George Dale Heriford age 97 of Tuttle, formerly of Leedey, Oklahoma, passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2008 in Tuttle. To those that loved him most, simply called him "Pop". Pop was born on July 27, 1911 in Texmo, Oklahoma near Leedey. He was the youngest of 5 children born to George Lewellen Herifod.

George Sr. came to Oklahoma on a bicycle with only a Keen Kuter Shotgun to his name. Once he settled in Texmo, he sent for his wife and began working as a freighter hauling freight from near by Elk City to the surroounding areas. Pop developed a love for the land and the smell of freshly plowed ground at a young age., despite his parent's wishes that he go into teaching. Pop knew farming was his life's ambition.

As a young man during the hard times of the 20's and 30's. Pop was able to make a living farming land that most others considered worthless. During the days of the depression and the dustbowl, times where hard, but Pop was succfessful due to his ability to work harder and longer than others. Farming first with a team of horses, then a 1938 FarmAlll F-20, Pop was able to provide for his family. Pop was also well known for his ability to work with wood and fix anything. Many houses and barns in the Leedey area stand today as a lasting tribute to his craftsmanship and skills. He was able to purchase one farm by helping the owner rebuild the engine on a model T so the famer could take his family to California.

The community of Texmo faded away into Oklahoma history and Pop raised his family near Leedey Oklahoma. He married Mildred Bray on April 10, 1936 and together hey raised 2 childdren. After retiring from faming, Pop moved to Tuttle, Oklahoma in 1994 to be close to the family he loved so dear. Evey year he fed his extended family and neighors from the garden he would meticulously plan and plant.

Pop was preceded in death by; Sisters, Violet "Bill" McKay, Maun Alice "Slim" Cooley, Opal "Pete" Heriford; Bother, Glenn Heriford and son, Robert "Bob" Herifod.

He is survived by: Wife, Mildred of the home in Tuttle, Daughter, Janell McCathey and husband Donnie of Tule; 3 grandchildren, Kelly Brunson and husbaqnd Jay of Tuttle; Michael Heriford of Oklahoma City; Tony Heriford of Shawnee; 7 grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Pop will be remembered most for his undying love for his family and for the land. With every season that passed, with every crop planted, gown, and harvested; whether it be the smell of freshly plowed dirt or the sight of combines rolling through the field; a newborn calf on the ground or another Oklahoma sunsest; Pop will be remembered by all those that knew and loved him as a great father, husband, farmer and friend.

We will miss you Pop.

Graveside funeral servicesd were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 1, 2008 at the Evergreen Cemetery in Leedey. Officiated by Rev. Larry Steverson. Honorary Pallbeaers were, Donnie McCarthey, Jay Brunson, Zac Brunson, Tony Heriford, Michael Heriford and Jesse Heriford. Arrangements by Wilson-Litle Funeral Home in Newcastle.