Obit of Wokaty, Ernest E. - Alfalfa County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Gene Phillips 15 May 2005 Return to Alfalfa County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/alfalfa/alfalfa.html ========================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ========================================================================== Wokaty, Ernest E. Ernest E. Wokaty passed away on Monday, January 20, 2003, following a brief illness. He was born on September 8, 1920, in Byron, Oklahoma, to Frank and Myrtle Olive (Osborn) Wokaty. He was the eldest of six sons. Born and raised on a farm near Byron, OK, he graduated from Byron, and then attended Northwestern State College, Alva, OK. When Ernest was 18, his father died from a heart attack, and Ernest returned home to care for his mother and brothers until World War II. He enlisted on Dec. 8, 1941, into the U.S. Army Air Corps, receiving basic training at Shepherd Field, TX. He attended Instrument Machine Training at Rantoul, IL and was an instructor at Amarillo Air Field, TX. He served in the European Theater of Operations as an Instrument Specialist in the Base Airdrome Squadron, Wharton Airfield, Blackpool, England and later in Compiagn, France. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 7, 1945 at Camp Fannin, TX. In November 1946, he married the love of his life, Doris Lorraine Terry of Byron. He and Doris grew up as neighbors; their parents living a short distance from each other. To their union, two children were born; Yvonne Elaine and Harold Otis. Ernest and Doris moved to Oklahoma City in 1947 and later established their home in Midwest City, OK. Ernest graduated from Oklahoma Barber College, and after graduation he joined some of his WWII buddies in civil service at Tinker Air Field, and continued to barber on evenings and weekends. He continued his education, graduating from Radio Technology School in IL, and also attended Oklahoma City University, Personnel & Management School, Oklahoma State University Extension, and the University of Oklahoma. Ernest was a member of the First Christian Church of Midwest City, where he served as Deacon, Elder and Chmn. of the church board, and on the building fund for the sanctuary. Ernest was a long serving leader in the Boy Scouts of America and was awarded the Silver Beaver for his service. He and Doris also worked as hosts of the Midwest City Teenager Club, and he so enjoyed working with youth. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were very special to him. He was a life long member of the IOOF. He also served as Service Officer of VFW Post 7192, and held life membership with the Disabled American Veterans. Ernest retired from Tinker in 1976, with 34 years of service. He was an Equipment Supervisor Specialist in Dept. Of Material Management. He loved camping fishing, hunting and boating and electronics. His parents, and one brother preceded him in death. Ernest's departure is a great loss to all. He was a loving, generous and wonderfiul man, husband, parent and friend. He is survived by his wife Doris of the home, his daughter Yvonne Schandorf and her husband Roy of Newton, AL, his son Harold Otis of Little Rock, AR, his grandchildren, Michael C. Schandorf, Kacie D. Wokaty, Cory L. Wokaty, Lorrey B. Schandorf, and great-grandsons, Tristan L. Wokaty, Jacob T. Wokaty, and Trent M. Schandorf. He is also survived by brothers Richard L., Robert F., E. Wayne and Eugene R. and his wife LaRuth, and also many nieces and nephews. He loved Doris's sister Merlynn and husband Dave Perdue, and brother Don and his wife Evelyn Terry and their families as his own. Services will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2003, at 10 A.M. at Paylors Funeral Home, Graveside services and burial will follow at Byron-Amorita Cemetery, Byron, OK, at 3PM. Published in the Oklahoman on 1/22/2003. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Alfalfa County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/alfalfa/alfalfa.html