Jean Wetzel

Jean Wetzel passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025 after many years of health challenges. She was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on July 17, 1951 to Mary Connor Boyle and Gene Walker Wetzel.

Jean grew up in Oklahoma City, attended Harding High School and graduated from John Marshall High School. She attended Oklahoma State University where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta before transferring to the University of Oklahoma where she graduated with a B.B.A in Accounting. Her career then took her to Dallas, Texas where she became a C.P.A. and worked for Dallas Federal Savings and Loan, The LTV Corporation and ultimately Southwest Airlines.

In 1985, Southwest acquired rival Muse Air which began operating under the name Trans Star Airlines. Jean began working for Trans Star which took her to Houston, Texas. She was also appointed to the newly formed board as Vice President. During her years in aviation, Jean was involved in several leveraged lease financing deals to purchase aircraft for which she received numerous awards. Following her career as an accountant, she moved back to Oklahoma City to care for her mother and father who both had serious health issues. Although Jean was very proud of her career accomplishments, she was most proud of the fact she took care of her parents in their final years. Jean was also a lifelong member of All Souls’ Episcopal Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved Westies, Muffin and Alex. Survivors include her sister Janet Connor Freede and her nephew Jay Christopher Freede, both of Oklahoma City and many cousins in the Boyle, Replogle and Wetzel families.

Our family would like to thank Judith James, M.D. at OMRF for taking care of Jean for over 25 years. We would also like to thank the many nurses, medical assistants and physical therapists at OMRF, Bellevue Skilled Nursing, and Life Care Hospice for their care during this difficult time.

At Jean’s request, a memorial service will not be held. Contributions in Jean’s memory may be made to All Souls’ Episcopal Church or the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.