Jeff Henry Guthery

Jeff Henry Guthery gave up the good fight after 92 years February 8, 2011 at Baptist Village in Oklahoma City. Dad was born December 19, 1918 in Minco, Oklahoma. He was one of twelve brothers and sisters; Great Depression Era, Dust Bowl farm kids. Riding to school horseback or on a buckboard and picking cotton was the norm. He followed his brother Bill to St. Louis as an older teen for a short period of time, then moving to Oklahoma City where he met and married the love of his life for 58 years, Clella Avant. He worked at Robertson Steel here as a laborer and attempted to join the army at the onset of World War II. He was not eligible because of an asthma condition. Instead, he went to work at Tinker Air Force Base packing parachutes into their bags to do his part in the war effort. Dad worked at Tinker thirty four years, rising to the level of Quality Control Supervisor, attending numerous seminars and outlining aircraft deficiencies and the solutions to Air Force Generals in high ranking meetings. He would say that he knowingly had done two smart things in life: marrying Clella and working at Tinker. After retiring, Dad started his own Remodeling and Home Repair business, serving many very loyal and thankful customers for many years. He could do about anything and his abilities and helpfulness were a great blessing to all of us throughout our lives. Dad was preceded in death by his beloved wife, and eleven brothers and sisters. He is survived by daughter Shirley Smith, son Gary Guthery and wife Carolyn; grandchildren Stephen Smith, Monique Reynolds, Jennifer Goodman and husband Steve, Brandi Guthery; great grandsons Jake and Erik Goodman; inlaws Louie Newman, Kathryn Guthery, Donny and Wirt Avant; and a host of nieces and nephews. Dad was a true christian person who would help anyone. He will be missed by all whose lives were touched by him. SEE YOU LATER, DAD.