George Countryman

Submitted by: Claudia Thiry

George Wyatt Countryman

George Wyatt Countryman, longtime resident of Ponca City, died Saturday evening, March 2, 2002, at his home. He was 85.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at the First Baptist Church chapel with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck presiding. Burial will be at the Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

George Wyatt Countryman was born March 17, 1916, in Talala, the son of George W. Countryman and Chloe Mabel Hollingsworth Countryman. He moved with his parents to the Ponca City area at the age of four. He attended the Ponca City schools.

He entered the United States Army Air Force in April of 1942, completing his basic training at Kirkland Field, Albuquerque, N.M. He was assigned to the 546th Training Squadron, training for bombardier duty. He was also stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Amarillo, Texas and Fort Leavenworth, Kan. He was honorably discharged from the Army Air Force on Dec. 3, 1945.

He was married to Fern Elizabeth Ellison on Aug. 3, 1947, in Ponca City. Mr. Countryman was engaged in farming and ranching for many years, also working for Bill Skaggs from 1963 until 1989. He was the caretaker of the Longwood Cemetery from 1958 until present and had served on the Longwood Cemetery Board since 1966. His enjoyments were his grandchildren, great-grandsons, horses and working.

He is survived by two sons, John Wyatt Countryman and wife Linda and Jay Lee Countryman, all of Ponca City; one sister, Mary Payne of Ponca City; two granddaughters, Michelle Countryman and Kelle Crane and husband Chad; two great-grandsons, Colton and Hunter; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Fern on Oct. 8, 1997; three brothers, Troy, Murl and Max Countryman; one great-granddaughter, Kelcy Crane; and one nephew, Dan Huff

Casket bearers will be Craig Countryman, Tommy Jenkins, Richard Detten, Mickey Skaggs, Mike Wright and Rex Johnston. Honorary casket bearers will be Steve Countryman, Helen Skaggs, Bob Bahm, Clay Smith, Albert Smith, Bill Ogen, Buddy Klumpp and D.J. Tapp.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

The family will be at the home at 6651 West South Avenue.

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