Pushmataha County, Oklahoma - Obits: Gerald Vegher ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Teresa Young May 12, 2002 ************************************************************************ "Push County Times", April 23, 2002, Page 8. GERALD VEGHER SERVICES HELD Gerald Vegher was born on November 20, 1920 in Coalgate, Oklahoma to the late Angelo and Ida (Baca) Vegher, Sr. Gerald grew up in Coalgate and graduated from Coalgate High School. He entered the Army Air Force in 1942 during World War II and stationed in England, North Africa and Italy. Gerald returned home from the war in 1945 at the rank of Sergeant. As a proud veteran, Gerald has remained active in the VFW, DAV, American Legion and AMVETS. Gerald later married Mary Lou Winters on August 3, 1947 in Sherman, Texas. The Vegher's had a daughter, Susan, and spent 42 years together prior to Mary Lou's death in 1989. Since that time, Gerald had moved to Ada to be close to his daughter and her family. Gerald was a retired educator and administrator and had received his B. S. degree from SEOSU and completed his masters degree at Oklahoma State University. He had served as Superintendent and Principal at Moyers from 1950 to 1968 and as the Principal at Antlers Junior High and Brantly Elementary from 1968 to 1983. Gerald was a life member of OEA and NEA and had worked with the Pushmataha County Teachers Association where he served as president for 7 years. Other education oriented organizations that Gerald served with were the Pushmataha County Athletic Association of Elementary Principals. He was also recognized in Who's Who in Education and has received numerous educator awards including the naming of Vegher Intermediate School in his honor. Gerald was a member of the Antlers First Presbyterian Church and had served his church as a deacon. Although Gerald was always involved in some community or organization activity, he did find time to enjoy hunting, fishing and visiting with "the gang" at the coffee shop. His most precious and memorable time was that which he spent with his family and especially with his two granddaughters, Merideth and Maegan. They were the "light of his life". Gerald spent countless hours working for his community. Local folks would always find him raising funds for charity organizations or pitching in on some community function. He was a member of Antlers and Ada Lions Club, The Chamber of Commerce and Red Red Rose. He was involved with countless fund drives, pancake breakfasts, and Push County Homecomings just to mention a few. Because of his active role in the community and for his striving to make Pushmataha County a better place, Gerald was recognized as "Citizen of the Century". Gerald passed away on April 19, 2002 in Norman, Oklahoma at the age of 81. He leaves his daughter, Susan Miller and husband, William D. of Ada, Oklahoma; 2 grandchildren: Merideth and Maegan both of Ada, and a sister, Geraldine Martinelli of Staunton, Illinois. He was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters. Gerald has left us all a legacy of good works, good humor and most of all friendship. He will be missed by all that knew him. Funeral services for Gerald Vegher were held Monday, April 22, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at the Antlers First Presbyterian Church with burial in Antlers City Cemetery. The services are under the direction of Mills-Coffey Funeral Home of Antlers, Oklahoma. Officiating the services were Reverend Patricia Bustle, Father John Marquard and Bob Settles presenting the eulogy. Musical selections were rendered by David Smith, James Stout, and Reverend Galeda Mannscheck. His nephews served as pallbearers and included: David Epperly, Randy Epperly, Robert Epperly, Jack Bertrum, Eugene Vietta and Donald Veghar, Sr. Honorary pallbearers were Joe Stamper, Leonard McDonald, Bob Settles, Wilburn Berry, Mike Wood, Roger Epperly, Thomas Winters, Ed Winters, James Campbell, David Smith, Robert Martinelli, Steve Burrage, Raymond Lough, John Vietta, Toopie Lowe, Bill Winters, Joey Winters, Mark Winters, Patrick Winters, R. C. Pruett, Ralph Winters, Jr., Pete Vietta, James Simes and Larry Morgan. Military Honors were provided by the Fort Sill Honors Detail. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer's Foundations or the charity of your choice.