Harmon "Allen" Nottingham

Harmon Allen Nottingham, or Allen to his family and friends, was born on July 11th, 1949, in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Harmon Eugene and Elsie Pauline (Smith) Nottingham. He would be joined by one brother, Jerry and two sisters, Gail and Diane. While in school, he enjoyed playing piano, organ, and singing in the choir, in various churches. In college, he was very active in Sigma Theta Tau, where he held the office of President. In 1973, he received his Certificate of Nursing from Hillcrest, followed by his Bachelors from UCO in 1988 , and finally his Masters Degree from OU in 1991, from Nursing to Nursing Professor. He loved nursing, the people he trained, the clients he cared for, and just about everyone else he met. He taught Critical Care Nursing, Ethics, Cardiovascular Nursing, and many senior level nursing classes. Allen never tired of learning, it was not too often you caught him without a book. When he wasn’t working, he was interested in Native American culture, history and traditions. He identified strongly with the Cherokee people, and studied their language, spirituality, and learned their language, including singing in Cherokee. His loving partner of 27 years, Kevin often joined him in working in the yard, raising beautiful flowers. They were surrounded by their canine companions, Hazel, Junior, Sadie, Max, Maggie, Barney and finally Wilma. He adored them. His family was so important to him. He adored every niece and nephew as if they were his own children. He was a fierce protector of his little sister, Diane and constantly reminded her that no matter how old she became, he was always her big brother. Tahlequah held a special place in his heart, he felt most at home here. He and Kevin traveled here regularly, enjoying the scenery, the people, and all the culture had to offer. Allen was funny, loved to make you smile, compassionate to all who he met, very giving, and truthful, he had no problem letting you know where he stood. He was a man of faith, constantly seeking balance and betterment. For all the plans he had yet to fulfill, he died after a courageous fight with cancer, on November 25th, 2021, in his own home , surrounded by those who knew and loved him. He was 72 years old. This life has been better because his light shined brightly in our lives.

He has gone home to his grandparents, Marvin and Dessie (Drain) Smith, and Charlie and Hazel (Nodine) Nottingham. He also joins his mother, father and one brother, Jerry.

His memory will be cherished by his partner, Kevin Neal of the home, and his sisters, Diane Renee Swift and husband Doug of Bixby, and Gail Ann Allen and husband Rob of Broken Arrow. He leaves his adored nieces and nephews, Lisa Lacy and husband Josh of Sand Springs, Amanda Allen of Broken Arrow, Ashlee Hendrickson and husband Daniel of Broken Arrow, Haley Torkleson and husband Kyle of Coweta, and Jeremy Swift of Bixby, OK. He also leaves his great nieces and nephews, Liam Williams of Broken Arrow, Huxley Hendrickson and sisters Hazel Hendrickson and Hattie Hendrickson all of Broken Arrow, Jude Torkleson and Charlie Torkleson both of Coweta, as well as many cousins, friends, and students whos lives were changed by the man who gave others all he had to give.

Funeral services for Harmon Allen Nottingham will be held on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Reed-Culver Chapel with Chaplain Tom Smith officiating. The family will have visitation before services from 9:00 AM until Service time. He will be laid to rest at Tahlequah City Cemetery with his family. Pallbearers for Allen include Doug Swift, Jeremy Swift, Daniel Hendrickson, Kyle Torkleson, and Kevin Whiteman. His honorary pallbearers are Huxley Hendrickson, Jude Torkleson and Charlie Torkleson. Online condolences for his family may bel left at www.reedculver.com.