Midwest City, OK 1890

Charles Orville Blaine, known to family and friends as “Charlie” and to a whole slew of grandchildren as “Papa,” transitioned to the afterlife early Sunday morning, Sept. 20, 2015, leaving a huge hole in the lives of all who knew and loved him. Charlie was the quintessential man’s man. Charlie raced stock cars, roped steers, drove tractors, raised cattle, broke horses and never met a car engine he couldn’t fix. He loved a good steak and I don’t think I ever saw him eat a vegetable … unless you count fried potatoes. He was tough and had a look that scared me straight more times than I can count. However, he was also one of the kindest and most loving men I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He was unquestionably devoted to his wife, Judy, and it was his devotion to, and utmost respect for, her that helped me learn how to treat the woman you love. He taught me that life is full of things you don’t want to do, but a real man does those things and does them to the best of his ability. He was always supportive of his children and grandchildren, regardless of their endeavors, attending countless numbers of sporting events, band performances, graduations and even some show choir performances. He was generous to a fault, always willing to help out a family member or friend in any way he could. I’ve never met a man who was a harder worker than Charlie; he didn’t have a lazy bone in his body. He worked his way up from mechanic apprentice all the way to one of the chief industrial engineers at Tinker AFB, although I think he always enjoyed being a mechanic more. Later in his life, Charlie figured out some ways to spend his free time, other than working outside. He was an avid golfer, he loved to fish and he spent countless hours just hanging out and being an awesome Papa to his many grandchildren. Charlie was greeted in the afterlife by a whole host of family and friends who left this world before him, but I like to think he was especially happy to be reunited with his mother, Norma; his uncle, John; his brother, Mike; and his grandson, Ransom. Charlie is survived by his wife, Julia; four sons; two daughters; a brother; seven grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Thank you for always being there, Charlie. We will meet again. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at McMahans Funeral Chapel in Noble, with interment at the Norman IOOF Cemetery.

Imogene (Jean) Schuster, born February 15, 1932 to Gaylord and Flossie Cloyd in Ottumwa, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her sleep and joined her Lord and Savior on September 22, 2015 at her home in Choctaw, OK. She is survived by her brother, Larry Cloyd; pre-deceased sister, Judy Cloyd; her 4 children Christine Martin, Jerome (JR) Schuster, Diann Coleman, and Larry Schuster; step-son Steven Schuster; 12 grandchildren Moani Hood, Aaron Wong, Dani Martin-Salazar; Jeremy Schuster, Javeit Biku, Shauna Stanley, Jamie Lee Vonk, Nicole Sibu, Jeremiah Schuster, Jessica Schuck, Brandon Shackelford, and Tanisha Schuster; 13 great-grandchildren Layla, Julianne and Jocelyn Bikul, Tatum, Calvin, Stella, Lola, and Mila Schuck, Kayley and Lucas Sibu, Dylan, Hunter and Mikah Stanley. She lived in many states; Iowa, California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and her favorite, Hawaii. She was an avid pool player on women’s teams and won many trophies. She also loved to kick up her heals and dance. She adored her great-grandkids and loved spending time with them. Although she didn’t get to meet some of her great-grandchildren, she longed to hug and kiss them and loved them dearly. She loved spending time with her Elks Club buddies and Red Hat girlfriends. She loved her many cats and dogs as they were like children to her. We are saddened by our loss and Jean will be missed by so many, but we are comforted knowing that she is in heaven now in the ever-loving arms of Jesus. 2 Corinthians 4: “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.” 21 Revelations 4: “And he will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And he who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”” A casual and intimate gathering to celebrate Jean’s life will be held on Saturday, October 3rd, 2015 at 1:00 pm at the home of JR and Tonya Schuster located at 7825 NW 14th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73127. Any questions please contact us at jrschuster@att.net

Dickie W Brannon (71), of Midwest City, passed peacefully on November 25, 2015 surrounded by his family. Dickie was born March 22, 1944 in Pryor, OK. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth W Brannon; and his mother, Ruby Fern Blanton. Dickie is survived by his wife of just 1 month shy of 51yrs, Marie Endicott-Brannon; son, Bruce Brannon and wife Angela of Spencer, OK; daughter, Lisa Ramsey and husband Brett of Jones, OK; 2 grandchildren, Kylee Poteet and Kolston Burns; a sister, Sue Newby of SW City, MO; 4 nieces, 2 nephews, many cousins and a large extended family. Dickie grew up in Midwest City and was a "Bomber" thru and thru. He joined the Navy and served for 3+ years as a fireman. After leaving the Navy, he was hired at the Fire Department on TAFB where his career lasted 30 years. Throughout his tenure with the department, he had served in many different capacities before ending his career as a Fire Prevention Specialist. After retiring, he worked at Napa alongside what is likely one of the best friend's he had ever had. Dickie also worked for 7 yrs at Blue & Gold Sausage Co. as a delivery driver where his wife rode along on every trip seeing all parts of the state. Dickie loved going camping, fishing, playing golf and working on his yard. He was a respected, hardworking man who will be greatly missed. A come-and-go visitation time will be at Ford Funeral Service from 1-6pm on Sunday with the family present to greet friends from 4-6pm. A graveside service honoring his life will be at 2:00pm on Monday, November 30, 2015 at Arlington Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Integris Hospice House or Midwest City Firefighters Association.

WILLIAM O. (BILL) RUPERT, LT. COLONEL, U.S. ARMY, RETIRED Bill Rupert was born on June 9, 1921 in Kittanning, Pennsylvania to Lester C. Rupert and Edna V. (Westwood) Rupert. He graduated from Kittanning High School in 1939 and went to work as a freight brakeman on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corps in February 1942 and trained as a pilot. He flew 69 missions against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943 and 1944 in the A20G light attack bomber. Upon returning to the states, Bill went to Oklahoma City and made the best decision of his life by persuading Marthel Goff, a registered nurse, to marry him. They had 52 wonderful years together until she passed away of cancer in 1996. Marthel and Bill had three sons, Gary, who died at 14 months of age, Mark and Craig. Upon his release from the service, Bill spent the next three years in training and school as an embalmer and funeral director. While waiting to take his state boards, he received a recall to active duty with the U.S. Army and spent the next seventeen years with assignments in the Philippine Islands, Japan, Korea, Germany, Virginia, Georgia, and Alaska. He retired from the Army in 1965 in Midwest City, and proceeded to start another career as a jet engine item manager at Tinker Air Force base. He retired from Tinker in 1983. Bill loved retirement. He played golf and traveled until health issues slowed him down, but continued to enjoy all his activities, particularly his association with the Midwest City Elks Lodge, as his health and age permitted him. He passed away suddenly on April 23, 2016. Bill is survived by two sons; Mark and his wife Mari and their children Drew Rupert, his wife Melissa, and Lauren Rupert; and Craig and his wife Debbie and their children Joshua Rupert, his wife Catalina, Jennifer Kimbrell, her husband Kevin, and Gage Rupert, and his wife Anna. Additionally, Bill is survived by four great grandchildren; Isadora and Isen Rupert, Westley Kimbrell, and Cole Rupert. He was expecting a fifth great grandchild in September. Also, he is survived by longtime family friend and companion Ann Reynolds. Additionally, he is survived by a sister, Jean Borg, of Utah and many nieces and nephews and their extended families. Funeral service will be at 10 am, Friday, April 29, 2016 in Candlewood Chapel at Ford Funeral Service with burial to follow at Arlington Memory Gardens. Visitation will be Thursday from 8 am-8 pm with the family present from 6-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Bill’s name be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Laxson, Travis A., 78, died May 19, 2016 at his home in Midwest City. Born November 28, 1937 in Seminole to Pearl and Prentice A. Laxson. Travis graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1955. He was a master carpenter and worked for Don Crall Fixtures for several years before changing occupations to sales at Agnew Steel Company. His final position was that of owner/operator of Laxson Steel Company. He loved spending time with family and friends, Monday night card games, Thursday night with friends at the lodge, but his favorite times in life were summer vacations with Sandra in Kona, Hawaii. Travis was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandra, of the home, daughters Ginger Laxson of Yukon and Debbie Morgan & spouse Dave Hutchings of Oklahoma City; brothers Gary, Donald & wife Sharon, and Russell & wife Linda; Grandchildren Jason Thompson & wife, Tara, Jennifer Leach & husband, John, Samantha Brunning & husband Scott, Allie Morgan, Bailey McMahan, Bryan McMahan; 11 great-grandchildren; his dearest friend David Humphrey and other loved ones he considered a part of his family, Betty Crisologo & daughters Sherisse & Shawna , Carter & Cruse Cranford & Brayden Smith, along with a multitude of close relatives. Memorial service will be held on Friday, May 27, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Barnes Friederich Funeral Home. Following the memorial service, the Elks Lodge has graciously prepared a luncheon to honor Travis.

March 18, 1933 - August 4, 2016 YUKON Dr. Fred Rutledge Child died peacefully, his two sons by his side, Aug. 4, 2016. He was born March 18, 1933, in Jonesboro, AR into a loving family. He was the son of Fred and Marian Child. He was one of seven children. All of the others were girls. As a youth, he served as an altar boy in the Catholic Church. The nuns taught him Latin so he could assist with the Mass. Early on, he wanted to be a priest. In his later high school years, he decided he would follow in his father's footsteps and become a dentist. He attended Saint Louis University as a pre-dental major, and after graduation, he entered their dental school. This was at the time of the Korean War, and upon graduation, he had a draft deferment, but he chose to be drafted and was assigned to Tinker Air Force Base as a dentist with the rank of captain. During his military years, he gained a fondness for flying, an avocation he would develop and enjoy all his life. He was an avid pilot and held most aircraft licenses, including commercial pilot and helicopter pilot. While in dental school, Fred married and started a family that included three sons, Fred III, Michael, and Mark. Fred was accomplished at many things, but claims "He was born to be a father" and was passionate about that role. After nearly five years in the Air Force, he left the military and started a private dental practice in Midwest City, OK. He had a highly successful practice and was a leader and innovator in his practice, acquiring numerous degrees in dental surgery, including the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Fred was highly active in the community as well serving a term as a Midwest City councilman, and briefly temporary mayor. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was also an accomplished pianist. He loved almost all sports and helped his children learn the correct practices in their interests as well. Fred retired in 1999 after a successful career of nearly 41 years ... a career of many experiences, including two summers as a medical volunteer in Central America for impoverished natives. He remained a devout Catholic and was well-traveled through his later years. He loved music and sang in several choirs into his 80s. He also enjoyed billiards and woodworking. He is survived by his two sons, Fred III and Michael; grandchildren, Jennifer Morano, Amanda Child, Ryan Child, Francesca Child, and Michael Edward Child; three great-grandchildren; Fred's wife, Leah Child; and Michael's wife, Maria Child. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores; son, Mark; and stepson, Jonathan. He is also survived in death by sisters, Barbara Bach, Margurite Harris, and Sara Larimore; and was preceded in death by sisters, Rosemary Child, Carolyn Scheben, and Patricia Allen. To describe him as a person, he was brilliant intellectually, relentless, and passionate. All of his sons concur that Fred was their hero and champion, never dodging a challenge. Rosary will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Services will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 2:30 p.m., 307 N.W. 4th St., Oklahoma City.