirit; dedicating his life to giving and helping others, which led to a final gift of life by donating his body following his death.

Roy is survived by Alice Jane, his loving wife of 33 years; his son, Scott (Christa) Dillabaugh and their children Jacob and Caroline, of Buffalo, NY; daughter, Stacia (David) Edwards and their daughters, Rachel, Emily and Sarah of Centerville, OH; sons, Lorne (Lisa) and their children, Hayley and Lyndsey of Ohio, Ralph Dillabaugh of Arizona and daughter, Julie (Brad) Golembiewski and their sons Brandon and Devin of Michigan; father, Grant Dillabaugh, of Butler, PA; brothers Wayne (Ruth) Dillabaugh of Butler, PA, Dean (Kenya) Dillabaugh of Jacksboro, TN and his mother-in-law, Agnes Weddle of Washington Twp and other family members.

Paul Eugene Ehly, 94, was born in Concordia, Kan., on Aug. 8, 1914, and was raised in Enid, OK. There his father, August "Gus" Ehly, opened one of the early J.C. Penny stores (Mr. Penny was a family friend). Paul was preceded in death by his parents, August "Gus" and Lucy Ehly; his brother, Warren and wife, Vera Belle Ehly. Paul graduated from Enid High School in 1931, Phillips University in 1935 (BD), a MA in 1936, and a BD degree from Phillips Graduate Seminary in 1937.

He continued his education in Edinburgh, Scotland, School of Religion and the University of Tubingen, Germany (1937 to 1938), and in 1963 received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary. He was named Outstanding Alumnus by PTS in 2003.

Paul is survived by his wife, Esther Bentley. They were married on May 21, 1937, in Topeka, Kan. They have two children, Linda Whitney and husband Leon of Ellisville, Mo., and Dr. Victor Paul Ehly and wife Diane of Worcester, Vermont. They have three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Paul served two churches in Oklahoma as a student and together they served four churches in Kansas before moving to Raytown, Mo., where they led in growing the Church from 440 to 2,000 members. Paul also served the National Benevolent Association of the Christian Church (DOC) in St. Louis for 11 years as a development director, corporate secretary and assistant CEO at Woodhaven Learning Center in Columbia, Mo.

Paul and Esther had been active members of Broadway Christian Church and especially enjoyed being a part of the church choir. Until recent years, they had also been a part of the Lenoir Woods Vespers Choir.

Dr. Arthur F Elliott, 78, was born May 9, 1922 in Buenos Aires, Argentina to American missionary parents, Dr. and Mrs. Arthur F. Elliott, living in Asuncion, Paraguay. Died Tuesday, October 24, 2000 after a short illness. He came to the United States at age 14 to live in New York City, while his father attended Columbia University.

He graduated from Enid High School and Phillips University both in Enid, OK. He received his M.D. from the University of Oklahoma Medical School. Interning at the naval hospital in Great Lakes, he continued his Navy service at Bikini and Attu.

Dr. Elliott entered private practice in Oklahoma City in 1951. He was past President of Oklahoma County Medical Society in 1973. He was a member of Oklahoma City Clinical Society, Oklahoma State Medical Association, American Medical Association, American College of Cardiology, and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

He was also a long term member of Twin Hills Gold and Country Club, a member of North Oklahoma City Rotary International, and member of Crown Heights Christian Church, where he was active in church affairs and taught the Homemakers Sunday School Class.

He is survived by wife, Trudy; sons, Lloyd, William, Mark and wife, Sherry and grandchildren, Stephanie and Nicholas. He is also survived by brothers, Sheldon and wife, Dorothy, and James and wife, Roberta.

There might not be a medical school at Florida State University if not for Paul Elliott, who in 1971 founded the Program in Medical Sciences at FSU.

PIMS, a University of Florida program in which 30 students received their first year of medical education at FSU, was imbued with a mission Elliott believed in deeply: to reach out to the rural and under-served areas of the Panhandle and the state, a charge FSU’s College of Medicine was founded with in 2000.

“Paul laid the groundwork for us,” said FSU’s Myra Hurt, acting dean at the creation of the medical school and the last director of PIMS. “We owe a great deal to him.”

Elliot died Saturday of heart failure at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. He was 76.

PIMS was by no means the only significant venture the native of Pueblo, Colorado helped launch in Tallahassee.

Elliott was a founding member of the Miccosukee Land Co-op, a community of about 100 homes in eastern Leon County. His was the first house to be built at the co-op, and Elliott and his daughters Alison and Susan actively helped Mad Dog Construction’s Chuck Mitchell with the physical labor.

Elliott was Mitchell’s first teacher at FSU, and the two became lifelong friends.

“Paul was a mentor to so many of here as we struggled to find out what we wanted to do with our lives,” Mitchell said. “He was the go-to-guy for so many students at FSU.”

A master gardener and an accomplished cook, Elliott was a colorful figure on FSU’s campus. Provost Larry Abele was chairman of the biology department in 1977 when Elliott stepped down from PIMS and requested to be an undergraduate advisor. Abele fondly remembered Elliott coming to work shirtless on a motorcycle.

“When you think how loose the world was here in the 1970s, as that changed Paul never really changed,” Abele said.

Said Mitchell: “He was one of our leaders and one of the oldest hippies we had left in Tallahassee. I think if Paul could have he would have still been wearing a ponytail, if he had any hair left.”

Robert Reeves, a retired biology professor who succeeded Elliott as PIMS director, described his former colleague as a “maverick.”

Sheldon Ellwood Elliott, 83, a World War II veteran, Phillips Petroleum Company retiree and longtime resident of Bartlesville, died Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at Jane Phillips Medical Center.

Sheldon was born July 9, 1925, in Asuncion, Paraguay, to Dr. Arthur E. and Ivy F. Elliott, who were serving as missionaries for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). After an early childhood in Paraguay, his family moved to Enid, Oklahoma, where he completed high school and one year at Phillips University before entering the Army Air Corps in June of 1943.

Sheldon served as a navigator on a B-29 for the 39th Bomb group at the island of Guam in the South Pacific. He completed 30 combat missions, was promoted to First Lieutenant, and received the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and a Distinguished Flying Cross. His final mission was flying over the battleship Missouri in Tokyo harbor at the signing of the peace treaty ending World War II.

After the war, Sheldon returned to Phillips University and graduated in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Chemistry. He married his Phillips classmate, Dorothy Trueblood, on August 14, 1948 and continued his studies in graduate school at the University of Michigan. He completed a Master’s degree in Mathematics in June 1949.

He began his long career at Phillips Petroleum Company in 1951 in the Research and Development Department. Over his 34 years at Phillips, Sheldon served as Branch Manager of the Research Branch in Bartlesville, as Chief Geophysicist of Phillips’ Europe-Africa subsidiary in London, and as Manager of Geophysics Worldwide in Bartlesville, until his retirement in 1985.

Outside of work, Sheldon had a lifelong association with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the First Christian Church of Bartlesville. He was a church-school teacher and held offices of Administrative Board Chair and Chairman of the Board of Elders. He served in a variety of boards and committees at the Regional Church level and on the Board of the Council on Christian Unity of the Disciples of Christ. During his three years in London, he and Dorothy were members of the American Church in London, where he was Missions Chair and Vice President of the governing Council.

After his retirement, Sheldon continued to serve the Church as an Elder, as a board member of the Christian Church Foundation, and on the General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In 1988, he joined the Board of Trustees of Phillips University, was elected Chairman of the Board of Phillips University in 1992, and was appointed Chancellor in 1994. For his services to Phillips University, he received a Distinguished Service Award, a Distinguished Alumnus Award, and the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. He continued to serve on Board of Directors of the Phillips University Legacy Foundation.

George L. England passed away June 3, 2006. He was born September 27, 1920, in Macksville, Kansas, the first son of Stephen J. and Cora Geil England. He was raised in Enid, Oklahoma, graduated from Enid High School in 1938 and Phillips University in 1942 and was still a member of Gridiron Club. He married Margaret Rundell , also a Phillips graduate, in 1942, and they were married until her death in 1979.

George was an Army Veteran of WWII with service in coast artillery and ordinance operations, attaining the rank of Captain. Following the war he worked as a procurement officer at Tinker AFB for almost 30 years. He retired from civil service in 1980.

He was a 45 year member of the Oklahoma Region Sports Car Club of America and served in numerous club positions. He earned a National Competition License, and when he retired from competition driving, earned his Chief Race Steward’s License. He was one of the first to be honored by the SCCA with a Chief Steward Emeritus “Gold Card.” Another of George’s passions was hot air ballooning, and he was a member of the Oklahoma Windriders Hot Air Balloon Club.

George was an active member of the Oklahoma Writers Club and was published in The Disciple, Woman Pilot Magazine and Oklahoma Today. In 1990 the Phillips University Graduate Seminary published In a Tall Shadow, which George wrote as a personal biography of his late father, Stephen J. England, who had long served the Phillips Seminary as New Testament Professor and Dean.

A member of the First Christian Church of Midwest City since 1948, he served in many leadership and service roles and was honored as Elder Emeritus.

George was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Margaret Rundell England, and a brother, Stephen J. England. Survivors include: his wife of 25 years, Carol A. England; son, Stephen J. England, and wife, Elsie; daughter, Sandra Saucier, and husband, John R.; stepsons, Jason and Scott Guthrie; 5 grandchildren, Stephanie Floyd, and husband, Scott; Randy Saucier; Matthew England; Elizabeth Siela and husband, Anthony; and Mary Davis and husband, Roger; and 2 great grandchildren, Jackson and Anna Floyd.

Glenn W. Geil was born Dec. 15, 1902, in Barton County, Kan., to Andrew and Eva Florence Wallace Geil and died Saturday, Sept. 29, 2001, in Enid. He was 98.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Phillips University and his masters in physics from the University of Oklahoma. One Sept. 1, 1932, he married Florence Case in Enid. They lived in Pittsburgh, Pa., Washington, D.C. and Arlington, Va. After teaching in Pittsburgh and working on his doctor's degree, he was a metallurgist with the National Bureau of Standards, specializing in metal fatigue. He retired and moved to Enid in 1972. In 1974, they started a 19 year career as coordinators for delivery of Enid's Meals on Wheels which grew to a nine-route distribution system. For more than 50 years, he was active in Boy Scouts. He developed the requirements for the Boy Scout metallurgy merit badge. He received the Silver Beaver, highest award for adult leadership in scouting and was past president of Enid Noon Lion's Club. He was a member of American Society of Testing Material, American Society of Metallurgy, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Enid Chapter of AARP and Chapter 3 at First Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are two sons, Robert of Las Vegas, and Earl of Panama City, Fla.; one daughter, Lois May Phelps of Pond Creek; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his wife on July 13, 1994, two grandsons and nine brothers and sisters.

James Michael Gilbert, 64, of Atlanta, Texas died Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, in a local hospital.

Mr. Gilbert was born Dec. 2, 1944, in Atlanta. He was a retired pharmacist, a member of First Baptist Church, Atlanta, and a Vietnam War veteran.

Survivors include his mother, Laurice Hamilton Gilbert of Atlanta; one uncle and two aunts, Margaret Allison of Ida, La., and Morris and Maxine Hamilton of Linden, Texas; and a number of other relatives.

Jones S. "Joner" Graves, 97, died February 13, 1997 at San Antonio. "Joner" was a founding memeber of Gridiron Club and its first President. He served two terms, '22-'23 and ;23-'24.

He was a professor at Northwestern Oklahoma State University from 1946 to 1966. Mr. Graves received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Phillips University and his Master of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma. He was a teacher, coach and administrator in seven schools, finishing his career at Northwestern.

He married Lila DeSelms in 1930. After retiring, he and Mrs. Graves owned and operated a business in Lawton, Oklahoma. Mrs. Graves preceded him in death in 1979.

Over the years, Mr. Graves served on the Board of Regents for Oklahoma Colleges and also represented the Oklahoma Education Association in the creation of the state teacher retirement system.

He is survived by a sister, Beulah Hatch of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, sons and daughters-in-law, Bruce and Virginia Graves of Dallas and David and Carol Graves of San Antonio, and daughter and son-in-law, Jonila and Pat McGinley of Austin, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Born on Feb. 17, 1918, to Walter L. and Estella R. (Ingalls) Hargraves, he married Mildred F. Dobbs in Enid. She preceded him in death on May 5, 1972. He then married Virginia L. Kerschner on Jan. 14, 1973, in McPherson, Kansas.

He served in the Navy in WWII and retired in 1987 as a colonel in the Army Reserve. He earned his masters of divinity from Phillips and served churches in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado. He was also a field director for the American Red Cross serving in Vietnam. He counseled for Alcoholics Anonymous, was a member of the Lions and Kiwanis clubs and Masonic Lodge 123 in Holdenville, Okla.

In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, daughter, stepson, two stepdaughters, three brothers, five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and 10 step-great-grandchildren.

Gerald Harris '53

D.O.D 09/03/2008 - Noted in the Disciples World, Nov '08, is the death of Gerald Harris, retired pastor and professor. Gerald, from Alabama, was in GC and as his career indicates, a very good student. He earned his MDiv & Ph.D. at Vanderbilt. He taught at Atlantic Christian College (now Barton) and Lexington Theological Seminary. His death was in Bath, NC. where I he retired

James Kay Hempstead ‘46, a retired Disciples of Christ minister, died March 23, 2006, at his residence in The Sequoias, San Francisco, California. He was 81.

Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on July 12, 1924, Jim received his Bachelor of Arts degree and Bachelor of Divinity degrees from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. He also received honorary doctorate degrees from Bethany College and Phillips University.Jim was ordained as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and served as senior pastor at churches in Oklahoma City; Ames, Iowa; Centralia, Illinois; Alhambra, California; Central Woodward Christian Church, Detroit, Michigan; and East Dallas Christian Church, Dallas, Texas.

He served the denomination on the national level as First Vice-Moderator of the General Assembly (1975); the General Board and the Administrative Committee of that Board; Executive Committee of the National Benevolent Association, and many years on the Christian Board of Publication.

Jim was an active participant in civil rights movements in Detroit and Dallas. He ordained the first woman elder and first African American elder at his church in Detroit.

He is survived by his wife of almost sixty years, Betty Lou Purdy ’48; his son, David and wife Cynthia of Grosse Pointe, MI; daughter Susan and husband, Thomas Hess, of San Francisco, CA; and by grandchildren Kathryn, Elizabeth, Mark and Andrew.

, Charles E. "Chuck" Hennen Jr., died Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008. He was born Feb. 9, 1940 in Caldwell, Kan., the son of Charles E. Hennen Sr. and Effie A. Corzine Hennen. Survivors include his wife, Moretta of Linn Valley; sons, Matthew of Wichita and Donald Eric and wife, Paige of Oklahoma City; sister, Edith Fletcher and husband, Ron of Wichita and grandchildren: Taylor Jean Hennen, Taylor Marie Hennen, Jessica Hennen, Charles Cooper Hennen, David Eric Hennen and Eve Alyssa Hennen..

Paul Carlton Hill, a GUS and retired speech pathologist and administrator of the Edwin A. Fair Mental Health Center in Ponca City, died Friday, Jan. 5, 2007, in Ponca City. He was 63.

Paul Carlton Hill was born Nov. 14, 1943, in Marfa, Texas, son of Elsie Elizabeth Woolf and Eulis Harold Hill. The family moved frequently, following from state to state the career of Mr. Hill's minister father. While Mr. Hill enjoyed a childhood full of fresh faces every few years, for the remainder of his life, he set about planting the roots he had lacked as a boy. He lived contentedly in Ponca City for 39 years, but he always looked forward to what tomorrow might bring.

After graduation in 1961 from John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City, Mr. Hill completed rigorous bachelor's and master's degree programs at Phillips University in Enid. He was a recognized leader in the field of speech-language pathology, publishing two articles in professional journals and delivering a paper at the conference of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in 1976. He was active in the Oklahoma branch of the association during his career, and trained many interns at the Edwin A. Fair Community Mental Health Center.

His 40-year career as a speech-language pathologist joined together his aptitude for spoken language with his gift for working with the disabled, resulting in a lifetime of clinical work so satisfying that he never truly considered a career other than patient care. The title of his first scholarly article, "Happiness is a Crowded Waiting Room," confirmed his genuine love for what he did. Mr. Hill continued to treat patients at Billings Fairchild Center throughout his final illness, finding deep satisfaction in the power of words and speech to heal and diagnose. He discovered grace and healing for himself in the ability of his patients to be creative, no matter how severe their disabilities.

Paul Hill met Harriet Susan Talbot of Oklahoma City while both were students at John Marshall High School, and they married while they were in college. The two found great joy in raising their son Greg. They traveled frequently with their family and treasured circle of friends. They took particular pride in finding unique, artistic remembrances of their trips abroad, and in creating a welcoming, lovely home that reflected the warmth of their love for each other.

Mr. Hill assumed positions in the leadership of First Christian Church, where he served the congregation as elder and board chair, most recently leading the church's largest-ever building expansion and renovation. His faith was deeply held and intensely private, and he held strong to his lifelong commitment to the work of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in our world.

With the confidence characteristic of a person of strong faith, Mr. Hill welcomed every day with a contagious, happy anticipation that infected all who knew him. His delighted grandchildren knew to expect a silly riddle from his inexhaustible supply every time they saw him. He could conjure a wickedly funny pun on the fly and deliver it with a deadpan face so droll that it took 10 minutes before his friends knew they'd been had. The joy he found in his life was evident in the eagerness with which he looked forward to trout fishing at the Hill family cabin in Colorado or a day of bird hunting with his buddies and his dog, Triple. To have known Paul was to have been blessed by his gentleness of spirit, his personal conviction that faith and good works are inseparable, and his gratitude to God for the inherent creativity in every human being.

Paul Carlton Hill was preceded in death by his beloved parents and brother-in-law, Joe Enochs.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan; son, Gregory Talbot Hill and his wife Kelsey of Parker, Colo., and their children, Trevor Linden Hill and Erin Lindsay Hill; sister, Barbara Enochs of Fort Worth, Texas, her daughter Beth Enochs and her husband Paul Tullis of Fort Worth, and their children Jeffrey Lee Tullis and Joseph Hill Tullis; brother, Keith Hill and his wife Mary of Lindale, Texas, and their sons Hal Hill and his wife Cammei of Friendswood, Texas, and his son, Joshua, and Hunter Hill and his wife Jessica of Pearland, Texas, and his daughter, Gabrielle; aunt, Ruth Marie Beverly of Pineville, La., and her daughter Willanne Whetzel; cousins, Philip, Helen and David Young; brother-in-law, David Talbot and his wife Glenda of Oklahoma City and their children Elise Fretwell and David Talbot III; a multitude of cherished, loving friends; and the patients whose lives he touched as he practiced the profession that he loved and the faith that gave him strength.

"Just got word that Frank Jackson died March 10 in Arizona. His services there were Yesterday (Sat.) and his Colorado services will be next Sat. (Mar. 25) at 10:00 AM at Harvey Park CC in Denver. Frank played basketball for PU in the 50's, I think that he graduated from PU in 1950. He pledged Gridiron with Lloyd Lambert,'51, '54."

Wendell Johnson (class of 1944) grew up in Kansas and entered Phillips in 1940, majoring in Mathematics. He was very active in campus groups until entering the Navy in 1943. He served as an ensign, principally aboard an auxiliary transport attack ship in the Pacific. He returned to Phillips and graduated in 1947 with a B.A. He used his G. I. educational entitlement to earn a PhD in mathematics at the University of Michigan. There he met and married Mary. They reared four daughters. He was a professor of mathematics at Hiram University in Ohio for many years, and at one time served as Interim President. Chapel Hill, North Carolina was their home since retiring about 1987.

Bob Kieschnick died July 13, 2009 at his home in Dallas. He had been in failing health for several years. He was a Phillips student from 1946-50. During his first semester in seminary his father became ill and Bob returned to Dallas to help with the family business. During his undergraduate years he was an excellent student and leader. A member of GC, he roomed with Jack Forstman at Hollander House. As a cheerleader he brought a deodorized skunk onto the gym floor. It met with controversy but on the cover of the 1949 Yearbook is a little polecat. Bob was All School Friendliest in the '49 Yearbook.

He and Gracellin Norris married and had 3 young sons when she died in an auto accident that also injured the family. Bob has been married to his present wife, Ann, for over 50 years. Under Bob's leadership the family carpet business prospered. He was a churchman, Rotarian, and involved in civic affairs. In retirement the Kieschnicks traveled much.

The memorial service is to be held at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Dallas, on July 18. Bob Gartman will help officiate.

David Allen King, DDS, age 33, passed away February 5, 2007. He was born to Dick and Lucy King on March 19, 1973 in Logansport, Indiana.

David graduated from Putnam City High School in 1991. He attended Phillips University for 3 years, where he was member of the golf team, a president's scholar and Pledge Captain for Gridiron Club’s Spring, ’92 pledge class. In 1998, he graduated from The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.

David was a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association, American Dental Association and the Red Earth Study Club. He had dental practices in Oklahoma City and Coalgate, Oklahoma.

On August 26, 2000, David married Stacey Renee Franklin in Oklahoma City, Ok. David was a wonderful and loving husband and father that enjoyed every minute he spent with his entire family.

David is survived by his parents Richard and Lucille King; his wife, Stacey Renee King; daughters Caroline Renee King and Olivia Anne King; sisters Christine Kay King, Kathleen Strunk and husband Russell, Michelle Salyer and husband Derek;OKC, OK 73134. grandparents Elbert and Mabel Beaman; parents-in-law Joe and Connie Franklin; brother- and sister-in-law Blake and Jada Franklin; 6 nieces and nephews and numerous friends.

In the early hours of Thursday Jan 23, 2003, our long time friend and fellow pastor, Chaplain Win L. Kingen went to Glory. He was born and raised in Vancouver, WA. He graduated with many of us from Phillips University. He spent most of his life in the USAF Chaplaincy. He and his wife Sue had recently moved to Quincy, WA to be near their only child, Danna DelPorto, her husband Steven, and only grandchild, Dessa.

Claude Knight ‘31

Claude B. Knight, long-time Wewoka physician, passed away in his home on April 5, 2004.

Knight was born to Walter and Rose Knight on June 8, 1911, in Wewoka.He attended Wewoka schools and graduated in 1927, entered Phillips University and graduated from the University of Oklahoma Medical School in 1935. He married Lois Pauline Nelson on November 17, 1941. She preceded him in death in 1988.

Dr. Knight was an Elder at the First Christian Church and Chairman of the Board for many years. He was active in the Wewoka Rotary Club and was instrumental in establishing the Sorghum Day Festival, Wewoka’s annual festival.

He served on the Wewoka Board of Education for 28 years, was past president of the Hughes-Seminole County Medical Association, member of the Oklahoma Medical Association, member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association and a member of the House of Delegates of the Oklahoma Medical Association.

He joined the Oklahoma National Guard in 1931, a connection that lasted for over 35 years. His 60-year medical practice was interrupted twice, once for World War II and again when the 45th Infantry was reactivated for the Korean conflict. He was drafted into the Army Air Force during World War II, where he served from 1942 to 1945 as a flight surgeon in the Pacific theatre.

Because of the doctor’s pride in the military, he became the primary person responsible for erecting a monument honoring veterans of all armed forces, past, present and future. The monument was erected in 1985 on the front lawn of the Seminole County courthouse.

Knight was also a founding member of the Seminole Nation Museum and the Wewoka Country Club. He was active in the Boy Scouts and many other local organizations.

Survivors Include one son Wade and Linda Knight of Temple, Texas; two daughters, Polly Knight of Manassas, Virginia and Carol and Roger Friar of Wewoka; two sisters, Alice Cooper of Duncan and Grace Schmucker of Denver, Colo.; eight grandchildren, Betsy Sheridan of Sterling, Va., Carrie Mitchell of Norman, Scott Knight of Great Falls, Va., Kirk Beese of Newport News, Va., Marc Knight of Austin, Texas, Erin Friar of Dallas, Texas, Brian Knight of Tulsa and Alexandra Prati of Manassas, Va.; four great grandchildren, Brian Mitchell and Sam Mitchell, both of Norman, Madison Beese of Newport News, Va. and Malorie Knight of Tulsa.

James (Jim) W. Lambert, of 47 years died on Sept. 9, 2003. Graduate 1957 and 1960. Served Christian Churches in Oklahoma and Texas 1955 - 1998, retired from Assoc. position at F.C.C., Arlington.

Struggled with diabetes 41 years and in July of '03 his left leg was amputated below the knee after fighting infection in the hospital all summer.

Survived by spouse, S. Yvonne Taylor Lambert, '57, and three children: Mark, Jeffrey, and Jenna Lou Ford; Triplet grandchildren: Phoebe, Claire, and Dylan (Parents are Jeff and Kathy Lambert of Rand Rapids, MI.

To honor Jim's memory and life work, friends and family have made possible 2 stained-glass windows (41 1/2" wide x 60" high) featuring crosses and other Christian symbols, which hang in the foyer of F.C.C., Arlington. Created by Derrell Little of Granbury, TX.

In 2005 the first scholarship from the James W. Lambert Memorial Scholarship Fund will be awarded. Honorees may be either sex, with a primary interest in Christian Education, and may use the award at any school.

Duane R. Langwell passed away on March 30, 2005, in Irving, TX at the age of 60. He was born on January 31, 1945, in Wichita, KS to Sherman K. and Cecilia R. (Merritt) Langwell, Jr.

Duane is survived by his wife, Mary D. Langwell; daughters Kassandra Strater and husband Mark and Cynthia Preston and husband Garry; grandchildren Dylan and Abby Strater and Laurel Preston; sisters Evelyn Sexton and husband Ernest and Renee' Danks and husband Randy; brother, Darrell Langwell and wife Jodie; niece Randa Danks; nephews Rondald, David, and William Sexton, Kirk and Craig Langwell, and Ryan Danks; and aunt, Marie Merritt.

D.O.D 06/06/2009 - There will be no service for Ted Eugene Lewis, 85, of Hunter. His body was donated to KU Medical Center for research. Arrangements were by Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home, Osawatomie, Kan.

He was born Feb. 13, 1924, in Hunter to Gordon Gilmer and Edna June Beeson Lewis and died Saturday, June 6, 2009, at Life Care Center, Osawatomie.

He worked in his dad’s produce store, selling cattle feed and chicken feed. He also helped his father butcher cattle.

He attended Hunter schools and attended Phillips University. During World War II he enlisted in naval officer training, where he served as an ensign on a minesweeper near Alaska and the Aleutian Islands.

Upon completion of his naval duty, he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, where he received his bachelor of science degree in business management and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

He married Janet Garvin Panner Jan. 31, 1949, in Shawnee. He served as a management trainee with Montgomery Ward in Newton, Kan. He received a promotion and went to Pueblo, Colo., then back to Newton as assistant store manager. They moved to Paola in 1959, where he worked at Miami County National Bank. In 1970, he purchased controlling interests in First National Bank and moved to Osawatomie, retiring in 1996. He was a member of Osawatomie First Presbyterian Church and a former member of Paola Rotary Club, where he served as president, and the Osawatomie Lions Club.

Surviving are his wife, Janet; children, Gordon, Gregg and Irene “Murphy” Lewis; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Lee George “L.G” MacFarline Jr was born Sept. 11, 1945, in Chickasha and died in Miami, Oklahoma on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007.

A 1967 graduate of Phillips University, L.G. pledged Gridiron in the spring of 1965. To some in Gridiron he was known as “Long Gone.”

L.G. was a veteran, having served in the Navy from 1966-1972.

He owned and operated MacFarline Inc. Printing Co. and moved to Miami four months ago from Grove, Oklahoma.

James Roy Maxey was born November 10, 1909 to Ora and Nelson Roy Maxey in Douglas, Oklahoma, and died January 22, 2002 in Enid, Oklahoma.

After graduating from Douglas High School, he attended Phillips University and the University of Oklahoma where he received a Master's degree in Geology. During the following years his career as a geologist-geophysicist led to oil exploration in Canada, Europe, and South America before returning to Enid in 1960.

Mr. Maxey is survived by his wife, Jozelle, of the home and one granddaughter, Christina James of Chickasha, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by one son, Dennis Maxey and by one brother, Ralph Maxey.

Harold Vance Mills passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2006. He was born in Sylvia Kansas on August 19, 1916. His father, Percy Mills of Manchester, England, immigrated to America in 1889 and married Doris Vansickle, of Hutchinson, Kansas.

He graduated with a B.A. and M.A. in mathematics and education from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, in 1938. The day of his graduation, he married Mary Kathryn Olsen, a school teacher and recent graduate of Phillips University. They celebrated their sixty-eighth wedding anniversary this past May 29th.

He served in the Navy in World War II in San Diego, California, where he received a commission and became a Link Trainer Instructor.

Following military service he was a teacher and principal. A member of the Kiwanis Club, San Diego Administrators Association, California Teachers Association, National Education Association and the California Elementary Principals Association, he retired from the San Diego Unified School District in 1977.

Harold is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Mary Kathryn; his sons and daughters-in-law, Vance and Kay Mills of San Diego, California; James and Laurie Mills of Anchorage, Alaska, David and Joy Mills of San Diego, California; his daughter, Nancy Robinson of San Diego, California; his grandchildren, Holly and Ben Culbertson of San Diego, California; Brian and Shari Mills of San Diego, California; Jamie Mills of San Diego, California; and his little great-granddaughter, Emma Culbertson.

Dr. Emory Royal Moore died on January 22, 2003 at his home in Carthage, IL where he had lived for 57 years. He was active in Gridiron while at Phillips, was class president his freshman and senior years, and participated in basketball all four years, YMCA, Zollars, Student Council and other organizations.

He graduated with a teaching degree and taught two years in western Illinois, before he went to Monroe College of Optometry in Chicago where he graduated in 1944. He practiced briefly in Chicago, Janesville, WI, and Port Washington, WI before moving to Carthage, IL in 1946.

He married Betty Jane Baldwin in 1945, who preceded him in death in 1964. He never remarried. Dr. Moore is survived by his two sons, James R. Moore, MD of St. Paul, MN, and Richard A. Moore, O.D., of Macomb, IL., and four grandchildren.

Emory loved to play golf, his grandchildren, traveling, his beloved Chicago Cubs, bowling and fishing. Usually a man of few words, he could reduce a group of friends to tears of laughter with a terse but well-chosen off-handed remark they wouldn't see coming. His kind heart was shown by his many acts of generosity and compassion whenever his help was needed by friends or family.

We lost a great friend and advocate, a loving father and grandfather, a skilled Doctor of Optometry, a gentle, kind spirit and true individual when he passed away. He was a credit to Phillips University which in the four years he attended did much to mold him into the great man he was.

OLIVER -- Reverend Jack Allan, 93, died Monday, December 15, 2003. Born in St. Louis, MO, January 24, 1910 to Fred and Martha Oliver. Rev. Oliver grew up in Durant, OK and attended Phillips University and Seminary. He began his ministry with the Disciples of Christ Denomination in Milford, KS, where he married Jennie Mae McCray. Together they began a life of dedication to God's work, serving numerous churches throughout Oklahoma; Kansas; Iowa; Nebraska; Minnesota; Texas; New Mexico and Saskatchewan, Canada. Rev. Oliver was a leader in his denomination, especially in the day-to-day operation of church programs. He was innovative and creative in his ministry, always looking for ways to make life more meaningful. His unconditional love and acceptance of humanity led him on many Ecumenical journeys. Interested in responding to needs he saw in his community, he made Alcoholics Anonymous a mission, studying alcoholism at Yale and starting many chapters in the Midwest. He was Chairman of the Trustees of the United Christian Missionary Society and promoted interfaith understanding and communication. His faith was inclusive. He despised racism and other forms of oppression, marching for civil rights in the 1960s. Rev. Oliver's official retirement in 1975 did not curtail his desire to serve God; and his voracious appetite for knowledge and understanding of God's world led him in many interesting directions. He remained active in the Disciples by serving as an Interim Minister for approximately 25 years after retirement; and at the age of 73 he traveled to Russia to distribute Bibles to newly-formed churches; he went to Haiti at the age of 79 as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to assist with the construction of several houses; and preached his last sermon at Southside Christian Church in Tulsa, OK this year on his 93rd birthday! He received many cards and letters over the years telling him how his focus on the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit touched their lives. He performed all the weddings and baptisms of his children and grandchildren including the baptism of his first great-grandchild, Emily, at the age of 92. In his private time he was a lifetime member of Kiwanis; enjoyed golf, fishing and cheering the Sooners to victory. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jennie Mae of Tulsa, OK; son, Mark Oliver Sr. and his wife, Judy (Ninde), Grand Lake, Ketchum, OK; daughter, Janet Wistrand and her husband, Gary, Melbourne, FL; daughter, Winnie Oliver, Tulsa, OK; 6 grandchildren, Kimberly LaFave, Mark Oliver Jr. and wife, Sydney, Tulsa, OK, Kelli Oliver Lee and husband, Denny, Tulsa, OK, Shannon West and husband, Shayne, San Antonio, TX, Stacy Horne and husband, Chris, Lander, WY and Oliver Wilmot, Lander, WY; and 6 great-grandchildren, Emily LaFave, Mark Oliver III, Katie West, Morgan Oliver, Josie Horne and Anna West.

Jon was born Feb. 1, 1953, in Sedan, Kansas to Jack H. and Dorothy Mahaffey Oliver and died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006, at Deaconess Select Specialty Hospital, Oklahoma City.

He grew up in Enid and graduated from Enid High School. He then earned a B.A. and M.A. in Education from Phillips University. He taught in the Enid School system and later in the Denver School system for several years. Then he managed a Radio Shack store in Denver for several years before returning to Enid.

He was involved in youth church ministry in both Enid and Denver. Jon coached youth sports such as basketball and competitive softball. Recently, he was inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2002. For his contributions in Denver, he is one of only eight people to receive the Denver Humanitarian Award from the South Lakewood Optimists Club. He had an avid love of music. He was active throughout the Enid School system. Later, he played music and formed vocal groups that performed in Enid and Denver.

One of the joys of his life was his many loving and dear friends. He is survived by two brothers, Alan and wife, Lisa Oliver of Tulsa, and Robin Oliver of Ochelata, OK; and one nephew, Adam Oliver of Tulsa.

David Albin Perkins, 89, died on August 18, 2003, after a short illness. The son of Madison Love and Cora Robertson Perkins, he was born in Ada, Oklahoma on March 27, 1914. T he family moved to Enid, Oklahoma where David graduated from Enid High School and Phillips University.

He married Wanda Peachee in 1936 and they celebrated 67 years and three children together. David joined Phillips Petroleum Company in 1936; he worked at Phillips for 42 years until his retirement in 1978.

Athletic all of his life, David played basketball in high school and at the university; he was a member of the National Champion Phillips Sixty-Sixer Basketball Team. He was active in community affairs, serving as president of the YMCA and Vice President of the Kiwanis Club. He was a member of the planning Committee for the construction of Green Country Village. He was an ardent fly fisherman and a member of the Green Country Fly Fishers. He was a member of the Jane Phillips Hospital Auxiliary.

A member of the First Christian Church, he served as an Elder, Chairman of the Administration Board, Chairman of the Elders, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. His handmade works of jewelry, clocks, and furniture will endure as memories to his skilled craftsmanship.

A kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife, Wanda; son, David Donald Perkins, and wife, Nan, of Seabrook, Texas; daughter, Nancy and husband, Dr. James T. Russell of Sherman, Texas; daughter-in-law, Marsha Perkins, of Bradenton, Florida; seven grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; two great- grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Richard Perkins, of Panama City, Florida; his grandson, Maxwell Perkins, of Seabrook, Texas and his two brothers Carl Perkins and Paul Perkins.

A. Randall (Randy) Rasmussen passed away, Wednesday, October 24, 2007. He was born in Minden, Nebraska on September 26, 1934 to Arnold and Lillian (Ostman) Rasmussen and grew up in Minden and North Platte, Nebraska.

He attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, where he received his B.A. in history and was a Man of Gridiron. Among other college pursuits, he sang lead tenor for and toured with a barbershop quartet called The Four Statesmen, earning his tuition representing and recruiting for Phillips across the Midwest.

While at Phillips he met his wife-to-be, Judy Walling, with whom he recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. They have three adult children Bret, Blake and Beth.

Randy spent two years in Germany, serving in the U.S. Army. After completing his tour of duty, Randy and Judy settled in Wichita, Kansas where he began his lifelong career in the insurance industry. His career took him and his family to Atlanta, Philadelphia, and in 1973, to Houston, Texas. Randy retired from McGriff, Seibels & Williams in 2003.

He always had a special place in his heart for his home state, Nebraska, and for Cornhusker football. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, music and the arts, and antiquing with his wife.

Randy is survived by his wife and children as well as Blake's wife, Amy, and their three daughters - Hadley, Meredith and Bridget.

A graveside memorial service for Carol K. Rikli, 85, formerly of Enid, was held Saturday, Jan. 13, 2006, in Del Norte Union Cemetery. He was born Oct 21, 1921, in Drummond and died Saturday, Dec. 16, 2006, in California.

He finished his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at Phillips University and served in World War II. He barnstormed across the country in the ’30s and ’40s with the Oklahoma Cowboys fast-pitch softball team. He moved north to Kenosha, Wis., to live and work for 30 years from 1955 to 1985 as executive director of Kenosha’s CYC, now the Boys and Girls club. He served nine years on Kenosha school board and was a partner to the creation of the industrial chaplaincy program and a member of National Council of Churches and People-To-People International. He participated in the 1968 march on Washington.

Surviving are his wife, Clarice; one son, Steve; one daughter, Linda; and one grandson, all residents of the San Francisco Bay area.

The memorial service for Peter F. Rooks, 59 year old Enid resident, was held Thursday, Febraury 3, 2005.

Peter was born January 15, 1946, in London, England to Arthur Frank Rooks and Jean (Ewing) Rooks and died Sunday, January 30, 2005, in Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. He grew up in England and Germany where his dad served in the Air Force. The family moved to the United States and settled in Enid when Peter was 14.

He attended Waller Junior High and Enid High School, graduating in 1964. He then attended Phillips University, graduating with his BA in 1968. He joined the Naval Reserves and was called to active duty on June 1, 1969. He served aboard the USS Constellation CVA-64. He received the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Exp. Medal.

Vern Rossman ‘48

Vern Joseph Rossman, long-time missionary services worker and activist for peace, justice and equality, has died at his home in Columbia, Missouri on October 30, 2006. He was born February 3, 1927 and raised in a minister's family in Oklahoma. He studied at Phillips University in Enid, OK and attended seminary at Yale Divinity School, where he became an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1951.

Vern's missionary calling led him to Japan in 1951, where he worked for the Audio-Visual and Mass Communications Commission of the Japan National Council of Churches during the 1950s and '60s. He met and married his wife, the former Doris (Dee) Stevens in Tokyo, where three of his four children were born. While on furlough in 1956-58, he obtained a Master's degree in Sacred Theology from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

Returning from the mission field in 1963, Vern raised his family in Indiana and New Jersey. He worked for the Division of Overseas Ministries in Indianapolis, and as executive director of Intermedia in New York, where he administered church radio, television and print resources in four continents under the aegis of the World Council of Churches. He later worked as executive director for the non-profit Accountants in the Public Interest. Following his retirement, Vern resided in Boston (where he attended your Meeting), Enid and Columbia.

Throughout his career, Vern was a dedicated and talented activist and organizer. His time in Japan confronted him with the horrible legacy of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and he committed himself to a lifetime of peace and anti-nuclear activism. Vern joined the Civil Rights Movement, participating in Church-sponsored voter registration and poll-watching activities in the South. He protested the Vietnam War and was active in local Democratic Party organizations in Indiana and New Jersey. He also organized a successful program which provided one-on-one counseling and mentoring to prison inmates during and after incarceration.

In the 1980s, Vern strenuously protested the Reagan-era nuclear missile buildup in Europe. He joined the Plowshares movement, participating in a civil disobedience action in which he, in the name of his grandchildren, joined others in damaging a B-52 nuclear bomber hangared in an upstate New York air force base, for which he spent 18 months in federal prison.

His latter years were spent reading and writing about philosophy, theology and politics. He tirelessly wrote essays, observations and letters to the editor protesting the injustices of the day, and he continued to minister individually to the sick, needy and lonely around him.

Vern is survived by his former wife Dee, and four children, Wendolynn and Paul of California, and Ken and Bruce of New Jersey; by four grandchildren; and by his brother and sister-in-law, Parker and Jean Rossman of Columbia.

Loren Emerson Ryel ‘40

Reverend Loren Emerson Ryel, died March 1, 2005, in Bristow, at the age of 87. He was born on August 31, 1917 in Cleo Springs, OK, to Ralph Emerson and Lottie Ryel, the oldest of 10 children. He is survived by a sister, Inez Marshall of Aline, OK; and 2 brothers, Bill Ryel of Kiowa, KS, and John Ryel of Conway, AR.

On December 25, 1940, he married Juanita Oleta Law of Cleo Springs, who survives him and resides in Bristow.

Reverend Ryel attended and graduated from Cleo Springs-Aline schools and received a BA degree from Phillips University in Enid in 1940. He was a Disciples of Christ (Christian) full-time Minister from 1936 until 1981, and served as substitute Minister for several years after retiring. While at Phillips University, he was a student Minister in Lambert Burlington, West Point, Aline and Cleo Springs. His full-time ministry in Oklahoma included the First Christian Church-Carmen, First Christian Church- Frederick, Davis Park Christian Church-Enid, First Christian Church-Claremore, First Christian Church-Woodward, Memorial Christian Church-Tulsa, First Christian Church-Poteau and First Christian Church-Nash. He also served at the Associate Central Christian Church-Wichita, KS and First Christian Church-Liberal, KS. He supervised the building of 9 different church programs in Oklahoma and 1 in Liberal, KS, and was also Director of Resources for Phillips University for 4 years. Other activities included local ministerial associations, church councils, the Kiwanis Club and he was a 32nd degree Mason.

Paul F. Sharp ‘39

Dr. Paul Frederick Sharp, the genial president who successfully guided the University of Oklahoma through six and a half of its most turbulent years, died Thursday, February 19, 2009, at his home in Norman following a long illness. He was 91.Born January 19, 1918, in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of two medical doctors, L. Blanche and Fred Joseph Sharp, Paul Sharp grew up in Crookston, Minnesota, and first came to Oklahoma to study at Phillips University in Enid, chosen because of its affiliation with the Disciples of Christ (Christian) Church. There he met Rose Anderson on the debate team; they began their 69-year marriage in 1939 after he earned his bachelor's degree.

His graduate study at the University of Minnesota was interrupted by World War II service in U.S. Navy as liaison officer to the Royal Australian Navy aboard the HMAS Hobart. He would later return to Australia with Rose as a Fulbright lecturer in 1952 and on research leave in 1977. He earned his Ph.D. at Minnesota, where he was an instructor in history, then was an associate professor at Iowa State University and a professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Dr. Sharp was president of Hiram College, chancellor of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and president of Drake University before coming to the University of Oklahoma.

After designation as president emeritus and a regents-granted semester off, he returned to the classroom as Regents Professor of history and higher education from 1978 to 1988, when he added the emeritus title to his professorship. He continued his active association with the University, however, even in retirement, and also served several years as a distinguished professor of history at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha.

In his service activities, he did not forget his home state and the community of Norman. Nearly three decades of Oklahomans, who did not know him as OU's president, identified him with the boards of the Sarkeys Foundation, the University of Oklahoma Foundation, Full Circle Senior Adult Day Care Center, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, the Associates of the OU Western History Collections, OETA, Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma Heritage Foundation, Cleveland County YMCA and the Cleveland County Red Cross, among others

Everett F. Shelton ‘23

Born on May 12, 1898 in Cunningham Kansas, Shelton served in the Marine Corps during World War I and then enrolled at Phillips University. He played baseball, basketball, and football at Phillips, graduating in 1923.

Everett Shelton After a year as a high school coach, Shelton became coach of all major sports at his alma mater. His basketball teams won 48 games and lost 29 in three seasons,

In a coaching career that spanned 46 years, Shelton coached at the high school, college and AAU levels and compiled an 850-437 record, including 494-347 as a college coach.

Shelton's most prosperous years were spent at the University of Wyoming from 1939 to 1959. In 19 seasons, he compiled a 328-200 record, and led the Cowboys to eight Skyline Conference championships, eight NCAA tournament appearances and the 1943 NCAA championship.

Shelton went to Sacramento State College in 1959 and was 188-188 in 10 seasons there, retiring from coaching in 1968.

A dedicated and regimented coach, Shelton possessed the ability to instill those same qualities in his athletes. Shelton was an innovative bench coach, constantly looking for new techniques and strategies. In 1932, Everett developed the five-man weave offense that he later used to capture the 1937 AAU championship with the Denver Safeways.

As president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (1959-1960), Shelton was determined to further revolutionize the game and was instrumental in launching the National Interpreter of Basketball Rules for Officials. Shelton took enormous pride in his players as in his chosen profession, holding clinics during and after his coaching career. He also published articles on his specialty, "Team Offense and Defense" in Coach and Athlete, Athletic Journal, Scholastic Coach and Mentor.

Shelton conducted basketball clinics in Europe and the Far East during the early 1950s. He was commissioner of the Far West Conference from 1969 until his death on April 16, 1974.

He was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach on April 28, 1980

Herbert B. Shields Jr. '34

Dr. Herbert B. Shields, Jr., was born June 28, 1912 in Enid, OK to Herbert B. and Sephronia Pearl (Bishop) Shields, Sr. He died Tuesday, May 22, 2001 in Integris Bass Baptist Health Center following a brief illness. He was 88.

After graduating from Enid High School, Dr. Shields attended Phillips University where he earned an A.B. degree. He graduated from Oklahoma Medical School in 1937, having obtained B.S. and M.D. degrees.

He served his internship at Columbia Hospital, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and his Residency in opthalmology at Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

He received a Heed Fellowship which involved training at Northwestern University, Chicago, Columbus Hospital in New York City, and further work at the University of California in San Francisco.

In October of 1940 he was inducted into the army and served for five years. For three of those years he was in the South Pacific serving as a medical officer with the rank of Major. He was awarded the Silver Star.

He married Doris Nell Smith.

Sheldon V. Shirts, 86, a Man of Gridiron and GUS Sponsor from 1950 through 1956, died on February 5, 2008, in Glendale, AZ. Born on December 16, 1921, in Kansas City, MO, he grew up in Cameron, MO; attended college at Phillips University in Enid, OK; and earned his Doctor of Theology degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA.

For 34 years he taught Greek and New Testament at Phillips University and served as weekend minister for churches in OK, KS, and MO. Later he was associate minister at East Side Christian Church in Tulsa, OK. After enjoying early retirement years at Foxwood Springs Living Center in Raymore, MO, he and wife Miriam moved in 2001 to Desert Winds Retirement Community in Peoria, AZ.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Miriam Shirts; daughter Judy Riddle and husband John; son Larry Shirts; sister Vivian Pettijohn and husband Lee; granddaughter Krisit Moore and husband Steven; and grandson Greg Riddle, wife Laura, and two great-grandchildren, Ryan & Megan.

Gene Allen Smith (Age 67) Died at his home in Silver Spring, MD on Sunday, December 16, 2007, of melanoma.

Born in Perry, Oklahoma, he received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from Phillips University in 1963 and a master’s degree in space technology from Johns Hopkins in 1972.

After four years at the Army Map Service, Mr. Smith worked for 33 years at Goddard Spaceflight Center as an aerospace engineer before retiring at the end of 1999. During his years at Goddard, he contributed to the development of a wide range of scientific satellites, serving at his retirement as the Ground Systems Manager of the EOSDIS earth-observing satellites.

Mr. Smith was a founding member of the Music and Drama Club (MAD) at Goddard. As well as producing and directing, he performed in parts ranging from King Henry II in The Lion in Winter to Alfred Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Gene enjoyed scuba diving, skiing, biking, and in-line skating.

He and his wife of 45 years, Linda, shared a love of music, theater, and travel. He is survived by his wife, Linda, and his brother, Dean Smith of New Mexico.

Todd L. Smith was born April 5, 1942, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Lowell T. and Florence Chandler Smith and died Sunday, July 13, 2003, at Integris Bass Baptist Health Center. He was 61.

He graduated from Denver South High School and attended Phillips University from 1960 to 1964 and earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration. In April 1965, he married Jan Coldiron in Enid. He served with the Army during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1966. In 1968, the couple made their home in Enid. He was vice president of Coldiron's Clothing Store until 1981, then owned and operated Richards Menswear. In 1987, he became a partner in Fat and Skinnies. He was a member of Christian Church of the Covenant, past president of both Enid Lions Club and Salvation Army Advisory Board. In 1978, he was selected as Boss of the Year by the Enid Chamber of Commerce. He served in various capacities with Gaslight Theater.

Bert V. Sutton, was born December 2, 1909 in Greeley, Kansas. He died Friday, September 21, 2007, at Claremore Nursing Home at the age of 97.

After graduating high school in 1927, he attended junior college and participated in the ROTC program. He later attended Phillips University where he earned a masters degree in theology. In 1933 he began ministering in the Christian Church Disciples of Christ. In 1935 he married Pauline Macy in Owasso, Oklahoma. He ministered in many places such as Wilsy, Florence, Eureka and Chanute in Kansas; Quincy in Illinois, and Blackwell and Owasso in Oklahoma. In 1975, he retired and moved to Claremore, Oklahoma. He was a member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Claremore.

Survivors include his wife Pauline, one son, four grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Born April 10, 1931 in El Reno, Oklahoma, Eddie was the son of Clarence Taylor and Viola (Potter) Seigle. He pledged Gridiron in the Spring of 1950 and graduated from Phillips University in 1953.

A retired minister, he worked 25 years in the General Office of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He served as pastor at Bethany Christian Church and as interim pastor at the Pittsboro Christian Church, Clinton First Christian Church, and served many as regional minister in Oklahoma and Texas.

He was a longtime member of University Park Christian Church in Indianapolis and attended Northwood Christian Church. He was also a member of the Ecumenical Institute, the Institute of Cultural Affairs, Earth Charter of Indiana, Jesus Seminar Study Group. Eddie was a board member of Peace & Justice Center and former board member of Training, Inc.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret J. (Smith) Taylor; sons, Bradley (Debi) Taylor, Bryce (Caroline) Taylor and Ben (JoAn) Taylor; daughters, Becky (Roberto) Piva and Brenda (Brent) Leum; brothers, Thomas (Gerry) Taylor and Gerry (Peggy) Taylor; sister, Sarah (Kenneth) Forshee; grandchildren, Emily, Michael, Katie, Celeste, Bethany, Rachel and Noah Taylor, Giacomo Piva, Taylor, Hunter and Lauryn Leum.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Maurice Seigle; brothers, Gerald, Harold and Clarence Jr. Taylor.

Jerry was born Oct. 18, 1932, in Jackson, Tenn. He grew up in Memphis. Jerry’s education included Bachelor of Science degree, an Master of Religious Education degree and a Doctorate of Divinity from Phillips University in Oklahoma. His ministry included churches in Oklahoma , Kansas , Tennessee and Missouri..

Jerry served many community organizations, with his major focus being people. He enjoyed family, traveling, working with international students, sports, Southwest arts, collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, and music, especially jazz. Throughout his life, his ministry developed lasting friendships.

Jerry leaves his wife, Doris; his sons and their wives, Drew and Ann, Rock and Sheri, and Page and Lindy; grandchildren Sara, Luke, Peter, Jessica, Jacob, Sam and Caroline; and exchange students, Geuer Hoepner-Stamos of Germany and Tryggvi Axelsson of Iceland .

The Rev. J. Wilfred Walker was born October 24, 1916, near Cleo Springs to Joseph Herbert and Nellie Oxley Walker and died Thursday, January 11, 2001, at Edmond, following a lengthy illness. He was 84.

He graduated from Cleo Springs High School and earned bachelor's, master's and B.D. degrees from Phillips University. He also received an honorary Ph.D. from Phillips. He married Juanita Mae Baker in 1937 at Aline. ,P He served for more than 50 years as a minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Aline, Taloga, Walters, Durant, Newtow, Iowa, Guthrie, Woodward and Midwest City and served as interim minister in Kearney, Nebraska, Ames, Blackwell, Durant, Kingfisher and Alva. He taught in summer church camps and preaached at revival meetings in several states.

Surviving are his wife, Jaunita of the home; one son, Larry Walker of Norman; one daughter, Wilita Larrison of Enid; two sisters, Norma Ruth Spurgeon of Bartlesville, and Lola Tomson of Cleo Springs; three grandsons; and one great-granddaughter.

Cecil R. Williams, 96, Professor Emeritus of Zoology at Phillips University passed away October 4, 2008, in Edmond, Oklahoma, following a brief illness. He was born Sept. 4, 1912, in Hydro, Oklahoma, to Marie G. and Sewell E. Williams, MD.

Phillips University was a central influence in his life. He graduated in 1934 and was a member of Gridiron. He met his wife of 74 years, Lucile Stetler at Phillips and served on the faculty for 27 years. He earned an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin and Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma.

He and fellow Gridiron member Vernon Baker co-founded Phillips Science Camp, located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, and directed it for 25 years. “Williams Peak” will be dedicated by the United States Forest Service to Cecil’s memory. It overlooks his family cabin and the science camp.

He is survived by his wife, Lucile; daughters, Linda Treat of Anthony, N.M., and Judy Ewing, MD, of Durango, CO; brother, Randal Williams of Albuquerque, N.M. He had six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Dr. Dale E Williams ’37 died on February 2, 2006, at Texoma Medical Center, Denison Texas. He was born Aug. 25, 1916, in Hydro to Dr. S. E. and Marie Cosner

He graduated from Enid High School in 1933 and then graduated with honors from Phillips University in 1937. Following World War II he returned to Phillips and earned his master’s degree in music. He earned his Ph.D. in guidance and counseling from Oklahoma State University in 1965. He later did post-graduate work at the University of Central Oklahoma where he earned certification in working with learning disabled students.

Dale married Ruth Enid Wolfinger Aug. 25, 1937, in Enid. They moved to Coyle where he was school band director. They moved to Blackwell in 1947 where he was band director for 18 years. He co-authored the book, “Marching to the Yard Lines” with Pete Long of Ponca City. He was a high school counselor before moving to Ponca City where he directed the educational services at Bi-state Mental Health Clinic until retiring in 1978. After retirement they moved to Sherman, Texas. They moved to Wesley Village in Denison in November 2005.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth Wolfinger Williams ’37 ( daughter of Prof Wolfinger ‘12-’36) of the home; one daughter, Anice Williams Byler of Sherman; two brothers, Cecil Williams, faculty ‘37-’38; ‘45-’79 of Enid and Randal Williams of Albuquerque, N.M.; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

"Thought I should get with it and honor a pledge brother of fall '74. Mark T. Williams, b 1953, d 1976, I believe in a car wreck. I do remember his service was in the Marshall Building Bivens Chapel on December 13, 1976. GUS member Phil Campbell '75, was the clergyman for Mark's service. Mark was a fun guy to be around and was always up for the task at hand. He never hesitated to my offer of help with the pig in the administration building project. He left us way too early. RIP, buddy. Go GUS!"

James Warren Word, age 87, passed away in Oklahoma City on August 2, 2002. He was born on march 13, 1915, in Gibson County, Tennessee. He was a retired structural engineer for Robbertson Steel Company, where he worked for 43 years.

He attended Phillips University in Enid, OK, where he played marimba and bells and and traveled with the Hannah Concert Company to promote the university. He was a ham operator for many years with call letters of WA5KFT and participated in the Military Amateur Radio System.

For years he was an active member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as elder, and choir member. Mr. Word was a preceded in death by his wives, Ida May Word and Mary Johnson Word; parents, Elizabeth M. and James A. Word; brother, Jack C. Word; and grandson, Troy D. Word. He is survived by a sister, Ruth Isles Blaschke, OKC; daughters, Betty K Reed, Collierville, TN; and Jame L. Faddah, Amman, Jordan; a son Jack A Word, Bethany, OK; stepchildren Marilyn Freeman, Pharr, TX; Daisy Carter, Casper, WY; and James Johnson, Grand Prairie, TX; grandchildren Scott Word, Bethany, OK; Wndy Wilkerson, Bethany, OK; Brooks Reed, Noblesville, IN; Benjamin Reed, Clarksville, TN; Dr. Robin Reed, Clarksville, TN; B.J. Reed, Lexington, KY; and Sami Faddah, Colliervill, TN; several step grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Gerald Harris '53

Jim Hempstead '46

Winfred L. "Wicky" Kingen '38

Claude Knight ‘31

A 1967 graduate of Phillips University, L.G. pledged Gridiron in the spring of 1965. To some in Gridiron he was known as “Long Gone.”

L.G. was a veteran, having served in the Navy from 1966-1972.

He owned and operated MacFarline Inc. Printing Co. and moved to Miami four months ago from Grove, Oklahoma.