Garvin County Obituaries - Ralph Shebester

Submitted by Blake & Pat Blankenship  bblanke432@aol.com
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Ralph Shebester was born July 9, 1913 in Lebanon, Oklahoma to Hattie Lee and Grover Cleveland 
Shebester and passed away this life on August 22,1997 at his home in Hennepin after a short illness. 
He was 84.

Mr. Shebester was known as the major promoter and benefactor of  pari-mutuel horse racing in 
Oklahoma. Owner of the Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw, he has long been recognized for his 
contribution to the Oklahoma horse industry. He was also noted as a self-made independent 
oilman and a generous friend. His latest contribution to the community was the land to build the 
Wynnewood Shebester Sports Complex. Ralph had to great passion in life the oil business 
he sold in 1990 and horse racing.

Ralph was a well-loved prominent member of Garvin County and has lived in Wynnewood 
for the last 20 years. He had just recently moved to Hennepin. Most people remember him as being a
generous contributor to civic affairs and support of youth activities. He has been called Mr. Enthusiastic.

Ralph belonged to many organizations including the AQHA past owner and President of Shebester, Inc. 
Oil Well Servicing. Shebester Oil Properties. Shebester Stallion Station. Race Horse Inc. and the Black 
Gold Futurity. He was 53-year member of the Order of the Masons, a member of the Shriners of Guthrie 
and a member of the Elks Lodge of Pauls Valley. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wynnewood.

Ralph graduated from Wilson High School and married his children mother. Mildred Lansford, 
who proceeded him in death. Also proceeding him in death were his parents; one brother Orbin Short 
Shebester; and one sister Ann Thomas.

He married Pauline Hicks Shebester on October 20,1977 he is survived by his wife, Pauline, of the home: 
His children Jerry Lee Shebester of Oklahoma City, Mary Watkins of Jackson Mississippi and Norma 
Lohman of Norman: his children by marriage: Cheryl Thomas of Marlow, Phyllis Hooper of Victoria, Texas 
and Eddie Hicks of Hennepin: 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Funeral services are Monday August 25, 1997 at 10:a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Wynnewood with 
bro. Jerry Wells officiating interment is in the Oaklawn Cemetery with the DeArman Funeral Home in Charge 
of the arrangements.

Serving has pallbearers are: Miles Philpott, Dick Whitsitt, R.C. Bechtel, Bill Jacks, J.T. Blackwood and 
Dec Raper. Honorary pallbearers will be: Sterling Thompkins, Thomas Dillard, Kenneth Grimes, Cleo Graham, 
Buddy Musgrove, Bill Chancy, Cliff Guinn and Carl Barton.

Note by Brenda Choate
When I was small, we, my brothers and sisters and I, lived with our grandparents.  Grandpa worked for Ralph
Shebester as an oil field hand.  I don't remember Mr. Shebester personally, but I do remember what he did for
his employees.  Every Christmas he would have a big Christmas dinner for them and their families.  It
was held at the fair barn at Wacker Park in Pauls Valley.   The whole building would be full to overflowing.  We all
had the best food and the best time.  The stage would be filled with toys and gifts of all kinds and every child there
received a very nice gift.  We would be called up to get our gifts by age groups.  I can only imagine this joyous affair
cost Mr. Shebester a small fortune.  I don't remember how many years I attended but it was more than one or two.  
Mr. Shebester must have been a very good, kind and loving man.  He made an difference in many lives. We need 
men more like him.