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In Memoriam Stories

N. Scott Momaday

N. Scott Momaday

1934–2024

Poet, novelist, playwright, storyteller, artist, and teacher.

Montie Box

Montie Box

1930–2024

Montie Box, known as “Mr. Sand Springs,” was a real estate developer, civic leader, and philanthropist who served Sand Springs and its surrounding areas in many ways.

Wayne McCombs

Wayne McCombs

1952–2023

A lifelong superfan of baseball and Tulsa sports, Wayne McCombs' insights and personal collections enriched our catalogue of historical sports treasures.

Steve Turnbo

Steve Turnbo

1945–2023

Steve Turnbo, a legendary public relations trailblazer and tireless advocate for the city of Tulsa, shares the story of his life, his work, and how he wishes to be remembered as an honest PR man.

Carlton Pearson

Carlton Pearson

1953–2023

Carlton Pearson, an influential minister and gospel artist, shares the story of his life and the revolutionary impact of his gospel of inclusion.

Nancy McDonald

Nancy McDonald

1936–2023

She leads a life of community activism that supports education and civil rights.

Sherman Ray

Sherman Ray

1917–2023

The family trade, tailoring, saved Sherman's life in the most infamous Nazi camp, Auschwitz.

King Pouder Kirchner

King Pouder Kirchner

1927–2023

From roughneck to co-founder of one of the largest U.S. onshore drilling companies, Unit Corporation.

Dr. Joe L. Conner

Dr. Joe L. Conner

1949–2023

Drs. Joe and Carol Conner discuss the background of the crimes committed against the Osage people during the Reign of Terror, how the present day community is dealing with these crimes, and how the murders changed Fairfax forever.

Jenkin Jones Jr.

Jenkin Jones Jr.

1936–2023

Through the headlines of the Tulsa Tribune, the Jones family has been a part of local and national history.

David Bernstein

David Bernstein

1932–2023

A life dedicated to the service of those in need has made him a valued community leader.

David Morgan

David Morgan

1926–2023

A Tulsa insurance executive during the week with a very successful 10-year weekend racing career.

Dr. Jim A. Rodgers

Dr. Jim A. Rodgers

1951–2023

A great surgeon, a good father, and a man whose indelible legacy includes revitalizing the legendary Cain's Ballroom and founding one of Oklahoma's most successful physician-owned hospitals.

Joseph H. Williams

Joseph H. Williams

1933–2023

As a business leader, he reshaped Williams Cos. but the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is his lasting legacy.

Ernestine Dillard

Ernestine Dillard

1941–2023

Her passionate, award-winning voice has taken her across the globe and brought joy and comfort to many.

Marina Metevelis

Marina Metevelis

1922–2023

A true blue "Rosie the Riveter" and promoter and preserver of Tulsa history, including its famous tunnels.

Dobie Langenkamp

Dobie Langenkamp

1936–2023

Raised with a rich family oil legacy, he practiced oil and gas law, served in the Carter administration, and founded his own company.

William Ross

William Ross

1930–2022

Former chair of the Oklahoma City-based Inasmuch Foundation known for providing grants to numerous nonprofits.

Greg Spahn

Greg Spahn

1951–2022

As a young boy, Greg Spahn observed his father, Warren Spahn, in the locker room, in the dugout, and on the playing field. Greg was witness to the “greatest game ever pitched,” and it was Greg who told his father’s story for Voices of Oklahoma.

Julius Pegues

Julius Pegues

1937–2022

Julius Pegues was best known for his work to memorialize Tulsa’s 1921 Race Massacre and the history and culture of Black Tulsans through the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation, with his efforts laying the groundwork for the Greenwood Rising History Center.

Dick Carson

Dick Carson

1942–2022

Dick Carson shares how his family's business became a pillar of entertainment promotion for over 66 years and three generations.

J.V. Haney

J.V. Haney

1933–2022

JV Haney, a coach renowned for his unwavering positivity and encouragement, became the face and voice of high school sports in Oklahoma, inspiring players, coaches, parents, and fans alike throughout his legendary 30+ years in Oklahoma high school sports broadcasting.

Dave Whitlock

Dave Whitlock

1934–2022

World-renowned fly fisherman whose talents include painting, illustrating, writing, photography, fly tying, and lecturing.

Dale McNamara

Dale McNamara

1935–2022

Dale built the TU women's golf program from the ground up and it grew to be the gold standard in the sport.

Ramona Reed

Ramona Reed

1930–2022

A County Music Hall of Fame member, her accomplished career includes many performances at the Grand Ole Opry.

Dr. C. T. Thompson

Dr. C. T. Thompson

1925–2022

His career as a surgeon and hospital administrator spanned a time of great social and medical change in the United States.

Audrey Pullen

Audrey Pullen

1922–2022

An interesting life that includes living at the base of Mt. Rushmore as her father carved the monument.

Enoch Kelly Haney

Enoch Kelly Haney

1940–2022

Native son with a heart to serve people; as a politician, Seminole Chief, and an internationally-recognized artist.

Jasmine Moran

Jasmine Moran

1934–2022

A story of humility, compassion, and good cheer.

Bob Borlase

Bob Borlase

1932–2022

An everyday American couple who dedicated their lives to serving their country and their community.

Jay O’Meilia

Jay O’Meilia

1927–2022

"People ask what I consider to be my masterpiece, and I tell them I have five: my children."

Charles Ford

Charles Ford

1931–2021

Former State Senator discusses artwork on display at the Oklahoma State Capital and his efforts to help expand the collection.

Joe Morris

Joe Morris

1922–2021

A lover of law whose remarkable career includes serving as U.S. District Court Chief Judge.

Maxine Zarrow

Maxine Zarrow

1925–2021

A story of family, philanthropy, community, and commitment.

Keith Ballard

Keith Ballard

1949–2021

Grace, class, and dignity -- those are three qualities this dedicated educator strives for each day as he battles ALS.

Clayton Vaughn

Clayton Vaughn

1935–2021

As a widely-respected news broadcaster, he was the face of KOTV news three separate times over nearly half a century.

Harry Stege

Harry Stege

1934–2021

Third-generation officer with a reputation for being a hardworking, innovative, and supportive leader.

Robert G. Perryman

Robert G. Perryman

1922–2020

His family roots run deep in the origin of Tulsa, where he spent 40+ years as a surgeon.

David Easton

David Easton

1937–2020

Jimmy Steinmeyer talks about his partner, David -- a highly sought-after designer and architect.

Frederick Drummond

Frederick Drummond

1931–2020

Patriarch of the famous Osage County ranching dynasty and Stanford educated banker.

Dr. James B. Buskirk

Dr. James B. Buskirk

1933–2020

Together, he and his wife Nancy dedicated their lives to ministry.

John F. Hausam

John F. Hausam

1931–2020

After unwittingly avoiding death in war, he eventually established one of the largest real estate companies in Tulsa.

Eddie Sutton

Eddie Sutton

1936–2020

With 804 career wins, he has earned a place in Oklahoma college basketball history.

Maxine Horner

Maxine Horner

1932–2021

One of the first African-American women in the Oklahoma State Senate, serving from 1986 to 2004.

Lee Roy West

Lee Roy West

1929–2020

"Life should be fun." Wests's refreshing motto has been his guide for over 80 years.

Paul Andert

Paul Andert

1923–2020

A decorated WWII veteran, Paul Andert exemplifies bravery and patriotism.

Rex Calvert

Rex Calvert

1923–2020

He fought in four WWII battles with the Fourth Marine Division and earned the Purple Heart.

Wavel Ashbaugh

Wavel Ashbaugh

1910–2019

Her advice for living to 105 is to "put one foot in front of the other and keep going."

Doug Campbell

Doug Campbell

1947–2019

A life-long interior designer who chooses to be happy despite fighting ALS on a daily basis.

Tom Clark

Tom Clark

1941–2019

Tom's business skills and successes gave him the opportunity to make a lasting impact in Tulsa.

Dr. John Coates

Dr. John Coates

1925–2019

His talents took him all over the world, but he returned to Oklahoma to begin his medical practice and raise his family.

Sam P. Daniel

Sam P. Daniel

1932–2019

Inspired by his childhood neighbor, Alfred P. Murrah, Sam had 50+ years of experience practicing law.

Gloria Dialectic

Gloria Dialectic

1932–2019

She dedicated her career to helping society's most vulnerable citizens.

Mary Jo Guthrie

Mary Jo Guthrie

1922–2019

Woody Guthrie's little sister shares stories about one of America's most renowned folks singers.

Maxine Kelamis

Maxine Kelamis

1923–2019

Maxine Kelamis and her son, Bill, tell a story of immigration, food, and the American dream.

T. Boone Pickens

T. Boone Pickens

1928–2019

Hard work and generosity by the billions.

Steve Ripley

Steve Ripley

1950–2019

A rock and roll legend in our own backyard who worked with some of the greats.

Porter Reed

Porter Reed

1923–2019

As an athlete in the Negro Leagues, he played baseball with the greats.

Bill Thorpe

Bill Thorpe

1928–2019

Bill Thorpe talks about his father, Jim -- regarded as the greatest athlete in the 20th century.

Allan Trimble

Allan Trimble

1963–2019

Beloved high school coaching legend who won championships, battled ALS, and left an incredible legacy of leadership.

Jenny Brouse

Jenny Brouse

1924–2018

From Russian to Tulsa. Jenny and her son, Brian, tell the family's immigration story.

Roy Clark

Roy Clark

1933–2018

A big "Saa-lute" to the man best known for hosting the long-running varity show Hee Haw.

Denzil Garrison

Denzil Garrison

1926–2018

After serving the US in WWII and the Korean War, he served Oklahoma in both state houses.

Robert L. Jones

Robert L. Jones

1925–2018

Bob's contributions to mid-centry and modern architecture dot the landscapes of Oklahoma's cities.

Guy Logsdon

Guy Logsdon

1934–2018

A man who celebrates the music and culture of folks artists, cowboys, and western swing.

Opal Moss

Opal Moss

1912–2018

Voices of Oklahoma celebrates 100 interviews with Oklahoma centenarians Vida Culvern and Opal Moss, sharing the lessons and wisdom they have learned.

Kenneth Renberg

Kenneth Renberg

1920–2018

A German-American Jewish immigant who bravely fought in World War II to "get back at Hitler."

Bill Rollings

Bill Rollings

1930–2018

Bill Rollings saved professional baseball for the city of Tulsa. He tells of the rocky history of the Oilers and the Drillers.

Barbara Santee

Barbara Santee

1937–2018

For more than 40 years, she was a leading voice for women's reproductive rights.

Mike Samara

Mike Samara

1924–2018

Known as the friendly owner of Celebrity Club, he also helped bring liquor-by-the-drink to Oklahoma.

Paul Thornbrugh

Paul Thornbrugh

1921–2018

Known as "Mr. Republican," Paul was a businessman, patriot, public servant, politician, and -- most proudly -- a family man.

Penny Williams

Penny Williams

1937–2018

A political champion for education in the state of Oklahoma and the city of Tulsa.

Coke Meyer

Coke Meyer

1919–2017

Doris "Coke" Meyer speaks about her great-uncle, Will Rogers, Oklahoma's favorite son.

Frosty Troy

Frosty Troy

1933–2017

Member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame and nationally-acclaimed advocate for public education.

Rev. Dr. John B. Wolf

Rev. Dr. John B. Wolf

1925–2017

As a senior minister at All Souls Unitarian Church, he used his pulpit to promote civil rights for minorities, women, and children.

Chester Cadieux

Chester Cadieux

1931–2016

The story of building QuikTrip into one of Oklahoma's most beloved companies.

Ray Feldman

Ray Feldman

1921–2016

A lover of the law and human rights, anthropology, nature, and -- most of all -- his wife Nancy.

David Hall

David Hall

1930–2016

He won Oklahoma's closest gubernatorial race to become the state's 20th governor.

Red Stevenson

Red Stevenson

1929–2016

Colorful businessman and high-flying storyteller.

Shawnee Stewart

Shawnee Stewart

1921–2016

"They call Staff Sergeant Milton S. Stewart of Sallisaw, Oklahoma the luckiest man in his outfit." - Press Release to Radio Station KOCY, Oklahoma City.

John Brooks Walton

John Brooks Walton

1929–2016

A career as an architect and author gives him a unique view of Tulsa's residential history.

Ed Malzahn

Ed Malzahn

1921–2015

His wisdom and guidance nurtured Ditch Witch into a competitor in the global marketplace.

Chope Phillips

Chope Phillips

1918–2015

They chose the quiet life of ranchers over the Phillips family oil empire.

Robert E. Thomas

Robert E. Thomas

1938–2015

The ambitious founder of Mapco chose Tulsa for its headquarters.

Carl Willis

Carl Willis

1935–2015

These once-popular stamps traded like dollar bills and have an interesting Oklahoma connection.

Nancy Feldman

Nancy Feldman

1922–2014

Her legacy will long be remembered in the city of Tulsa.

Wishard Lemons

Wishard Lemons

1917–2014

An Industrial Chaplain for Parker Drilling. He traveled to 135 rigs in 29 different countries tending to the psychological and spiritual well-being of their employees.

William Pogue

William Pogue

1930–2014

A story of how Bill's distinguished Air Force career led to becoming a NASA astronaut.

Wess Young

Wess Young

1917–2014

Survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and dedicated activist is joined by his wife, Cathryn.

Henry Zarrow

Henry Zarrow

1916–2014

A generous heart and humble spirit make him one of Oklahoma's most beloved.

Johnnie Coe

Johnnie Coe

1915–2013

A personal account of Tulsa's history and the life of a woman who lived there for 98 1/2 years.

Charles Banks Wilson

Charles Banks Wilson

1918–2013

An Oklahoma native, Wilson and his paintings are a state and national reasure.

Ann Bartlett

Ann Bartlett

1920–2013

Ann served the state of Oklahoma alongside her husband, Dewey Bartlett.

Charles Faudree

Charles Faudree

1938–2013

The world-renowned interior designer and author chose to stay close to home.

Ken Greenwood

Ken Greenwood

1923–2013

He was a tireless promoter of the state of Oklahoma as well as a life-long nature conservationist.

John Hughes

John Hughes

1933–2013

John Hughes, the 16th member of the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame, grew the legendary Hughes cattle ranch from 1800 acres to over 12,000.

Bob Kurland

Bob Kurland

1924–2013

Oklahoma's own "7-footer" Olympic medalist.

Wanda Lemons

Wanda Lemons

1929–2013

A beloved professor at both Tulsa Public Schools and Oral Roberts University and avid runner, Wanda Lemons was a tireless servant of the church, beloved by her family and her community.

Bob Norman

Bob Norman

1919–2013

A desire to "see the world through a porthole" landed him right in the middle of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.

Curly Lewis

Curly Lewis

1924–2013

Not only did he play fiddle with the great names of Western Swing, he was one of them himself.

Danny Williams

Danny Williams

1927–2013

Listen to the oral history of Danny Williams, member of the Oklahoma Broadcasters Hall of Fame who dominated the airwaves for seven decades.

John Williams

John Williams

1918–2013

John, co-founder of Williams Companies and long-time CEO, is also well-known for his community leadership.

Ray Ackerman

Ray Ackerman

1922–2012

Known as "Old Man River," Ray made as career as an ad man and entrepreneur.

Margery Mayo Bird

Margery Mayo Bird

1916–2012

Philanthropist and senior stateswoman of the Mayo family.

Otis Clark

Otis Clark

1903–2012

106-year-old evangelist and survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

Walt Helmerich

Walt Helmerich

1923–2012

Listen to the story of the man that inspired the beginning of Voices of Oklahoma.

Lilah Marshall

Lilah Marshall

1916–2012

A true pioneer, she built her family bakery, Bama, into an international company.

Sid Patterson

Sid Patterson

1921–2012

His legacy lives on in Tulsa's buildings, in its road infrastructure, and in the "Up with Trees" program.

Ken Trickey

Ken Trickey

1933–2012

An influential leader who brought national attention and competitive success to ORU basketball.

Bob Barry, Sr.

Bob Barry, Sr.

1931–2011

For half a century, his voice was synonymous with Oklahoma football.

Betty Boyd

Betty Boyd

1924–2011

Tulsa's unlikely TV personality and state legislator who captured the hearts of many.

Jim Hewgley

Jim Hewgley

1916–2011

An oilman who was instrumental in advancing Tulsa's economic and social landscape.

Joe Moore

Joe Moore

1919–2011

He combined businessman and comforter as he gracefully guided people through times of loss.

Steve Stephenson

Steve Stephenson

1918–2011

After founding Steve's Sundry in 1947, he was cherished by Tulsa's readers and authors.

Wilma Mankiller

Wilma Mankiller

1945–2010

"I want to be remembered as the person who helped us restore faith in ourselves."

Marian Opala

Marian Opala

1921–2010

From the Polish underground to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

Bill Vandever

Bill Vandever

1925–2010

The story of Vandevers Department Store and the family's many years of faithful civic duty.

Henry Bellmon

Henry Bellmon

1921–2009

From the farm, to the war, to the Governor's mansion. Then finally back to the farm.

Ben Henneke

Ben Henneke

1914–2009

Under his outstanding leadership, The University of Tulsa accomplished a long list of milestones.

Oral Roberts

Oral Roberts

1918–2009

Hear his inspirational final interview.