James Harlon Halbrook

James Harlon “Papa” Halbrook was born to Jerome Kirby and Lena VO Halbrook on August 12, 1929, in Martins Mill, TX. He went to his Heavenly home on Saturday, May 9, 2015. He attended school in Martins Mill, TX, and played basketball in his high school years. He attended Henderson County Junior College. He married Ida Fae on January 15, 1950.

James’ first job was at Henry Motor Co. in Athens, TX. They moved to Dallas, TX, in 1954, when he began working for Chevrolet Motor Division; he was transferred to Oklahoma City, OK, in 1962, as Zone Manager. In 1973, he was transferred to Detroit, MI, where he began working for General Motor Division as Regional Manager. In 1977, they were transferred to Louisville, KY. In 1979, he was transferred to Dallas, TX, where he stayed until his retirement in 1986. They then moved back to Oklahoma City, where their children lived.

James was a member of the Waterloo Road Baptist Church where he helped to start the God’s Mature Children group, taught Sunday school, lead Bible studies, and served as a deacon. He was also a Mason and proud that all his grandsons have served in the U.S. Air Force.

James was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dwayne Halbrook; and sister, Juanita Tidmore. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Fae; children: Jessie Elaine Vaughan (Dean), Michael Harlon Halbrook (Sharon), and Charlotte Ann Caughron (Cliff); 8 grandchildren: Keri Mcalister (Brian), Scot (Diane) Vaughan, Chris (Shayna) Vaughan, Stacie Alvey (Brian), Michael Halbrook (Megan), Elizabeth Curry (Chris), and Jonathan Barrow (Jessica) and Lena Barrow; 11 great-grandchildren: Mary and Maddox Vaughan, Kelton, Ashlyn, and Kacelyn Alvey, Ameila and Ben Halbrook, Hannah and Jadon Curry, and Addy and Austin Barrow; and many other family members and friends. He will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Prairie Winds Alzheimer’s Home and Excel Hospice for their excellent care over the last two years. Memorial donations may be made to Excel Hospice at 1200 SW 104th St, Ste. D, Oklahoma City, OK 73139.

Funeral services will be 1pm, Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at Waterloo Road Baptist Church in Edmond with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Oklahoma City.