Herman "Jack" McMurtrey

Funeral services for retired MSgt Herman Ray “Jack” McMurtrey will be held on Thursday, January 10th, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the Reed-Culver Chapel with Brother David White and Brother David Isaacs officiating. He will have a visitation beginning on Wednesday January 9th, 2019 from 1:00 Pm until 6:00 Pm at Reed-Culver Chapel. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery with the US Air Force Honors Team providing honors. Online condolences for his family may be left at www.reedculver.com.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons; Daniel Cochran, Paul Cochran, Nathan Christie, Nick Christie, Matt Cochran, Stephen McMurtrey, and the Ft. Sill Air Force Honors Team.

Herman Ray McMurtrey, “Jack” to his family and friends, was born on Friday, October 18th, 1935 in Stilwell, OK, the son of Jess and Lilly (Sharp) McMurtrey. He grew up with three brothers and three sisters, AJ, Garland, LJ, Mary, Irene, and Donna. Jack decided on a career with the US Air Force. He began his service in 1954 serving as an Administrative Supervisor until his honorary retirement, following 22 years of faithful service to his country, in February of 1976. Jack was a Vietnam era bronze star recipient, and always proud of his service to his country. On December 22nd, 1954, Jack married the love of his life and his best friend, Retta Sue Duncan in Stilwell, OK. This union was blessed with one son, two daughters and 51 years of happiness and memories. When he wasn’t working, Jack loved to be outdoors, working in his garden, hunting, or reeling in the big ones at the lake. He was very talented and could fix just about anything that needed fixing. He was always volunteering to help others, he would help anyone that needed assistance. A Christian by faith, Jack was a member of the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Tahlequah, and an amazing steward to the Lord. He had a wonderful smile that made you feel like you had known him all of your life. He was kind and always made you feel welcome. His family was what made him the happiest, any chance to be with his grandchildren was a really good day. He adored them and loved sharing all of life’s moments and was so proud of all their accomplishments. His wife passed from this life in 2006. He continued working with his family and friends until his health no longer allowed. Jack passed from this life on Thursday, January 3rd, 2019 in Claremore, OK. He was 83 years old. He will be greatly missed by all those lucky enough to call him friend.

He is preceded in death by his mother, father, wife Retta Sue in 2006, two brothers, AJ and Garland McMurtrey, and two sisters, Mary French and Donna Faye Morton.

Those left to cherish his memory include three adored children, Dewayne McMurtrey and wife Susan of Yukon, OK, Debra Christie of Vian, OK, and Diane Cochran and husband Rex of Harrison, AR. He leaves one brother and one sister, LJ McMurtrey and wife Barbara of Ft. Gibson, OK and Irene Cornell of Vian, OK. He lives on in his eight grandchildren, Kerrie Smith , Daniel Cochran and wife Courtney, Paul Cochran and wife Stephanie, Nathan Christie and wife Lacey, Nick Christie and wife Haley, Matt Cochran and wife Michelle, Suzanne McMurtrey and Stephen McMurtrey and wife Mary, as well as 13 great