Henry Arretus Depue

“Greetings & Salutations”, we as the children of Henry Depue are here to inform you that Rev. Henry Arretus Depue of Bethany, Okla. passed away Friday, July 6, 2018 in his home from Bile Duct Cancer at 2:00pm. Henry was born March 3, 1937 to John Mack Depue, Sr. and Elba Inez (Stone) Depue in Hubbard Hospital, Mustang, Okla. He grew up at the family homestead with his older brother John Mack Depue, Jr. and younger sister Elba Fern (Depue) Brooks. Henry went to Putnam City grade school where at that time it went from kindergarten to 8th grade. High school was at Mustang High. He then went to Bethany Nazarene College, now called Southern Nazarene University.

Growing up Henry was always a mischievous, curious boy. He always told jokes and imaginative stories. People were always able to talk with him no matter what it was about: happy, sad, funny, even just joking. Henry loved telling his imaginative stories to all his family and friends no matter where he was. He would tell stories at a restaurant for those that wanted to hear a good laugh while eating and even at a church pot-luck.

At the age of 17 his parents had to sign for him to enlist in the Marines. He served from 1956-1964 and reached the rank of PFC. After his service in the Marines, he accepted the call from God to become a pastor. On July 4, 1960 he married the beautiful Godly woman, Betty Alice (Dorsey) Depue. In 1961 their first born Laverne Alice Depue graced their presence. In 1966 they had their second child Elizabeth Inez (Depue) Mihelic, then in 1968 their youngest child was born Cali Esther (Depue) Eck. On August 5, 2008 his lovely wife passed away.

Henry enjoyed telling everyone he could about Jesus and the Gospel. Henry was like Will Rogers, “He never met a person he didn’t like”. He would help any who needed it. As a way of reminding everyone of the Blessings of God, he would answer the phone by saying, “Greetings and the Lord Bless You”. He expected his girls to answer in that same fashion while growing up. When he met everyone, he would say, “Greetings and Salutations.”

He pastored many churches in Oklahoma as well as Kansas Louisiana, Missouri and Nebraska. His last pastorate was at the First Church of God in Guymon, Okla. For many years he would take his whole family to Anderson, Indiana for the annual Church of God Camp Meeting. He attended as long as he was physically able.

After the death of his wife Betty, he married Elizabeth Jane Depue in May of 2009. This union brought the family members even closer. In 2010 they moved to Bethany, Okla. where they remained until his passing, Jane will continue to reside at the home.

Henry is survived by his second wife Elizabeth Jane Depue from Bethany, OK; his three daughters: Laverne A. Depue-Farmer, her children - Patrick, Reuben, and Alicia Farmer from Edmond, OK; Elizabeth I. (Depue) Mihelic and husband Dr. Jerry Mihelic, their children - Nikolas, Caleb, and Hannah from Goodwell, OK; Rev. Cali E. (Depue) Eck and husband David Eck, their children - Jessica, Benjamin, Jonathan, and Brooklyn from Piedmont, OK. Children of Jane are: Johnna Beth (Depue) Moles - and family; Tammy (Depue) Eller and husband Craig and family; David Mack Depue and family; Rachel (Depue) and Daniel Jones and family. He is also survived by his younger sister Elba Fern (Depue) Brooks and husband James; many nieces, nephews and grandchildren along with more family & friends. He is preceded in death by both his parents; his loving wife Betty Alice (Dorsey) Depue and his brother John Mack Depue, Jr..

Henry requested to be cremated. There will be no viewing before the Celebration of Henry Arretus Depue. His family will have services at New Hope Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, OK on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 2:00 pm. He will be laid to rest next to Betty at Mustang Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to New Hope United Methodist Church for families in recovery through the Strengthening Families Program.

Thank you for all condolences.