Elmer Fugate

Roy “Elmer” Fugate was born in 1929 to Roy and Mary Fugate of Oklahoma. He was the eldest of 4 and the only son. At the age of 14, Elmer’s father passed away leaving him to help raise his 3 younger sisters and take care of the 160 acre family farm. In 1947 Elmer graduated from Maramac High school and married his high school sweetheart, Esther Ruth Sneed, in May of that same year.

Elmer had many professions including being a deputy sheriff for Kay County for a time. But he was best known for his mechanical abilities and pristine care of golf greens. He became the Lakeside Golf Course Superintendent, then later the Assistant Superintendent at OKC Golf and Country Club and retired as Superintendent from the Kickingbird Golf Course in 1992 - but he didn’t stop there. After retirement, Elmer had the opportunity to work on the OKC Ballpark and took any chance he could to be atop a dozer or tractor working the dirt.

Elmer loved making people laugh and taking care of his family, friends, and neighbors. He never said no to those with a need and graciously helped however he could. A man of honor and love, he faithfully served his wife, Esther, when she developed Alzheimer’s and needed continuous care until her death in 2013.

Elmer touched so many lives. He will be remembered for his tireless service to others, his generosity, his wise advice, his commitment to family, and his love for God and others.

Elmer passed peacefully into the Father’s presence at the age of 94 on March 5, 2023. He is preceded in death by his son, Ronnie Roy Fugate, and his wife Esther Ruth Fugate. He is survived by his 3 younger sisters, Elnora Davis, Shirley Womack, and Mary Harbison, all from Edmond, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his daughters, Shelley Lightfoot of Oklahoma City, and Carolyn Swinney of Guthrie; 11 grandchildren: Jeremiah, Daniel and Brian Anderson, Kelsey Ehrich, Amanda Blackwell, Laci Hiersemann, Christin Garvey, Courtney Woodhams, Kristal Wyckoff, Laurie Payne, and Tally Fugate; 21 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren.

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ - Matthew 25:23