Obits: The Kingfisher Times & Free Press, April, 2003, Kingfisher County, OK Copyright 2003: The Kingfisher Times & Free Press This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Claudia: moonglow4th@yahoo.com Thanks to http://www.kingfisherpress.net/ for permission to upload their obits. Return to Kingfisher County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/kingfisher/kingfisher.html ===================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ===================================================================== Wednesday, April 2, 2003 Wanda Mae Thomason: T525 Wanda Mae Thomason, 58, of Crescent died Friday, March 28, 2003, in Guthrie. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the First Baptist Church in Crescent with Rev. Mike Channel officiating. Burial followed in Oakland-Knowles Cemetery under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home of Crescent. She was born July 12, 1944, in Crescent to Alfred Ray and Allie Mae Hicks Elston. Her hobbies were fishing, gardening and hunting. Survivors include her mother, Allie May Elston of Crescent; one daughter, Kimberly Dawn Thomason of Crescent; one son, Raymond Kent Thomason and wife Tina of Crescent; two sisters, Linda Sebring and husband Ted of Stillwater, and Wilma Sexton and husband Joe of Guthrie; one brother, Stanly Elston and wife Francis of Crescent, and one granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her father, Alfred, one son, David Ray Thomason, and one brother, Delbert Ray Elston. ---------- Della Mae East: E230 Della Mae East, 87, of Enid, formerly of Kingfisher, died Thursday, March 27, 2003, in Killeen, Texas. A graveside service was held at 3 p.m. Monday at the Kingfisher Cemetery. She was born May 26, 1914, in Kingfisher to Martin L. and Josephine McIntosh Reeves. She married Ivan D. East in 1939. She graduated from Kingfisher High School. She was employed at the Kingfisher Courthouse until she was married. Surviviors include two daughters, Roberta Waldrop and husband Bill of Boerne, Texas, and Peggy J. Isbell of Enid; one son, Paul and his wife Barbara of Kileen, Texas; one stepdaughter, Dorothy Jones of Adelanto, Calif.; one sister, Ethel Thompsen of Kingfisher; one sister-in-law, Mae Reeves of Kingfisher; four grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in deth by her husband, one brother, Charlie Reeves, one infant son, two great-grandsons, and one son-in-law, Lonie Isbell. ---------- William 'Bud' Rich: R200 William "Bud" Rich, 66, of Watonga died Saturday, March 29, 2003, at Watonga Municpal Hospital from injuries received in an auto accident. A graveside service with military rites was set for 2 p.m. Wednesday in Kingifhser Cemetery with Rev. Doug Jackson officiating. He was born Feb. 8, 1937, in Blaine County to Charley and Edna Rich. He married Eunice Faye Woodson April 6, 1987, in Texas. He graduated from Watonga High School and entered the Army. He was employed at Aero commander Air Craft Co., the L and S Bearing Co., Rock Island Railroad and Tinker Air Force Base. After retirement, he worked for local farmers in Watonga. Survivors include two daughters, Melinda Johnson of Norman and LaVeita Rauch of Texas; one sister, Bernadean Fancher of Thomas; his mother, and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife and one sister. ---------- Robert N. 'Bob' Miller: M460 Robert Newell "Bob" Miller, 76, of Crescent, died Monday, March 31, 2003. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Abernathy Funeral Home Chapel in Crescent followed by burial in Memory Gardens at Guthrie. He was born Sept. 2, 1926, in Guthrie to Newell and Martha Ard Miller. He was married to Marie McCandless June 22, 1962, in Guthrie. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. He was active in farming and cattle raising. He was a member of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Assocation. Survivors include his wife, Marie Miller, of the home; three daughters, Pam Turner of boonton, N.J., and Ramona Mays and Patsi Thornbrue, both of Guthrie; four sisters, Martha Atchley of Oklahoma City, Helen Delling of Midwest City, Rita Roller of Wewoka and Betty Draper of Edmond; one cousin; four grandchildren and nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents. ---------- Booker Earl Davis: D120 Booker Earl Davis, 81, of Crescent, died Sunday, March 30, 2003, in Guthrie. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Lighthouse Church of God with Rev. Edwin House officiating, followed by burial in Oak Grove Cemetery under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home of Crescent. David was born April 1, 1921, in Wetumka to Giles Davis Sr. and Winnie Davidson Davis. He was employed at Oklahoma Furniture Manufacturing before retiring in May 1893. His hobby in retirement was volunteering his time for others. Survivors include a daughter, Carmella Davis of Oklahoma City; one son, Martin Davis of Crescent; two brothers, Matthew Davis Sr. and Giles Davis Jr., both of Crescent; one sister, Christine Smart of Crescent; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. ********** Sunday, April 6, 2003 Robert M. Francis: F652 {{Photo}} Robert M. "Bob" Francis, 84, lifelong resident of Kingfisher, died Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at his home. A Wake service was held at 7 p.m. Friday at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial was set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Rev. Price Oswalt officiating. Burial will follow in Kingfisher Cemetery with military rites. He was born Oct. 11, 1918, in Kingfisher to John H. and Helen Vohs Francis. He married Mary Gwendolyn "Gwen" Lawrence on Oct. 15, 1946, at St. Francis of Assisi in Oklahoma City. She preceded him in death on Feb. 28, 1995. He was a 1936 graduate of Kingfisher High School. He attended Oklahoma A&M College for one year before entering the military. He served for 28 years in the Army, both active and reserve. During WW II he made three combat landings in the Phillippines and was awareded the Bronze Star for Heroism. He also served during the Korean Conflict and was a reserve instructor during the Vietnam War. He attained the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was employed as a mechanic for Hauser Motor Co. and Johnsons of Kingfisher for many years. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, a past Sts. Peter and Paul School board member, Kingfisher Lions Club, Kingfisher American Legion Post No. 5, and a past post commander. Bob had many interests including fine woodworking, camping, reading and crosswords. He was a devoted father and husband and felt that his greatest pride and accomplishments were his children and grandchildren. He was an honest and disciplined man with simple needs. He held friendships dear and was devoted to his family. He will be greatly missed. Survivors include three daughters, Judith Horn and husband John of Stillwater, Michaelle "Micki" Seeman and husband Ed of Arvada, Colo., and Phoebe McGuffee and husband Mike of Ft. Collins, Colo.; two sons, David Francis and wife Ruthie of Stillwater and Larry Francis of Okarche; two sisters, Katherine Warren and husband Grier of Rogers, Ark., and Mary Ann Jones of Bakersfield, Calif.; 11 grandchildren, Ryan and Holland Seeman, Cydney and Allison Francis, Tyler Horn, Matt Kurt and Clint Francis, Jordan, Nicholas and Madeline McGuffee, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, John A. Francis and Don D. Francis. Memorials may be made to Stss. Peter and Paul Catholic School, Friends of the Library or memory Lane. ---------- Vincent F. Patocka: P320 Vincent F. Patocka, 73, of Hennessey died Tuesday, April 1, 2003, at his home. A Wake service was held at 7 p.m. Friday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hennessey. Mass of Christian Burial was set for 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph's with Rev. Mark Mason officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Hennessey under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home of Hennessey. He was born July 15, 1929, east of Hennessey, to Anton and Mary Severin Patocka. He married Marjorie Pecha on Feb. 1, 1995, in Goltry. Following his discharge from the Army he returned to Hennessey, where her farmed and worked as a mechanic for the Ford dealership until he retired after 40 years of service. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, St. Joseph's Men's Club, No. 1 Oklahoma Polka Club, Hennessey Oldies Club and the Moose Lodge. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie of the home; two sons, Dale Patocka of Enid and Alan Patocka and wife Peggy of Hennessey; one daughter, Brenda Humphries and husband Robert of Lexington, Ky.; one brother, Ervin Patocka of Hennessey; four sisters, Virginia Markham and husband Francis of Menomonie, Wis., Velma Ayers and husband Norman, Wilma Scheffe and husband Don, and Marie Weaver, all of Enid, and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. ---------- Yvonne Nakvinda: N215 Yvonne Payahsape Nakvinda, 55, of Cashion died Monday, March 31, 2003. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the First Christian Church in Guthrie with Rev. Kevin Kellogg officiating. Burial followed in Cashion Cemetery under direction of Davis Funeral Home of Guthrie. She was born Sept. 20, 1947 in Lawton. Survivors includer her mother, Jean Miller of Choctaw; two sons, Chris Cochran and wife Kerry of Cashion and Jeff Cochran of Edmond; one daughter, kim Cochran of Cashion; two stepsons, Joe Nakvinda and Bill Nakvinda and wife Angie; two stepdaughters, Andrea Nakvinda and Shelly A. Hickman; four sisters, Connie Aduddell of Oklahoma City, Anna Boettger of Choctaw, and Sue Curren and LaNora Kennedy, both of Mustang; four brothers, Ransom Payahsape, Vern Miller, Vance Miller and Vincent Miller, all of Oklahoma City, and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Roy Nakvinda. ********** Wednesday, April 9, 2003 Carlton Eugene Walker: W426 Carlton Eugene "Doc" Walker, 83, of Crescent died Friday, April 4, 2003, in Guthrie. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Crescent with Rev. Gerald Biswell officiating. Burial followed in Crescent Cemetery under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home of Crescent. He was born march 5, 1920, in Cordell to Elbert David and Audie Mae Jestice Walker. He married Beulah McGuire on Aug. 16, 1947, in Canadian, Texas. He was a state and federal agriculture inspector. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Crescent and the Crescent American Legion Post No. 200. He was a WWII veteran, serving in the U.S. Army. Survivors include his wife, Beulah of the home; three daughters, Rose Mary Kummer of Chesterfield, Mo., and Susanne Richards and Carlyse Hopson, both of Crescent; one son, David Alan Walker of Crescent; one sister, Mary Jane Estep of Bromley, Ky.; 16 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Charles Eugene Wagner and an infant son; one sister, Iris Wiggington, one brother, James Elbert Walker, and two great-grandchildren. ---------- Mary L. Worden: W635 Mary L. Worden, 81, of Hennessey died Thursday, April 3, 2003, at her daughter's home in Hardin, Mont. A graveside service was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in Hennessey Cemetery with Rev. Dovie Harms officiating. Arrangements were under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home of Hennessey. She was born Aug. 13, 1921, in Cameron, Mo., to Lawrence and Olive Logue. She married Vincent Worden in 1941. She traveled for 19 years as a Gospel Roadrunner. She taught the Bible through illustrations, marinate puppets, flannel graphs, Tabernacle and Revelation charts on canvas. Survivors include two sons, Paul of Buffalo, Wyo., and Peter of Hennessey; one daughter, Deborah Neville of Hardin; one brother, Robert Logue of Tennessee; six grandchildren, and three great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by her husband, three sisters and three brothers. ---------- Marjorie A. Rothermel: R365 Marjorie A. Rothermel, 88, of Hennessey died Tuesday, April 8, 2003, at Hennessey Care Center. There will be no services. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home of Hennessey. She was born Sept. 10, 1914, in Stockbridge, Vt., to Arthur and Ethel Simms Brown. She married Roland LaLiberte and the couple moved to Hennessey where he opened a chiropractic practice. She later married Robert Rothermel in 1952. Survivors include one son, Roland Lawrence LaLiberte and wife Diane of Anadarko; two daughters, Rose Marie Martin and husband Robert of Arkansas City, Kan., and Kathleen Gentry of Enid; several brothers and sisters; five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, one grandson, one brother and one sister. ********** Sunday, April 13, 2003 Ella Elsie Erwin: E650 Ella Elsie Erwin went to be with her Lord and Savior April 10, 2003. Internment will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 14, at Fairlawn Cemetery in Cushing, OK. Arrangements are under direction of Sanders Funeral Service in Kingfisher. She was one of nine children born to John Norris and Callie Rosetta Franks Largent in Oxford, Ark., on Sept. 8, 1910. She married James Elvin Erwin on Oct. 20, 1927, in Oxford, Ark. He preceded her in death in 1969. They had four children: James Eugene, Richard Wayne, Bobby Joe and Donna Marjean. She worked as a clerk for various businesses in Drumright, OK for many years, finally retiring at age 75. She moved to Kingfisher in 1992. She is survived by one son, James Eugene and wife Betty of Illinois; one daughter, Donna Lann and husband Claude of Kingfisher; daughters- in-law, Dianne Erwin Silverthorne of Stillwater and Pat Erwin of Kingfisher; 12 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, sons Richard Wayne and Bobby Joe, and one great-grandson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation. ********** Wednesday, April 16, 2003 Edgar James Ray: R000 {{Photo}} Edgar James Ray, 92, of Ponca City, father of former Kingfisher resident, Velma Case, died Saturday, April 12, 2003 at the Golden Age Nursing Home in Guthrie. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Woodlands Christian Church in Ponca City. A graveside service was held at 3:30 p.m. in the Rosedale Cemetery in Ada. He was born July 10, 1910, on a farm three miles north of Ada to George Dabney and Martha Jane Berryman Ray. He married Thelma Linscott on June 21, 1929, in Newkirk. She preceded him in death in 1982. He was a master electrician and electrical contractor and owned and operated Ray's Electric Service in Newkirk, retiring in 1975. He was a 60 year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 444 of Ponca City. Survivors include one daughter, Velma Case and husband Robert of Ponca City, formerly of Kingfisher; one brother, Eldred Kenneth Ray and wife Lucille of Odessa, Texas; one sister-in-law Naomi Ray of Odessa; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. ---------- Nancy M. Mesis: M220 Nancy J. Mesis, 56, of Hennessey died Sunday, April 13, 2003, at her home. Funeral services were set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Elizabeth Tate officiating. Burial will follow at Banner Cemetery under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home of Hennessey. She was born March 15, 1947, in Kingfisher to Wayne and Nadine Jones Mackey. She married Vincent Mesis Jr. on Jan. 5, 1968, in Dover. She was a member of the Enid Women's Bowling Association. Survivors include her husband, Vincent of the home; two sons, Vince Mesis and wife Nicole and Sean E. Mesis, all of Enid; her parents; one brother, Joe Mackey and wife Delayna of Dover, and one sister, Karen Fore and husband Gene of Enid. ---------- Versa Sylvan Leisher: L260 {{Photo}} Versa Sylvan Leisher, 85, of Kingfisher died Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at Cimarron Nursing Center. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in the First Baptist Church in Kingfisher with Rev. Derrick Lynch officiating. Burial will follow in the Kingfisher Cemetery. He was born March 14, 1918, in Okeene to Clyde and Jewralden White Leisher. He married Verona Wahling on June 1, 1940, in Okeene. She preceded him in death on Nov. 9, 1986. He was employed as a payroll clerk at Cimarron Electric Cooperative for 34 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kingfisher. He served as a trustee and deacon, and served on the building-finance, Milton Priebe and Falls Creek committees at the church. Survivors include two daughters, Jane Kochenower and husband Lester of Kingfisher and Corliss Epperson and husband Rod of Kerrville, Texas; one son, Paul W. Leisher and wife Diane of Harrah; seven grandchildren, and nine great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife. ********** Sunday, April 20, 2003 Herbert Clifton Tinder: T536 Herbert Clifton Tinder, 91, of Enid, formerly of the Omega area, died Tuesday, April 15, 2003, in the Living Center of Enid. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday in Ladusau-Evans Chapel in Enid with Rev. Garvie Schmidt officiating. Burial followed in the Kingfisher Cemetery. He was born June 9, 1911, in Kingfisher to David Henry and Martha Ellen Lesley tinder. He married Galdys Ross on Dec. 21, 1934. She preceded him in death in 1987. They lived west of Kingfisher where they farmed until moving to Enid in 1956. He was employed with D.C. Bass, Cummins Construction and Garry Munger until his retirement in the 1970s. He was a member of Madison Avenue Baptist Church. Survivors include two sons, Jack Tinder of Edmond and Dean Tinder of Bailey, Colo.; three daughters, Lois Sterling of Littleton, Colo., Margaret Pierson of Converse, Texas, and Marie Melvin of Enid; 11 grandchildren, and 28 great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys, seven brothers and sisters and one son. ********** Wednesday, April 23, 2003 No Obituaries ********** Sunday, April 27, 2003 Arno Robert Beyer: B600 Arno Robert Beyer, 81, of Crescent died Tuesday, April 22, 2003, in Shawnee. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday at Abernathy Funeral Chapel in Crescent. Burial followed in Crescent Cemetery. He was born Nov. 13, 1921, in Crescent to Arno Otto and Bessie Ward Beyer. He married Iona Ethel in 1942, in Ponca City. He was employed at Santa Fe Railroad Company until his retirement. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. Survivors include his wife, Iona of the home, and one grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Romaine Beyer and one sister, Senora Beyer. ---------- Capt. Kevin Martin Egan: E250 Capt. Kevin Martin Egan, 53, of Crescent died Thursday, April 17, 2003, in Durham, N.C. Funeral services were set for 3 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Crescent. He was born Feb. 4, 1950, in Long Island, N.Y., to Edward John Jr. and Margaret Urquhart Egan. He was married to Janet Ehret. He served in the U.S. Army Special Operations during Desert Storm, Grenada and Somalia. Survivors include his wife, Janet of the home; two daughters, Brianne Dawley and husband David and Maggie Egan; his father, Edward; one brother, Jimmy Egan, and two sisters, Margaret E. Hunter and Lynn Cannon. ********** Wednesday, April 30, 2003 Ida Meissinger: M252 Ida Meissinger was born Oct. 16, 1916, at Shattuck, Oklahoma, to Jacob Steinert and Mollie Longhofer Steinert. A graveside service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Kingfisher Cemetery in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Visitation will precede the service from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Sanders Funeral Service, 124 E. Broadway, Kingfisher, Oklahoma. She died in Tempe, Arizona, on April 24, 2003, at the age of 86. She grew up in the German farming community of Loyal, Oklahoma. In 1937, she married Walter Meissinger and they continued to farm the same homestead until moving to Kingfisher, Oklahoma, in 1968. She moved to Tempe, Arizona, in 1988, where she maintained a large degree of independence until declining health prompted her move to the Westchester Care Center in 1998. Survivors include one son, Lonnie Meissinger and two grandsons, Logan Don Meissinger and Jordan Daniel Meissinger, all of Tempe, Arizona; one sister, LaFredda Staude of St. Peters, Missouri, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Meissinger; two sons, Larry Wayne Meissinger and Donnie Gene Meissinger; two sisters, Pauline Meier and Tillie Reiswig, and two brothers, Herman Steinert and Don Meissinger. ---------- Ella Mae Jones: J520 Ella Mae Jones, 84, of Crescent died Saturday, April 26, 2003, in Oklahoma City. Funeral services were set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Abernathy Funeral Chapel in Crescent with Rev. Gerald Biswell officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland-Knowles Cemetery. She was born June 13, 1918, in Lamar, Ark., to John and Annie Miller. She married Arthur Jones on July 4, 1935. He preceded her in death on June 19, 2002. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Crescent and was active in the Senior Citizens and Star Quilting Club. Survivors include two sons, Frank Jones Sr. of Arcadia and Garry Jones of Crescent; one brother, Loyd Dean Miller of Lamar, Ark.; seven grandchildren, and a host of great and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, Charles Jones, two sisters, Tressie Hutchins and Elizabeth Bates, and three brothers, Leroy Miller, Travis Miller and Ray Miller. ---------- Waunita Cunard: C563 Waunita Cunard, 90, longtime resident of Crescent, died Sunday, April 27, 2003 in Crescent. Funeral services were set for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the First Christian Church in Crescent with Pastor Keith Gordon officiating. Burial will follow in Crescent Cemetery under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home of Crescent. She was born Sept. 20, 1912, in Cooke County, Texas, to William and Lula T. Maxwell Gist. She was a graduate of Crescent High School. Following high school, she married Raymond Hart. He preceded her in death in 1942. Her second husband, Floyd Yenzer preceded her in death in 1962 and her third husband, Calvin Cunard preceded her in death in 1975. She was a member of the First Christian Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. Survivors include two sons, Aaron Hart and wife Connie of Crescent and Kenneth Hart and wife Beverly of Mobile, Ala.; six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, three husbands, and two sisters. ---------- Boniface W. 'Bon' Carico: C620 Boniface W. "Bon" Carico, 78, father of Okarche resident Treva Gamble, died Saturday, April 23, 2003, in an Oklahoma City hospital. he was a lifelong resident of McLoud. Funeral services were set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at McLoud Church of Christ with Wayne Price officiating. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery under direction of Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee. He was born June 14, 1924, in McLoud to John Wesley and Annie O. Oburne Carico. He married Doris Caldwell on March 11, 1956, in McLoud. She preceded him in death in 1984. He later married Ruth I. Carico. He attended White Rocks Schools. He was retired from Tinker Air Force Base and McLoud Fire Department. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the McLoud Church of Christ and the Oklahoma State Firefighter's Association. Survivors include his wife, Ruth of the home; one son, Ronnie Carico and wife Rebecca of McLoud; two daughters, Jarenda Garner and husband William of Oklahoma City and Treva Gamble and husband Bobby of Okarche; eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, one brother and one sister. ---------- DuWaine Dewey Dodds: D320 Word has been received of the death of DuWaine Dewey Dodds, 79, of Enid, father of Kingfisher resident Cheryl Graham. He died Tuesday, April 22, 2003, in St. Mary's Hospital in Enid following a period of ill health. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday in Enid with Shorty Unruh officiating. Burial followed in Memorial Park Cemetery in Enid. He was born Feb. 3, 1924, in Enid to Earl Wesley and Ada Lee Baugh Dodds. He was reared in Enid and graduated from Enid High School in 1943. He served in the United States Army with the 252nd Combat Enginners during World War II and in the Korean War. He served two separate tours of duty, first in Europe where he helped build the bridge over the Rhine River in Germany and the second in the Korean War as a training officer. He was discharged in 1951. He married the former Amelia Bernice Hirst. He operated the Massey-Ferguson farm equipment dealership in Enid and also farmed in the Enid area. He was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist church and the American Legion. Survivors include his wife, Amelia, of the home; one daughter, Cheryl Graham and her husband, Danny, of Kingfisher; three sons, Steven Dodds and wife Ally of Plover, Wisc., Gary Dodds of Enid and Richard Dodds and wife Karen of Mustang; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and one brother, Roger Pickett of Sand Springs. He was preceded in death by one sister and one brother. **********