[Linda Bell was with us at Taft Jr. High. She went on to attend special schools, but we remember her as a nice friend]
Aug 16, 1949 - Jan 27, 2013 EL RENO Linda Kay Bell took the hand of our Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 27, 2013, in El Reno, Oklahoma. She was born on August 16, 1949, in Delhi, Oklahoma, to Arlin and Cora Lee (Andrews) Bell. When Linda was an infant, the family moved to Oklahoma City. She attended Oklahoma City schools, graduating from Carver Center. Linda lived in the Oklahoma City area in a variety of group home settings, most recently in Yukon. She worked for a number of years at the ResCare sheltered workshop doing a number of different jobs. Throughout her life, Linda has been blessed by numerous caregivers and support staff that enabled her to lead a quality life. Linda was preceded in death by her father, Arlin Bell. She is survived by her mother, Cora Bell, of Bethany; sister and brother-in-law, Jackie and John Weekley, of El Reno; niece, Loraine, of El Reno; nephew, Jay, of Wappingers Falls, NY; and special friend and roommate, Julie Sparks, of Yukon; along with other family and friends. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 30th at 2 p.m. at May Ave. United Methodist Church, with interment to follow at Spring Creek Memorial Cemetery.
( May 29, 1950 - November 17, 2020 )
“Beam me up, Jesus!”
Gordon Bockus Sr., aka PaPa, aka Mr. B, aka Slow Walking Moose, requested transport to the Heaven Enterprise on 11/17/2020. Born in Oklahoma City on 5/29/1950, Oklahoma was always home for Gordon. He spent his childhood in Oklahoma City, graduating high school from Northwest Classen in 1968. After a short trip to the University of Houston to study the game of Bridge, he decided to return to Oklahoma and fell in love with the University of Central Oklahoma. While attending UCO, he met the love of his life, Cindy Bahm. Armed with a college degree and an amazing wife, he found himself employed at Wilburton High School.
Gordon enjoyed 42 years at WHS scaring the love of math into all students. His teaching methods were very effective and students soon became familiar with all of the Mr. B. catchphrases. “Hells Bells” meant you were taking just a tad too long to grasp a concept. “PDA ALERT!” meant you were doing something in the hall you weren’t supposed to. If you were really failing him, he might beat his head against the chalkboard. Students looked forward to a serenade each year on their birthday; Mr. B in full character singing the birthday dirge or other silly renditions.
Gordon was the voice of The Purple Pride; announcing football games with such enthusiasm that every first down was worthy of a celebration. His deep love for academics and trivia led him to create an academic bowl organization in southeastern Oklahoma. Gordon went on to coach the academic team for his remaining years at WHS. In his final year as coach, WHS won their first academic team state championship. Gordon was smart enough to realize that going out on top was the sweetest reward, and it was finally time to retire.
Slow Walking Moose enjoyed a long and fruitful career as Scout Master in Wilburton. His journey in Scouts began when his boys joined the Cub Scouts and continued for the rest of his life. After hundreds of campouts spent teaching life lessons around the campfire with his one-of-a-kind dump cakes for dessert, he was proud of all his scouts (including 24 Eagles!). Gordon was recognized for his exceptional service to scouting with the Silver Beaver Award in 2016.
Gordon was a man of faith and could be found in the front pew of Sacred Heart Catholic Church with his family each Sunday. Having been raised Methodist, he joined the Catholic church after marriage. Wilburton will always be home, but Gordon was coerced into moving back to Oklahoma City post retirement to be closer to his adoring family. Upon his return to OKC, Gordon quickly realized that daily life without teaching was not his destined path. He soon became an adjunct professor at OCCC to continue his passion- teaching math. He also rediscovered his love of Bridge and enjoyed climbing the ranks in the local bridge circuit. Gordon lived life to the fullest and thoroughly enjoyed helping others.
Gordon is now catching up with his parents, Virginia White and Henry Bockus. His wife Cindy Bockus will miss her best friend greatly, but will find some comfort in finally watching Dr. Phil without complaints from her loving husband. His brothers Henry and wife Teresa, Bruce and wife Suzanne, and his sister Jane and husband Randy, look forward to reminiscing about their brother in the northwoods. His children Gordon and wife Doris, Mike and wife Charlene, Regina and husband Mason will continue their days trying to live up to the legacy of the legend himself. His grandchildren Gracie, Beau, Eli, Madison, and Mira are well equipped with essential life skills they were taught by PaPa: dutch oven cooking, sneaky math tricks, and how to swear properly.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mr. B Memorial Scholarship fund at tinyurl.com/mrbfund. The celebration of life service will be held on 11/20 at 1pm at Mercer-Adams funeral home in Bethany, OK. The service will be family only, but a live stream is available to those who would like to attend virtually.
HARMS
(Edmond) Robert Harms, 61, died January 12, 2012, in Oklahoma City, Okla. He was born June 10, 1950 in Oklahoma City, Okla. He graduated from Northwest Classen High School in 1968. Robert was a graduate of Oklahoma State University and was a lifelong fan. He was the owner-operator of Mega Energy and Twin River Resources. He was a devout member of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church and he loved playing golf and loving his dog, Aggie. Robert is survived by his sons, Matthew Harms and his wife Kristen and Jacob Harms; brothers David Harms and Steve Harms; sisters Lisa Lassley and Annette Smith; two grandsons, Kaleb and Micah. He was preceded in death by his wife Linda Harms and his parents. Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 17 at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Edmond, Okla. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Okla. In lieu of flowers, the Harms family requests that memorial contributions be made in Robert’s name to the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 15400 N. Western, Edmond, OK 73013. Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Edmond, Okla
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Name: | Sherry Meek (Lang) | |
Birth Date: | 02/19/1950 | |
Deceased Date: | 02/14/2014 | |
Tribute: | My sister Sherry passed away on Valentines Day 2014 in Oklahoma City after a short illness. She leaves behind her husband Ron, son Ryan , daughter Robin and husband Chris Van Cleve and beloved grandon Kash VanCleve, Brother Rudy Lang, Sisters Carole Lang Kuykendall and Jacki Armstrong Hine and Mother Dolores Lang Armstrong. She was preceeded in death by her Father Clarence Lang. Sherry so enjoyed see all of our classmates at the class reunions. We will miss her dearly. |
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Obituary: |
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Contributor: |
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Jacki Armstrong-Hine |
Contributor Email: |
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jhine54@yahoo.com |
October 28, 1950 - November 4, 2017
Obituary
Shirley Jean Afinowicz Morris of Southlake, Texas, died 11-4-17 at the age of 67 years. Shirley was born 10-28-1950 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She belonged to the Perennial Garden Club of Southlake, Southlake Garden Club, and Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Shirley enjoyed travel, gardening, bible study, and all animals, esp. dogs and birds. She is survived by Beverly Shobert, sister, of Oklahoma City, John Afinowicz, brother, of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, and David Afinowicz, nephew, of Concord, California. She will be honored at the 7:00 p.m. mass Friday, 12-8-17, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Colleyville, Texas.
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SCHMITZ, ALAN
WILLSON
Terry L. Willson, age 61 of New Richmond, died unexpectedly on Sunday February 26, 2012. Terry was born the son of Edward and Alice (Graham) Willson on May 12, 1950 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He grew up in Oklahoma City, graduating from N. W. Classen High School with the class of 1968. He graduated ROTC from Oklahoma State University in 1972. On May 19, 1973, Terry was married to Nancy Aspenson in Oklahoma City. He served in the Army from 1973-1975 in Germany. He went back to Oklahoma State and received his Masters Degree. They moved to River Falls, Wisconsin in 1976. Terry worked for the University of Wisconsin River Falls from 1976 - 2007 in Residence Life. In 1978 they moved to New Richmond, Wisconsin. He was a member of the River Falls Lions Club and the New Richmond United Methodist Church, serving on numerous committees. Terry was an avid photographer and world traveler. He enjoyed fishing and being a grandfather. He did everything with his wife and best friend, Nancy. He liked to cook, was a wine enthusiast, and a movie and theater buff. Terry was witty and generous and was a quiet, stable presence to many. He believed things should not be left unsaid, and eventhough his death was sudden, he did not leave behind unresolved relationships. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Alice Willson and brother, Neal and Darrell Willson. Terry is survived by his wife, Nancy Willson; children, Brian Willson and Molly (Brian) Willson Lahr; grandchildren, Jack Willson, Gracie Lahr, Greta Lahr, and Elin Lahr; brother, Kennth (Terri) Willson; sisters, Anita (Gerald) Coast and Mary (Paul) Atkisson; and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 11 am at the New Richmond United Methodist Church. Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 4-8 pm at the New Richmond United Methodist Church and on Friday from 10-11 am also at the church. Memorials may be directed to the New Richmond United Methodist Church. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services Beebe Chapel of New Richmond.
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G. Steve Wilmoth celebrated his first day in Heaven on Friday, Aug. 22, 2003. He was born to Raymond and Ann Wilmoth on Sept. 17, 1950, the year of OU's first national championship in football. He graduated from Northwest Classen High School in 1968. He met God's choice for his wife, Cheryl Richmond of Edmond, at the University of Oklahoma, and they were married upon his BBA graduation in 1972. He earned his M.Ed. from UCO in 1976 and M.S.W. in 1986. Steve had a great impact on many lives through teaching at OSU-OKC for 26 years as well as at OCU and UCO. His students learned to understand themselves and others by learning how to love well, work well and play well. He also helped families and children achieve their possibilities through his private counseling practice at Northwest Mental Health Associates until his death. Steve enjoyed sharing his love for the Lord and helping others. God is love; Steve had lots of love to share. He experienced the most joy with his children: Robin, a student at OU; and his son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Lisa, both graduates of OU. Steve was also encouraged by his sister, Judy Livengood, her husband Mike, and their daughters Angela and Allyson. He also experienced much joy cheering on his beloved Sooners in whatever sport they played. Steve was expertly assisted in his three-year stand against his cancer by many loving medical experts, including Dr. Aleda Toma, Connie, and Vickie and staff. Also, Dr. John R. Taylor, Dr. David Boggs, Dr. Matthew McBride, Dr. Charles E. Womack and their staffs were indispensable. These three years were filled with much love from many caring people including those making the same stand against cancer. We are grateful for everyone who touched our lives. The services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Mercer Adams Funeral Home in Bethany with Rev. Timothy L. Jones officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Steve Wilmoth Cancer Memorial Fund at Bank One, 6303 N. Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. MERCER-ADAMS
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BY SCOTT MUNN | Published: October 9, 2012
• Paul Barbee Jr. was a 205-pound center for the Northwest Classen football team, back in the day when the Knights were coached by Dean Choate. Barbee would play briefly for the University of Houston, before going on to make a name for himself as a championship weightlifter. Barbee was a national collegiate champ in 1972, a Texas state champion and three-time Gulf States titlist. He served as coach for the U.S. team that competed at the Goodwill Games in Russia. Barbee also trained fellow lifters; pro boxers; high school and college football players; track and field athletes — and even beauty pageant contestants. A man who was once ranked No. 4 in the world, squatted 804 pounds and benched 615 was a Corpus Christi, Texas, resident when he died at age 62 from heart disease.
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