Memorials
Roger Ramsey
December 24, 1940-May 7, 2007
Brother Roger L, Ramsey, Card # D 728551, passed away on May 7, 2007.
Roger was born December 24, 1940. Roger’s father was a Wireman and
Member of Local 584. Roger was initiated into the Brotherhood July 16, 1960.
Roger was a poet and minister as well as a Wireman. He retired a couple of
years ago and had been spending his time in Las Vegas and Tulsa.
Charles Moore
March 3, 1934-April 3, 2007
Brother Charles A. Moore, Card # C 76499, was born in Muskogee. Charlie was
raised in Muskogee; in his youth he was a Golden Gloves Boxer and the front man
singing and playing the guitar for the Rhythm Rockers. Charlie was initiated into the
Brotherhood November 20, 1967. Charlie’s son, Dennis was a Member of Local 584
and his son Mike, was a Member of 584 and is now a Member of 700 in Fort Smith.
Charlie and his wife, Peggy had a Ministry service that specialized in nursing home
care since his retirement from the trade. Charlie’s wife, Peggy and
children Mike, Brenda, Donald and Dennis survive him.
Virgil Pearsall
July 5, 1925-March 25, 2007
Brother Virgil W. Pearsall, Card # E2878, was born in Tempest, Colorado. Virgil was
raised in the Nowata area and joined the Army near the end of World War II and served in
the occupation forces in Japan. Virgil was a boxer and once fought for the Middle Weight
crown. Virgil was initiated into the Brotherhood March 21, 1958. Virgil’s brother Brownie was
a Member of 584 until his death and his nephew, Donnie is a current Member of 584. Virgil
was a limousine cattle rancher and active with his church since his retirement from the trade.
His wife Linda, three children and a sister survive him.
Johnnie Cochran
December 3, 1942-February 25, 2007
Brother Johnnie Cochran, Card # D486187 was born in Pawhuska,
OK. Johnnie graduated from Collinsville High School and was initiated
into the Brotherhood February 1, 1975. Johnnie, like so many of us, went to
work in Central Missouri in the mid 80’s at Callaway Power House.
Johnnie’s wife of 20 years, Karen and two daughters survive him.
Odes Faries
October 14, 1925-January 6, 2007
Brother Odes Faries, Card # D31469, was born in Kinita, Oklahoma. He was
initiated into the Brotherhood on November 9, 1956. Odes was a Freewill
Baptist preacher for 50 years. Odes was a well respected and much admired member
of our Local, as well as in his home community of Stigler. Odes had been in
Haskell County Hospital fighting a bacterial infection in his kidneys. Odes is
survived by his wife of 61 years, Imogene and his son Bobby
Faries, Card # D358089 who is also a member.
Steve W. Morgan
December 9, 1951-December 28, 2006
Steve was born in Tulsa. He was raised in Tulsa and Sand Springs; he graduated from
Charles Page High School in Sand Springs. Steve was initiated into the Brotherhood
October 1, 1979. Steve was nicknamed Mr. Haney after the character on Green Acres.
Steve was built like Mr. Haney, he talked like Mr. Haney and like Mr. Haney, he was always
several steps ahead of all others in conversation or action. Steve had been ill for a couple
of years and had been in the Hospital for about three weeks before he passed away.
Steve's wife, Elsie and sons Scott and Todd survive him.
Pat J. Webb
February 3, 1918-September 18, 2006
Pat was born in Drumright, Oklahoma. Pat served in the Navy during
World War II and he represented the U.S. Navy as an Honor Guard
at the funeral of President Franklin Roosevelt. Pat was initiated into the
Brotherhood September 18, 1942, the same date he passed
away on 64 years later. His wife, Francis, of over
60 years, survives Pat.
Robert M. Keiter
April 26, 1927-August 31, 2006
Robert was born in St. Louis, MO. He was raised in
Kansas and joined the Navy at the age of 16 to serve in World War II. When he
moved to the Tulsa area one of the first projects he worked on was the Keystone
Dam and he was initiated into the Brotherhood December 17, 1965.
His wife, Peggy, of over 25 years survives him.
George P. Fisher
November 22, 1950-September 6, 2006
George was initiated into the Brotherhood February 20, 1953.
George was with OESCO for many years. HIs son
Randy was injured on the GRDA powerhouse project and his daughter
Marylyn was once a JW with our Local also. George's wife
Ola Mae survived him.
Mike Huskey
February 21, 1960-September 3, 2006
Mike was initiated into the Brotherhood October 1, 1979. Mike
was a lineman in charge of the construction crew at East Central
Electric Cooperative. Mike served on the Apprentice Committee
and the negotiation committee: Mike was a leader on and off the job.
Ken McGahey
November 1, 1955-August 13, 2006
Ken was born in Tulsa and raised in Tulsa graduating from McClain High
School. Ken was initiated into the Brotherhood August 1, 1980 and had
lived in Oklahoma City for the last 23 years. Ken was an avid reader: he came
across with a gruff manner but had a kind heart. Ken's wife
Norma of 25 years and son Daniel survive him.
Charles "Chuck" Evans Jr.
August 6, 1926-July 24, 2006
Chuck was born in Stone Bluff, Oklahoma. Chuck served in World War II.
Chuck worked for Phillips for 17 years and was initiated into the
Brotherhood June 9, 1976. Chuck rebuilt cars and his son still drives
a Model T Chuck had rebuilt before World War II. Two sons, 4 daughters,
10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren survive Chuck.
Jesse Pridgen
July 21, 1937-July 23, 2006
Jesse was born in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Jesse had been battling cancer
for some time and had been in the hospital for the last month. Jesse was raised and
graduated from High School in Sand Springs. Jesse served in the Navy and was
initiated into the I.B.E.W. June 19, 1959. Jesse was a lifelong baseball fan. His
son and former I.B.E.W. 584 member Jesse Jr. or "Butch"
preceded Jesse in death.
Loyd C. Showman
January 21, 1912-June 15, 2006
Loyd was born in Eufaula, Oklahoma. Loyd was initiated into the
Brotherhood August 20, 1943 and retired in 1977. Loyd was married for
67 years: 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren survive him. His
daughter who spoke at the funeral spoke of the strong work ethic instilled
in all of the children and Loyd's insistence that every job be done right the
first time. The same message is spoken regularly at our retirees' funerals.
Earl "Brad" Little
December 28, 1931-May 13, 2006
Brad was born in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Brad initiated into
the Brotherhood February 1, 1966. Brad was once a sheriff and a bounty hunter
in Arizona. He worked at Vandenberg Air Force base during the beginning
of the Apollo Missions that were based there.
His wife Debbie survives him.
Melvin "Gene" Lawhorn
September 9, 1931-May 10, 2006
Gene was born in Chelsea, Oklahoma. He was initiated into
the Brotherhood March 18, 1960.
His wife Freeda of 42 years
survives him.
Sam McGahey
May 1, 1946-May 7, 2006
Sam was born in Tulsa and raised in Tulsa. Sam was initiated
into the Brotherhood September 18, 1970. Sam loved to
help his family and others. He was very active but suffered from a fall last
year he was never able to recover from.
His wife Stacy survives him.
Paul "Pete" Peterson
August 26, 1920-April 20, 2006
Pete was born in St. Joseph, Missouri. He served in the Army Air
Corps and was initiated into the Brotherhood October 16, 1942. Pete
was a history lover and enjoyed several books on the subject. His son
Dale of Independence, Missouri
survives him.
G. Keith Coleman
December 4, 1936-January 14, 2006
Keith was born December 4, 1936 in Creighton, Missouri. Keith was
raised in Tulsa where he attended Roosevelt Jr. High and was one of
17 Members of the Local at one time who had attended Roosevelt.
Keith served in the Army from 1956 till 1958 and
was initiated into the Brotherhood July 19, 1963.
Keith had retired from St. John's after working
there for 17 years. Keith is survived by his wife of almost
45 years Guyla, 3 children, 14 grandchildren
and 3 great-grandchildren.
Lester Smith
November 24, 1908-November 16, 2005
Lester was born on the family farm and raised in Western Kentucky.
He served in the military during World War II and saw duty in the
Pacific after being inducted into the military one day before his
35th birthday. You could not be inducted if you were 35 or older.
Lester was initiated into the Brotherhood October 27, 1951 in Local 384,
Muskogee. He traveled across the country working on powerhouse
projects and worked on the construction of Hoover Dam before
he became a member of Local 384. Lester had been retired
for many years and living back in Kentucky.
Don "Julio" Boyer
September 7, 1941-October 31, 2005
Don spent his early childhood in Cleveland, Oklahoma and graduated
from High School in Tulsa. He was initiated into the Brotherhood
July 1, 1963. Don was always a much respected Member of the Local
both for his mechanical skills and his opinions. His hobbies included
racing and building boats and motorcycles. He is survived by his
wife of 34 years, Carolyn, their daughter and two granddaughters.
William "Bill" Bradley
December 7, 1919-September 23, 2005
Bill was born in Van Buren, Arkansas and raised in Ft. Smith. Bill moved
to Tulsa in the early 50's to oversee construction of KRMG where he served
as chief engineer for several years. Bill was initiated into the Brotherhood
December 3, 1956 and retired in 1997. In retirement he remained an active ham radio
enthusiast. His wife, Mary Lee, of 64 years survives him as well as 3 children and
a grandchild. His son, Bill, lives in a house near Prattville that was originally built in
the 1920’s on the site of our Union Hall. The house was relocated to its current
location to make room for the construction of the Union Hall in the ‘60’s.
Earnest Binder
January 9, 1922-September 1, 2005
Earnie was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He was raised in Tulsa and graduated
from Tulsa Central High. Earnie served in the Army Engineers during World
War II and served through the Normandy invasion and the liberation of the Philippines.
Earnie was initiated into the Brotherhood March 1, 1946. He continued to live
in Tulsa after retirement and spent a lot of time doing woodworking. His wife
Evelyn of 40 years survives him. Earnie is survived in the Brotherhood
through his stepson Jim Moore.
Neal Packard
October 15, 1925-August 30, 2005
Neal was born, raised and graduated from high school in Sands
Springs. Neal served in the Navy in World War II and fought in
the Pacific. Neal was initiated into the Brotherhood April 18, 1947.
Neal had been living near family in Lacey, Washington for the past
several years. His wife of sixty years, Alice, daughter, son, 6 grandchildren
and 2 great grandchildren survive him.
Clark York
June 23, 1941-August 5, 2005
Clark was born in Chelsea where he was raised and graduated from High
School. Clark was initiated into the Brotherhood September 1, 1966 and
served as President of the Local Union in the late 1970’s. Clark owned
Crystal Bay Marina at Skiatook Lake for several years. Clark worked
as an inspector for General Electric for several years and was north of Shanghai,
China working for G. E. when he had his heart attack. His wife Gloria, sons
Clark and Todd, daughter Debbie, and six grandchildren survive him.
Robert E. Cummings
June 3, 1920-August 3, 2005
Robert was born in Wichita Falls, Texas and served in the U.S. Army
during World War II. Robert was initiated into the Brotherhood April 14, 1946.
His father before him was a 65-year Member of the I.B.E.W. Robert lived in
Collinsville for 30 years and was a foreman during construction of the Oologah powerhouse.
Robert remained very active after retirement as an investor in the stock market
and a salesman of hardware equipment. His wife, Charlsie, three sons, five
grandchildren and eleven grandchildren survive him.
Gerald Molloy
October 17, 1939-July 2, 2005
Gerald was born in Pryor, Oklahoma. Gerald was raised, educated
and spent most of his life in Salina, Oklahoma. Gerald was initiated into
the Brotherhood October 18, 1968 and retired in 2001. Gerald and his
wife, Brenda, liked to spend their time traveling,
camping and gardening.
Danny J.J. Armstrong
October 15, 1940-June 10, 2005
Danny was born in Oklahoma City October 15, 1940 and raised in
Monett, Missouri, southeast of Joplin. Danny entered the U.S. Army
in 1960 and was initiated into the Brotherhood June 1, 1967. Danny
traveled a great deal as a wireman and ventured into the entertainment business
in Tulsa during the mid ‘70’s. Danny went to New York City in the early ‘80’s and had
lived there ever since. Danny is survived by his wife of 20 years,
Susan and daughter, Sabrina.
Cecil Richey
March 25, 1918-April 15, 2005
Cecil was born in Jenks. Cecil was raised in Jenks and was an
All State Basketball star, he lettered in baseball and basketball in 1935,
36 and 37 at Jenks High School. Cecil was initiated into the Brotherhood
October 14, 1940. Cecil had been in a Care Center in Groves,
Texas for several years.
Kenneth N. Sherrin
August 15, 1925-July 4, 2004
Ken passed away a the Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital and we were
informed just last month by way of his daughter from San Antonio. Ken
was born in Westville, Oklahoma on August 15, 1925. Ken was initiated into
the Brotherhood November 17, 1953. Ken was Member of Local 384 and
retired when the Local merged with Local 584. Ken had been living in
a Siloam Springs rest home for several years.
Bill G. Nicholson
March 3, 1940-March 1, 2005
Bill was born near Seminole. He graduated from high school in Memphis,
Tennessee in 1957. He is survived by his wife; Kathy, son; Rickey, who
is with the Elevator Constructors Union, son; Michael, Card #5034029,
an electronics technician with I.B.E.W. Local 814 in Sedalia, Missouri, son;
Tim, Card #D996980, a Local 584 Journeyman working with A&M
Electric in Sapulpa, and a daughter; Tina.
Sammy Simmons
November 11, 1955-February 16, 2005
Sammy was born in Tulsa. He was a natural athlete with hopes of making
the big time with a .487 batting average one year in high school. Sammy was
initiated into the Brotherhood December 4, 1996. Sammy had suffered for years
from kidney failure and had been on dialysis since 1998. He is survived by his mother,
Edna Mae, his father, Cal one of our retired members, Card #E2840 who was also a
longtime instructor with the Local JATC, his brother Calvin, Jr., and sister, Jami.
Cecil McConnell
January 28, 1922-February 15, 2005
Cecil was born near Antlers, Oklahoma. He graduated from Bixby High
School in 1940, then joined the Army and served four years during World War II fighting
in both the European and Asian theaters. He was removed from the Battle of the Bulge
in 1944 with pneumonia. He and his wife, Estelle, married in 1942. He was initiated
into the Brotherhood on June 17, 1949 and retired in January 1987. His wife, two daughters,
six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren survive him.
Lewis Earl "Sandy" Musick
April 21, 1921-January 25, 2005
Sandy caught pneumonia in December after a fall that separated his
shoulder. He was born in Emporia, Kansas. His family moved to Tulsa when Sandy
was a teenage. During World War II he served as a machinist in Hawaii rebuilding
parts. He was initiated into the Brotherhood October 19, 1956 and retired in
1983 after working with West Electric for 15 years.
Lee F. Maner
April 15, 1945-December 7, 2004
Lee was born April 15, 1945 and initiated into the Brotherhood
October 1, 1979. Lee's retirement application was approved
by the Membership at the Union Meeting Friday,
December 3, 2004. Lee was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had worked
for Osborne Electric the last several years.
William F. Lively
July 11, 1925-November 8, 2004
Bill was born on July 11, 1925 in Tulsa. Bill was initiated into the
Brotherhood August 2, 1946. Bill had been living in Webster, Texas for several
years and is survived by three children and four grandchildren
all living in Texas. Bill's wife, Jean, passed away several years ago.
William E. Russell, Jr.
April 11, 1927-September 2, 2004
Bill was born in Oklahoma City and was raised in Tulsa. Bill retired in the late
1980’s and recently moved from Wagoner to Muskogee. Bill was initiated into
the Brotherhood June 15, 1951. Bill was an avid golf enthusiast, had a heart
attack and passed away on the golf course. His wife Vonna survives him.
Howard McDaniel
May 5, 1950-June 23, 2004
Howard was born in Tulsa, raised and graduated from Berryhill
High School. Howard was initiated into the Brotherhood
March 1, 1998. Howard’s daughter Joanna and son Jason
survive him. Howard’s son Jason was also a member of Local 584 at one time.
Norvin “Scotty” Scott
July 18, 1914-June 17, 2004
Scotty was born in Paw Paw Oklahoma . Scotty’s father passed away
when Scotty was still a child and he worked as a sharecropper picking
cotton to help support his mother and five younger brothers and sisters. Scotty
was initiated into the Brotherhood September 5, 1936 and was tramping down
the highway when paved roads and highway signs were as scarce as jobs are today.
Scotty retired in 1977 and developed a successful camper and trailer business.
Scotty was master craftsman in many skills and a friend to all who had the
pleasure to know him. Scotty’s lovely wife Eva, of over 69 years, survives him.
Rod Plummer
April 3, 1953-April 24, 2004
Rod was born and raised in Tulsa, a graduate of Will Rogers
High School. Rod was initiated into the Brotherhood February 1, 1975.
Rod was a very active member of the organization. He served on the
Board of Directors of the Building Corporation. He was the cornerstone
and Recording Secretary of the Executive Board. Rod also was the Sergeant
at Arms at the regular Union Meetings.
Gene Stottlemyre
Sept. 12, 1926-April 21, 2004
Gene was born in Broken Arrow, and raised in Sperry. Gene was a
sharpshooter in the Pacific theatre while serving in the Marine
Corp during World War II. Gene was initiated into the
Brotherhood March 7, 1952. Gene is survived in the Brotherhood through
his sons Gary, Card # D 486151, Mike, Card # D 486158,
and his grandson Steve, Card # D 997000.
Robert Rodecker
August 31, 1923-March 15, 2004
Bob was raised in Tulsa and a graduate of Tulsa Central High. He was
a decorated veteran of World War II. He served as a line chief in
the U.S. Army Air Corps working on the front lines as the War moved
across Europe. Bob was initiated into the Brotherhood April 18, 1952.
He was employed for many years as City of Tulsa electrical inspector.
Bob is survived by his wife, Dot, of over 60 years.
John Rauch
October 14, 1912-March 14, 2004
John was born and raised in Tulsa and a graduate of Tulsa Central High.
He served in the Navy during World War II and was initiated
into the Brotherhood May 17, 1946. John served the Local Union
as Secretary for the Retirees Club for many years after
his retirement. John is survived by his wife, Elizabeth.
Robert Betts
February 9, 1930-December 21, 2003
Bob was born in Louisiana, Missouri, just north of St. Louis. Bob served in the
U.S. Navy and was initiated into the Brotherhood April 15, 1960.
John Lairmore
March 12, 1918-October 27, 2003
John was a lifelong Tulsan, a graduate of Tulsa Central High School and
a 61 year member of Local 584. John was a dedicated family man and had
a dinner party the night before he passed away with his family and wife
Neva Belle of 62 years. John is survived in the Brotherhood through his son, Jack.
Thomas Carmichael
March 2, 1911-July 24, 2003
Glenn was born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas on September 2, 1911. Glenn
served in the U.S. Army and was initiated into the Brotherhood on April 5, 1940.
Glenn retired in 1976 after 36 years of service with IBEW. His wife Violet,
of 59 years and his son, Tommy survive him.
Philip Smith
March 29, 1933-June 14, 2003
Phil was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a decorated veteran of
the Air Force; buried with military honors and the Tinker Air Force Honor
Guard were the casket bearers. Phil was initiated into the Brotherhood
October 1, 1973. I'll always rmember Phil smoking his pipe
and smiling that mischievous smile.
James Richey
May 25, 1964-March 16,2003
Jim was born in Redlands, California and lived there until he was a sophomore
in High School. Jim graduated from Red Oak Oklahoma High School then
spent five years in the U.S. Army. Jim was initiated into the Brotherhood on
February 1, 1995. His wife Gail and two sons, Parker and Taylor survive him.
Samuel Hutson
October 19, 1925-March 4, 2003
Sam was born in Okemah, Oklahoma. He served in the Navy during
World War II and initiated into the Brotherhood January 18, 1957. Sam was
always willing to help others, the neighborhood children called him
"Mr. Miracle", as Sam could fix anything: bikes, basketballs, skates
and lawnmowers. Sam is survived by his wife, Hazel, of over 52 years.
James Goller
April 24, 1923-March 3, 2003
James was initiated into the Brotherhood on April 19, 1963. James was
a soundman and longtime employee of Ridley Sound. James has been retired
for almost twenty years and living in Harlingen, Texas.
Kenneth Nelson
March 5, 1946-March 2, 2003
Ken was born in Chelsea, Oklahoma. He graduated from Chelsea High School
and spent most of his life in Chelsea. Ken and his wife, Liz traveled extensively
as members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. Ken was initiated in the
Brotherhood August 9, 1971 and had worked for Mid-America at the Protein
Tech plant in Pryor for the last several years.
James Wilkinson
March 13, 1925-February 18, 2003
James was born in Farmington, Missouri and raised in Fredericktown,
Missouri. James served in the military during World War II and fought in the Phillipines.
James was initiated into the Brotherhood February 16, 1949. Mary K Wilkinson was married
to James for almost 54 years, survives him.
Carlton Ree
June 9, 1919-February 2, 2003
Carl was born in Mulberry, Oklahoma. He was initiated into the Brotherhood
March 17, 1967. There was a lady at the funeral that said she knew Carl
before he had shoes, so you know he was a man that made lasting friendships.
Carl was married for 53 years, so you also know he was a man of his word.
Carl is survived in the Brotherhood through his sons, Charlie Ree,
Card #D357637, and Larry Ree, Card #D409422.
John Benjamin
January 14, 1916-January 6, 2003
John was born in Carrolton, Missouri and raised in LaPlata, Missouri.
John was initiated into the Brotherhood January 28, 1942. John had been
living in Tucson, Arizona for the past 12 years where his wife,
Helen of almost 47 years survives him.