Jerel "Wrench" Archer

Jerel Raymond Archer passed from this life on Thursday, June 27th, 2024 surrounded by those who loved him. He began his journey on April 3rd, 1952 in Norton, KS, the son of Raymond and Ruby Lorraine (Johnson) Archer. He grew up with one brother, Steve on the family farm, raising wheat in the heart of farm country. Farming can be precarious work, especially when the crops fail for several years in a row. Jerel’s dad decided it was time to try something better. This is how Jerel’s family came to be in Tahlequah. Growing up, Jerel liked waterskiing and playing baritone in the band. When he was 13 years old, he was given an old moped that didn’t run, and before long, he had fixed the moped and had it running! Life sent him to Albuquerque to school following his graduation from Tahlequah High School. He lived with his roommate who introduced him to his girlfriend. The girlfriend had a friend named Janice, and these two ladies took pity on these two bachelors who couldn’t even cook a proper pot of beans. This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship between Jerel and his wife, Janice. They were married in 1977 in New Mexico and returned to Tahlequah for Jerel to finish his degree. Following his graduation from Okmulgee Tech, Jerel became a master Rig Mechanic and plied his trade all over the United States, Venezuela and Africa. He was a workaholic, and tirelessly worked to get each job done. Before long, they started a family and raised two daughter and one son, Crystal, Susie, and Jason. He adored the kids and loved to chase them through the house tormenting them with “horsebites’ and anything else he could think of. He had the famous “Tarzan Porch Call”, and could whistle louder than anyone you ever heard! He took great pride in building his family a home and in turn taught each child the importance of working together, the importance of a good bargain, the ability to shoot straight and why everyone needs a good pocket knife. He possessed a great sense of humor with an ornery streak, loved to play a good joke, and giving gag gifts. He loved stray animals and always made sure they were fed, and no man ever asked for help that it wasn’t given freely and with gladness. In his later years, the grandkids gave Jerel and Janice a great deal of pride and laughter as they grew up. Life wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and Jerel said goodbye to beloved Janice on February 18th, 2024. His health quickly faded soon afterward. A Christian by faith, the Lord called this loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, home from his labors on Thursday. He leaves a vacant chair that can never be filled.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Gladys Johnson, and Lloyd Archer and first wife Tilly and second wife Beulah. He joins his father, his sister-in-law Sarah Archer, and most of all, his loving wife Janice Armenta and their two fur babies, Penelope and Ewok.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Crystal Archer of San Antonio, TX, Susie Archer of Cincinnati, OH, and Jason Archer and wife Jennifer of Tahlequah, OK. He leaves one brother, Steve Archer, and his mother, Lorrie Archer, of Tahlequah, OK. He lives on in his two grandchildren, Jadilynn Archer and Juleeann Archer of Tahlequah, three brothers-in-law, Henry Armenta, Max Armenta, Gerald Armenta, and two sister-in-law, Audrey Armenta, and Angie Armenta. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones far too numerous to mention in places all over the world. Rest In Peace Jerel.