Howard Asbury

Howard Asbury, 75, died on April 2, 2009 in Okmulgee.  Howard was born in Weleetka on December 30, 1933 to Jimmie James and Nellie Jane (Watts) Asbury.  He graduated from Weleetka High School in 1953 and on July 25, 1953 married his high school sweetheart, Nettie Neva Morgan.  Howard joined the United States Marine Corp in 1954 and served at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California until 1956.  Returning to Okmulgee he enrolled in Automotive Studies at Oklahoma State Tech.  Upon graduation from Tech, he joined the teaching staff where he was the instructor in Automotive Parts Management.  During this time he had two children, Sharon Elaine and James Howard.  After 29 ½ years, on January 7, 1988, he retired from Tech and went to work for Goble Auto Parts for a short time.  Howard was an ordained Deacon and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Okmulgee.  He was known for helping others.  Howard enjoyed working outdoors using his John Deere Mower and delivering Nettie’s fresh baked bread and pies to friends.

          He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmie Asbury, a brother, Frank Asbury, and a sister Patsy Asbury-Pike.

          Howard is survived by his mother, Nellie Asbury of Henryetta, his wife, Nettie Asbury of the home, a daughter, Sharon Jones and husband A.J. of Dustin, Oklahoma, grandchildren; Shelly Melton and husband Kale of Wetumka, Josh Smith of Dustin, and Whitney Harley and husband Jason of Okmulgee, great grandchildren; Caleb Melton and Logan Melton of Wetumka, Jaiden Harley of Okmulgee, and Michael Smith of Okmulgee.  His son, James Asbury and wife Lynn of Mesquite, Texas, grandchildren; Maren Asbury and Graham Asbury also of Mesquite also survive him.

          Funeral services will be on Monday, April 6, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in Okmulgee with Dr. Dennis Taylor officiating.  Interment will follow at the Weleetka Cemetery.  Viewing will be on Sunday from 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home in Okmulgee.  Casket bearers will be Morgan Mason, Eric Mason, Mark Pike, Glen Pike, Lawrence Hunter, Tom Hunter, Mike O’Brien, Donnie Asbury and Gary Asbury.  Honorary casket bearers are Vernon Himes, Benny Gooden, Delton James, Grant Griffin, and the First Baptist Church Adult Men’s Bible Class.  Arrangements are under the direction of McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee.  Online condolences can be made at www.mcclendon-winters.com