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Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Waurika Mourns Loss of Gary Duncan, City Commissioner

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 Gary “Lebo” Duncan, Waurika City Commissioner and former Mayor, devoted countless volunteer hours and many dollars to making Waurika a better place to live.  He was a true philanthropist who learned from his father that you work hard and you do it right.  Gary was born on June 6, 1939 and passed from this life on February 23, 2021 from a long and complicated illness.  He was 81 years young.

Gary was born in Terral, Oklahoma to Adam Lee “Lebo” Duncan and Nellie Belle (Hall) Duncan.  He married Sharon (Carter) Duncan in 1959.  They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2019.  Gary and Sharon have three sons, Randy Duncan (Council Bluffs, IA); Alan Duncan and Shawn Duncan (Lincoln, NE). They have four grandchildren, Kaleb Duncan (Omaha, NE); Kylee Duncan and Austin Bolles, (Lincoln, NE) and Alex Duncan (Kansas City, MO); He also had numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and great friends. Gary enjoyed talking about his family, God, and any new variety of farm seed. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Rick Duncan, and two sisters Carrie Belle Duncan Sheffield and Velda Nell Duncan Gaines.

 Gary’s family moved from Terral to a farm in Sugden, OK in 1947. He attended grade school and early Junior High in Sugden before moving to Waurika at the beginning of his ninth grade year. He graduated from Waurika High School in 1957. He learned to love the land and agronomy from his father’s farming operations and his high school FFA instructor, R.J. Redford. Gary was an FFA Star Farmer in High School and, as an adult, was proud to serve on the National Board of Sponsors for FFA. 

 In the fall of 1957, Gary’s love for the land and farming lead him to Oklahoma State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in Agronomic Production and Plant Breeding. He also earned a Management Certificate from Texas A&M University. 

As Gary’s expertise in agronomy and plant breeding grew, so did his professional responsibility. His resume included being the Grass Seed Research Manager for Oklahoma State University from 1962-1965; working multiple positions from Sorghum and Corn breeder/agronomist for Paymaster Seeds to Sales Manager and then General Manager for the corporation.  He was General Manager for Cargill-Paymaster/PAG Seeds from 1980-1986; General Manager of RiceTec Seeds from 1986 to 1988; President of NC+ Hybrids from 1988-1996; President of Rio Grande Technologies from 1996 to 1999 and President of Akkadix Genetics from 1999-2001.   Gary and Sharon lived in Leoti, KS; Belmond, IA; Plainview, TX; Alvin, TX; Lincoln, NE; San Antonio, Tx; and Columbia, MO. He also served on the board of the American Seed Trade Association and the US Feed Grains Council. In every community they lived, Gary served others on church committees and advisory boards.  Volunteering, mentoring and helping others was a deep commitment. 

In 2001, He and Sharon opened Frameworks Gifts and Interiors in Columbia, MO.  In 2016, they sold Frameworks and in December of 2017 they moved back home to Waurika. From the day they moved home, both Gary and Sharon devoted their retirement to making Waurika better by joining the Chamber of Commerce, working at the Food Pantry, Joining the Board of the Jefferson County Development Authority, the Waurika Development Trust and the Waurika Parks and Recreation Committee that works on beautification projects throughout the downtown area.  The most notable project is the renovation of Sorosis Park.  

Gary was elected to the Waurika City Commission in 2019. At his first meeting, he was selected to be the mayor by his fellow Commissioners. Gary and Sharon spent part of everyday driving around Waurika to see what they could do to make the city a better place to live. 

He was active in the First United Methodist Church; currently serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees.   He was a 56-year member of Rotary International and active in the Waurika Club.  He was a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow.  He volunteered for SCORE (a group of executives who volunteer their time to help business owners be successful) for more than 15 years. 

One of Gary’s greatest strengths was his ability to help others.  He always gave credit to his career influencers and mentors including his father-in-law, Elbert Carter, who he credited with teaching him to “Believe in God and Trust in God”. Gary lived by that belief every day of his life. 

A celebration of life will be held on March 13 at 11:00, First United Methodist Church, Waurika, Oklahoma. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Waurika Public School Foundation, PO Box 14, Waurika, OK 73573, or Waurika Beautification Committee, c/o City of Waurika, 122 S Main St, Waurika, OK 73573; or, the National FFA Organization, 6060 FFA Dr., Indianapolis, IN  46268-0960.

Victor Grimes

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Victor Grimes

August 6, 1923 – January 31, 2018

Age: 94

Victor Grimes, 94, of Temple, Texas, passed from this life January 31, 2018. He was born August 6, 1923, in Waurika, Oklahoma, to Amos and Ada (Jenkins) Grimes. He married June Derr on April 7, 1944, in Montgomery, Alabama. He finished high school in Waurika and then attended the University of Oklahoma to play basketball.

Victor served his country during World War II, in the Army Air Force/Corps 454th Bomb Group 15th Air Force. He was a B24 bomber pilot and was awarded the rank of First Lieutenant. He served in southern Italy, Germany, Arkansas, Maxwell Field Alabama, Lafayette, Louisiana, and Wichita Falls, Texas. He flew fifty-two missions and received the Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross. After leaving the military Victor worked in Waurika and then moved to Oklahoma City in 1965 to work for APCO Oil. He moved to Temple, Texas, in 1978 to work for Fuel Distributors. He was a Methodist. Victor was preceded in death by his wife June Bug, one daughter Mici Grimes Autin and son-in-law Gerald Wayne Autin, his parents, brothers Valda, Vernon and Vester Grimes and their spouses, and sisters Vida Doyle and Vada Johnson and their spouses, and one niece Karen Dale Roth. Survivors include: his daughter Vici Grimes of Stillwater, OK; grandson – Colin Autin and his wife Melissa of Oklahoma City, OK; great-grandchildren – Emma Reece Autin, Marley Gwendolyn Autin and Caroline Victoria Autin, all of Oklahoma City, OK; niece Jean Johnson of Wichita Falls, TX; great-nieces Kathleen Roth, Taylor Roth, Micayla Proctor and Rebecca Roth, all from Texas, nephew Don Grimes of Dallas, TX; and niece Janell Warren from Texas. Funeral services for Mr. Grimes will be at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at the Dudley Funeral Home Chapel in Waurika with Adam Brinson officiating. Burial will be in the Waurika Cemetery under the direction of Dudley Funeral Homes. Memorial contributions may be made to the Waurika First Methodist Church, 438 East D Ave., Waurika, OK 73573.

Cecil Leon Gamble

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Cecil Leon Gamble,  Sr., 76, of Hastings, Oklahoma, passed from this life April 9, 2019. He was born May 25, 1942, in Ryan, Oklahoma, to Ross Glenn “Pete” and Ida (Alexander) Gamble. He married Virginia Forsythe  April 4, 1964, in Nocona Texas. He was a truck driver, hauling grain, produce and rocks. He owned C&C Trucking. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Hastings Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing and loved football, basketball and the Dallas Cowboys.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Cecil Gamble, Jr., and one sister Euna Marie Braiser.

Survivors include: his wife Virginia of the home in Hastings, OK; one daughter Casey and her husband John Hampton; one sister Geneva and her husband Phil Stabler; and two grandchildren – Tanner Eldred and Hayden Eldred.

Funeral services were at 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the Hastings Baptist Church with Duane Peters officiating. Burial will follow in the Hastings Cemetery under the direction of Dudley Funeral Home of Waurika. Visitation was Friday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Dudley Funeral Home Chapel in Waurika with the family accepting visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Sue Carol Seay Dennis

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Sue Carol Seay Dennis

November 7, 1930 – May 16, 2022

Age: 91

Sue Carol Seay Dennis was born November 7, 1930 in Oscar, Oklahoma to Wilmer and Leary Seay. She left this world May 16, 2022 in Ft. Worth, Texas  She and Skeeter Dennis were married November 20, 1950 in Carlsbad, New Mexico. She lived in Oscar prior  moving  to Ft. Worth to live with her daughter Cindy and Scooby their dog for the past four years.

She loved traveling the US with Cindy and best friend Pat. The Smoky mountains and Red River New Mexico were her favorite places to visit. She loved fishing and watching her longhorns graze out front while she sat on the front porch at the LOG cabin. She loved sharing old fun memories with friends. Some of her favorite times were spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association since 1931. She attended Cross Brand Cowboy Church in Waurika, Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her parents – Wilmer and Leary Seay, husband – Skeeter Dennis, and son – Steve Dennis.

She is survived by daughters – LaDonna Davis and husband Jerry Dan and Cindy Phillips, son – David Dennis, her grandchildren – Zachary Smith and wife Sommer, Tyler Phillips, Binion Jones, Dakota Dennis, Courtney and Lyndle Savage, Erica Patton, and Jarret Davis, great grandchildren – Skyler and Bayler Smith and Braxton, Brooklyn and Brodie Savage. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Graveside service will be Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 10:00AM at Oscar Cemetery with Sean Mayfield officiating. Book signing will be Wednesday from 3-7PM at Dudley Funeral Home in Ryan.

The family would like to offer a heartfelt thanks to Pat Griffin, Betty VanMeter, Belem Laguna for their longtime friendship and always being there for her.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Cross Brand Cowboy Church Box 97, Waurika, Oklahoma 73573

Jerry Glen Ball

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Jerry Glen Ball

September 10, 1952 – November 21, 2022

Age: 70

Jerry Glen Ball, age 70, a resident of Wichita Falls, TX passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022.  A memorial service was held on Wednesday, November 30th at 1:00 p.m. at the Ryan Cemetery, under the direction of Dudley Funeral Home.

 Jerry was born September 10, 1952 in Ryan, OK to Lois D. and Roberta (Cleveland) Ball.  After his graduation he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.

Survivors include his two children: Jerry Glen Ball, and Sandra Ball, both of Germany;  two brothers: David Charles Ball and wife Bonnie, Nocona, TX, and Dorman Ray Ball, Thomas, OK; five sisters: Shirley Jean Oschner and husband Robert, Denver, CO, Margaret June Bonhom, Bowie, TX, Sandra May Belew and husband Harold, Decatur, TX, Brenda Harless, Azle, TX, and Norma Fay Walker and husband Steve, Dallas, TX; three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Joe Qualls

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February 22, 1936 – November 12, 2022

Age: 86

Joe Qualls, beloved brother and uncle passed from this life November 12, 2022 at the age of 86. He was born February 22, 1936 to Raymer and Leola Qualls in the Irving Community outside of Waurika, Oklahoma. Joe was fourth in line to 5 siblings: Wanda, Mildred, Jerry, Charlene and Rosa. He attended school in Waurika and remained friends with his childhood running buddy, Steve Fulton until his death. As an adult, Joe loved to work with his hands and design things making fiber glass his choice of media. He spent many years between Oklahoma and Florida making fiber glass tubs and showers for Marriott Hotels. He also enjoyed designing fiber glass boats. He loved to fish in his younger years and was always willing to have a beer with a friend. Joe never had children of his own, but he is remembered by many nieces and nephews. Joe loved watching football and was a devout OU and Cowboy fan. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Wanda and husband Pete; brother Jerry and wife Beulah; sister Charlene and husband Ed. Joe is survived by sister Mill Barfield with husband George of Andrews, TX; sister Rosa Keethler of Wichita Falls, TX and many nieces and nephews scattered over the Texhoma region. 

“A limb has fallen from the family tree that says Grieve Not for me. Remember the Best Times, the Laughter, the Song, the Good Life I lived while I was Strong.” – author unknown.

A Memorial Service for Joe Qualls will be announced in the future. 

Helen Lucille Hoffman Morgan

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Helen Lucille Hoffman Morgan

January 20, 1930 – December 10, 2022

Age: 92

Helen Lucille Hoffman Morgan passed from this life into heaven on Dec. 10, 2022. Helen was born in Winnsboro, Texas on January 20, 1930 to James Frank and Maebell (Fairris) Hoffman. She graduated from Irving Schools in 1948. (Irving, Oklahoma) She and Glen Dale Morgan were united in marriage on October 14, 1948 in Wichita Falls, Texas. He preceded her in death January 31, 2001.

She was a force of a woman with a plethora of skills: in chronological order, she was a cook for the Irving School, a farmer’s wife & mother, a church secretary for College Heights Baptist Church in Chickasha, a bookkeeper and automotive parts manager for Morgan-Richardson Dealership, a clerk & accountant for Waurika Public Schools, a librarian for Waurika Public Elementary School, and a volunteer tutor for various students in her golden years. She painted murals and sewed many miles of fabric for the First Baptist Preschool in Waurika.

She devoted most of her life as a Sunday School teacher. Preceding her in death are her parents Frank & Maebell Hoffman, her brother James Ray Hoffman and her sister Dortha Ann Hoffman, her husband Glen Dale Morgan, and her daughter Connie Lynn Morgan Spivey. She is survived by her son Ronnie Glen Morgan and daughter in-law Sharon Morgan, her sons-in-law Sam Spivey & John Gibbons, her granddaughters Katrice Volkert & Taryn Gibbons and their husbands, respectively, David Hatala and Travis Husband, and her grandsons Brandon Spivey (son of Sam) and Matthew (son of Ronnie & Sharon), as well as her six great grandchildren Clay & Glen Volkert (sons of Katrice), Chance & Connor Husband (sons of Taryn & Travis), and Hanjoo & Hansohl (daughter & son of Brandon & Yegeun Spivey), siblings – Bonnie Rice, Peggy Allison, Mozelle Hager, George Hoffman, and Linda Sue Kellner.

A celebration of Life is tentatively set for January 20th, 2023.

Bruce Alan “Snake” Ramsey

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Bruce Alan “Snake” Ramsey

July 7, 1954 – November 25, 2022

Age: 68

Services for Bruce Alan “Snake” Ramsey of Terral will be conducted at 2:00PM on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at Scott-Morris Funeral Home in Nocona with Gary Davidson officiating. 

Bruce was born on July 7, 1954 in Nocona to Henry Allen ramsey, Jr. and Ada Belle (Hughes) Ramsey.  He passed away in Wichita Falls on November 25, 2022 at the age of 68. 

Mr. Ramsey graduated as salutatorian from Terral High School in 1972.  He worked for Burlington Northern Santa Fe and as a supervisor for Libbey-Owens-Ford in Sherman, Texas, later retiring as a laborer.  He liked to tinker with model trains and build furniture and other things.  He especially loved jamming out to music and playing his guitar.  

Mr. Ramsey was preceded in death by his father in 1992 and brother David Michael Ramsey in 2012. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Ramsey of Oregon and her children, Drake and Emma; his daughter HannaH Ramsey of Pennsylvania and her children Ava and Bristol;  his son Justin Poage of Oklahoma and children Devon, Allysa, Kayla, Briar, and Kinley; his mother Ada Belle Ramsey of Terral, brother Jerry Ramsey of Nocona, sister Kathy Ramsey of Terral, and several nieces and nephews.  

There will be a private family burial at a later date.  Honorary pallbearers will be Justin Poage, Kevin Ramsey, Charlie Reynolds and Drake Campbell. 

W.L. Houston

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W.L. Houston

Passed Away – December 12, 2022

Funeral Notice

W. L. Houston of Waurika passed away Monday, December 12, 2022. Funeral service will be Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 10:30AM at Dudley Funeral Home Chapel in Waurika.

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