In Memoriam Stories
Jim East
1954 – 2024A legendary Tulsa journalist, Jim East lived a rich life of service and pursued many diverse interests, including serving as the Chief of Staff to former Mayor Susan Savage and enjoying a successful career in the car rental industry, all while championing the works of many nonprofits and community initiatives.
Wayne Creasy
1926 – 2024The insurance business gave Wayne an interesting life which included real estate, Roy Clark, and Branson, Missouri.
George Krumme
1922–2024George Krumme, a World War II veteran, Ph.D of Earth Sciences, and partner of the highly-successful Krumme Oil Company shares the story of his incredible life — living during the depression, J. Paul Getty, the Battle of the Bulge — and other fascinating aspects to his life.
Jim Inhofe
1934–2024Oklahoma U.S. Senator, army veteran, businessman, pilot, and former Tulsa mayor.
Alex Adwan
1930–2024As a life-long journalist, he influenced state education and integration in the state of Oklahoma.
Frank Riesinger
1926–2024A master jeweler and craftsman who loved God, country, and family above all.
Robert J. LaFortune
1927–2024A native Tulsan and father of six, LaFortune shaped his city through civic leadership and public service.
Jim Economou
1930–2024In 1926, the Economou family introduced Tulsa to what became a local tradition: Coney Island hot weiners.
N. Scott Momaday
1934–2024Poet, novelist, playwright, storyteller, artist, and teacher.
Montie Box
1930–2024Montie 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
1952–2023A lifelong superfan of baseball and Tulsa sports, Wayne McCombs' insights and personal collections enriched our catalogue of historical sports treasures.
Steve Turnbo
1945–2023Steve 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
1953–2023Carlton Pearson, an influential minister and gospel artist, shares the story of his life and the revolutionary impact of his gospel of inclusion.
Nancy McDonald
1936–2023She leads a life of community activism that supports education and civil rights.
Sherman Ray
1917–2023The family trade, tailoring, saved Sherman's life in the most infamous Nazi camp, Auschwitz.
King Pouder Kirchner
1927–2023From roughneck to co-founder of one of the largest U.S. onshore drilling companies, Unit Corporation.
Dr. Joe L. Conner
1949–2023Drs. 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.
1936–2023Through the headlines of the Tulsa Tribune, the Jones family has been a part of local and national history.
David Bernstein
1932–2023A life dedicated to the service of those in need has made him a valued community leader.
David Morgan
1926–2023A Tulsa insurance executive during the week with a very successful 10-year weekend racing career.
Dr. Jim A. Rodgers
1951–2023A 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
1933–2023As a business leader, he reshaped Williams Cos. but the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is his lasting legacy.
Ernestine Dillard
1941–2023Her passionate, award-winning voice has taken her across the globe and brought joy and comfort to many.
Marina Metevelis
1922–2023A true blue "Rosie the Riveter" and promoter and preserver of Tulsa history, including its famous tunnels.
Dobie Langenkamp
1936–2023Raised with a rich family oil legacy, he practiced oil and gas law, served in the Carter administration, and founded his own company.
Jim Tygart
1920–2022Listen to the oral history of Jim Tygart, a World War II veteran, who shares his experiences at the Battle of the Bulge, his injuries sustained in war, his career in aviation mechanics, and much more.
William Ross
1930–2022Former chair of the Oklahoma City-based Inasmuch Foundation known for providing grants to numerous nonprofits.
Greg Spahn
1951–2022As 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
1937–2022Julius 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
1942–2022Dick Carson shares how his family's business became a pillar of entertainment promotion for over 66 years and three generations.
J.V. Haney
1933–2022JV 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
1934–2022World-renowned fly fisherman whose talents include painting, illustrating, writing, photography, fly tying, and lecturing.
Dale McNamara
1935–2022Dale built the TU women's golf program from the ground up and it grew to be the gold standard in the sport.
Ramona Reed
1930–2022A County Music Hall of Fame member, her accomplished career includes many performances at the Grand Ole Opry.
Dr. C. T. Thompson
1925–2022His career as a surgeon and hospital administrator spanned a time of great social and medical change in the United States.
Audrey Pullen
1922–2022An interesting life that includes living at the base of Mt. Rushmore as her father carved the monument.
Enoch Kelly Haney
1940–2022Native son with a heart to serve people; as a politician, Seminole Chief, and an internationally-recognized artist.
Jasmine Moran
1934–2022A story of humility, compassion, and good cheer.
Bob Borlase
1932–2022An everyday American couple who dedicated their lives to serving their country and their community.
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
1931–2021Former State Senator discusses artwork on display at the Oklahoma State Capital and his efforts to help expand the collection.
Joe Morris
1922–2021A lover of law whose remarkable career includes serving as U.S. District Court Chief Judge.
Maxine Zarrow
1925–2021A story of family, philanthropy, community, and commitment.
Keith Ballard
1949–2021Grace, class, and dignity -- those are three qualities this dedicated educator strives for each day as he battles ALS.
Clayton Vaughn
1935–2021As a widely-respected news broadcaster, he was the face of KOTV news three separate times over nearly half a century.
Harry Stege
1934–2021Third-generation officer with a reputation for being a hardworking, innovative, and supportive leader.
Robert G. Perryman
1922–2020His family roots run deep in the origin of Tulsa, where he spent 40+ years as a surgeon.
David Easton
1937–2020Jimmy Steinmeyer talks about his partner, David -- a highly sought-after designer and architect.
Frederick Drummond
1931–2020Patriarch of the famous Osage County ranching dynasty and Stanford educated banker.
Dr. James B. Buskirk
1933–2020Together, he and his wife Nancy dedicated their lives to ministry.
John F. Hausam
1931–2020After unwittingly avoiding death in war, he eventually established one of the largest real estate companies in Tulsa.
Eddie Sutton
1936–2020With 804 career wins, he has earned a place in Oklahoma college basketball history.
Maxine Horner
1932–2021One of the first African-American women in the Oklahoma State Senate, serving from 1986 to 2004.
Lee Roy West
1929–2020"Life should be fun." Wests's refreshing motto has been his guide for over 80 years.
Paul Andert
1923–2020A decorated WWII veteran, Paul Andert exemplifies bravery and patriotism.
Rex Calvert
1923–2020He fought in four WWII battles with the Fourth Marine Division and earned the Purple Heart.
Wavel Ashbaugh
1910–2019Her advice for living to 105 is to "put one foot in front of the other and keep going."
Doug Campbell
1947–2019A life-long interior designer who chooses to be happy despite fighting ALS on a daily basis.
Tom Clark
1941–2019Tom's business skills and successes gave him the opportunity to make a lasting impact in Tulsa.
Dr. John Coates
1925–2019His talents took him all over the world, but he returned to Oklahoma to begin his medical practice and raise his family.
Sam P. Daniel
1932–2019Inspired by his childhood neighbor, Alfred P. Murrah, Sam had 50+ years of experience practicing law.
Gloria Dialectic
1932–2019She dedicated her career to helping society's most vulnerable citizens.
Mary Jo Guthrie
1922–2019Woody Guthrie's little sister shares stories about one of America's most renowned folks singers.
Maxine Kelamis
1923–2019Maxine Kelamis and her son, Bill, tell a story of immigration, food, and the American dream.
T. Boone Pickens
1928–2019Hard work and generosity by the billions.
Steve Ripley
1950–2019A rock and roll legend in our own backyard who worked with some of the greats.
Porter Reed
1923–2019As an athlete in the Negro Leagues, he played baseball with the greats.
Bill Thorpe
1928–2019Bill Thorpe talks about his father, Jim -- regarded as the greatest athlete in the 20th century.
Allan Trimble
1963–2019Beloved high school coaching legend who won championships, battled ALS, and left an incredible legacy of leadership.
Jenny Brouse
1924–2018From Russian to Tulsa. Jenny and her son, Brian, tell the family's immigration story.
Roy Clark
1933–2018A big "Saa-lute" to the man best known for hosting the long-running varity show Hee Haw.
Denzil Garrison
1926–2018After serving the US in WWII and the Korean War, he served Oklahoma in both state houses.
Robert L. Jones
1925–2018Bob's contributions to mid-centry and modern architecture dot the landscapes of Oklahoma's cities.
Guy Logsdon
1934–2018A man who celebrates the music and culture of folks artists, cowboys, and western swing.
Opal Moss
1912–2018Voices of Oklahoma celebrates 100 interviews with Oklahoma centenarians Vida Culvern and Opal Moss, sharing the lessons and wisdom they have learned.
Kenneth Renberg
1920–2018A German-American Jewish immigant who bravely fought in World War II to "get back at Hitler."
Bill Rollings
1930–2018Bill Rollings saved professional baseball for the city of Tulsa. He tells of the rocky history of the Oilers and the Drillers.
Barbara Santee
1937–2018For more than 40 years, she was a leading voice for women's reproductive rights.
Mike Samara
1924–2018Known as the friendly owner of Celebrity Club, he also helped bring liquor-by-the-drink to Oklahoma.
Paul Thornbrugh
1921–2018Known as "Mr. Republican," Paul was a businessman, patriot, public servant, politician, and -- most proudly -- a family man.
Penny Williams
1937–2018A political champion for education in the state of Oklahoma and the city of Tulsa.
Coke Meyer
1919–2017Doris "Coke" Meyer speaks about her great-uncle, Will Rogers, Oklahoma's favorite son.
Frosty Troy
1933–2017Member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame and nationally-acclaimed advocate for public education.
Rev. Dr. John B. Wolf
1925–2017As a senior minister at All Souls Unitarian Church, he used his pulpit to promote civil rights for minorities, women, and children.
Chester Cadieux
1931–2016The story of building QuikTrip into one of Oklahoma's most beloved companies.
Ray Feldman
1921–2016A lover of the law and human rights, anthropology, nature, and -- most of all -- his wife Nancy.
David Hall
1930–2016He won Oklahoma's closest gubernatorial race to become the state's 20th governor.
Red Stevenson
1929–2016Colorful businessman and high-flying storyteller.
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
1929–2016A career as an architect and author gives him a unique view of Tulsa's residential history.
Ed Malzahn
1921–2015His wisdom and guidance nurtured Ditch Witch into a competitor in the global marketplace.
Chope Phillips
1918–2015They chose the quiet life of ranchers over the Phillips family oil empire.
Robert E. Thomas
1938–2015The ambitious founder of Mapco chose Tulsa for its headquarters.
Carl Willis
1935–2015These once-popular stamps traded like dollar bills and have an interesting Oklahoma connection.
Nancy Feldman
1922–2014Her legacy will long be remembered in the city of Tulsa.
Wishard Lemons
1917–2014An 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
1930–2014A story of how Bill's distinguished Air Force career led to becoming a NASA astronaut.
Wess Young
1917–2014Survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and dedicated activist is joined by his wife, Cathryn.
Henry Zarrow
1916–2014A generous heart and humble spirit make him one of Oklahoma's most beloved.
Johnnie Coe
1915–2013A personal account of Tulsa's history and the life of a woman who lived there for 98 1/2 years.
Charles Banks Wilson
1918–2013An Oklahoma native, Wilson and his paintings are a state and national reasure.
Ann Bartlett
1920–2013Ann served the state of Oklahoma alongside her husband, Dewey Bartlett.
Charles Faudree
1938–2013The world-renowned interior designer and author chose to stay close to home.
Ken Greenwood
1923–2013He was a tireless promoter of the state of Oklahoma as well as a life-long nature conservationist.
John Hughes
1933–2013John 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
1924–2013Oklahoma's own "7-footer" Olympic medalist.
Wanda Lemons
1929–2013A 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
1919–2013A desire to "see the world through a porthole" landed him right in the middle of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.
Curly Lewis
1924–2013Not only did he play fiddle with the great names of Western Swing, he was one of them himself.
Danny Williams
1927–2013Listen to the oral history of Danny Williams, member of the Oklahoma Broadcasters Hall of Fame who dominated the airwaves for seven decades.
John Williams
1918–2013John, co-founder of Williams Companies and long-time CEO, is also well-known for his community leadership.
Ray Ackerman
1922–2012Known as "Old Man River," Ray made as career as an ad man and entrepreneur.
Margery Mayo Bird
1916–2012Philanthropist and senior stateswoman of the Mayo family.
Otis Clark
1903–2012106-year-old evangelist and survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Walt Helmerich
1923–2012Listen to the story of the man that inspired the beginning of Voices of Oklahoma.
Lilah Marshall
1916–2012A true pioneer, she built her family bakery, Bama, into an international company.
Sid Patterson
1921–2012His legacy lives on in Tulsa's buildings, in its road infrastructure, and in the "Up with Trees" program.
Ken Trickey
1933–2012An influential leader who brought national attention and competitive success to ORU basketball.
Bob Barry, Sr.
1931–2011For half a century, his voice was synonymous with Oklahoma football.
Betty Boyd
1924–2011Tulsa's unlikely TV personality and state legislator who captured the hearts of many.
Jim Hewgley
1916–2011An oilman who was instrumental in advancing Tulsa's economic and social landscape.
Joe Moore
1919–2011He combined businessman and comforter as he gracefully guided people through times of loss.
Steve Stephenson
1918–2011After founding Steve's Sundry in 1947, he was cherished by Tulsa's readers and authors.
Wilma Mankiller
1945–2010"I want to be remembered as the person who helped us restore faith in ourselves."
Marian Opala
1921–2010From the Polish underground to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Bill Vandever
1925–2010The story of Vandevers Department Store and the family's many years of faithful civic duty.
Henry Bellmon
1921–2009From the farm, to the war, to the Governor's mansion. Then finally back to the farm.
Ben Henneke
1914–2009Under his outstanding leadership, The University of Tulsa accomplished a long list of milestones.
Oral Roberts
1918–2009Hear his inspirational final interview.