Arthur L Southerland

Arthur Lloyd Southerland, born December 14, 1915 in Pendleton, Texas, passed away January 30, 2012 at the age of 96. Art moved from Texas to Norman, Oklahoma with his parents in 1929. He attended the University of Oklahoma at a time when Freshmen Orientation was on the Dean's lawn located near Campus Corner and there was nothing but farm land surrounding the campus. He enlisted in the National Guard and then the U. S. Navy. In 1942 he purchased a farm North of Norman which became the family homestead. He planned to return to the farm after his service in the Navy, but was recalled to active duty on December 08, 1941. He served in the Pacific during WWII and Korea retiring honorably in 1958 after 20 years of military service. He married Patricia Eileen Hunt in 1945 who was also serving in the Navy at the time. He returned with his family to the farm and built his retirement home, tearing down old homes, salvaging the lumber and building the house board by board and brick by brick. A dedicated and active participant of the American Legion, he served as Post Commander. While in this position he was appointed to the War Veterans Commission and was instrumental in the development of Veterans Centers throughout the state of Oklahoma. He is a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the Kights of Columbus. He drove a school bus for Moore School District for 20 years. An avid hunter and fisherman he had many trophies from Elk to Silver Salmon. Of all sports, he loved baseball the best. He played while in the Navy and coached Little League during his retirement. Possessing an amazing mind for statistics he could give you any information you wanted on any baseball player, team or league right up to the end. His father had raised Greyhounds and Art developed a love for this breed and its ability to race. He was impossible to beat in cards and dominos. He is preceded in death by his parents Clercy E. and Effie P. Southerland; his sisters Laverne Siler, Clara Bowen, and Pat QuiIlin; his brother C. Donald Southerland; his daughter Kathleen Barnes; and his great-grandson Brody Barnes. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Patricia Southerland; his daughters Arlene Southerland, Clara Southerland, Sara Watkins (Steven) and son Arthur Southerland Jr. (Cyndy); 11 grandchildren Rebecca Warren, (Todd), Billy Barnes, ( Wendy), Benny Barnes, (Jill), Patrick Renison, (Kathi), Nicholas Renison, Evan Skaggs, Kathryn Watkins, Emily Watkins, Steven Southerland, David Southerland, Audra Southerland; and 8 great-grand children Kalin Chambless, Garret Chambless, Payton Barnes, Taylor Smith, Addy Smith, Ally Smith and Alison Renison; and numerous nieces and nephews.