Herman Koerner

            Herman Koerner, a long time resident of Okmulgee died Wednesday, December10, 2008 at Highland Park Manor.  He was born May 30, 1913 near Orlando, Oklahoma to parents Theodore Koerner and Emma (Prollock) Koerner.  He was second generation of German ancestry and spoke German until he began school.  He had two older sisters, Lillian and Freda.  The children lost their parents when Herman was age three and were raised by their maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Prollock who came from Germany and homesteaded in Oklahoma after the 1893Cherokee Outlet Run.  His paternal grandfather, Christian Gottlieb Koerner also emigrated from Steinheim an der mur, Germany and practiced Christian ministry in the German Methodist Church.  Herman and his sisters enjoyed growing up with seven young aunts and uncles that were more like brothers and sisters.

            Herman married Myrtle Helen Tarrant in 1933 and lived in the vicinity for several years.  A son, Roy Herman was born in 1935.  Herman worked at various jobs during the depression years and at the outbreak of World War II moved the family to Tulsa to find work in the defense industry.  Ultimately, he was employed by Spartan Aircraft Company as an aircraft mechanic, that was his dream come true.  He remained employed there until retirement.  A daughter, Judy Kye Myrtle was born in 1944.  Myrtle passed away in 1961 as the result of an automobile accident.  Subsequently, Herman married Eva Mae (Lewis) McElhannon and they resided in Tulsa until his retirement and then moved to Okmulgee.  Eva passed away May 18, 2006.  Herman is survived by sons; Roy Koerner of Castle Rock, Colorado and Jackie McElhannon of Bonita Springs, Florida and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

            Friends may visit the McClendon-Winters funeral Home on Sunday, December 14, 2008 from 3:00 – 8:00 P.M..  A funeral service will be held Monday, December 15, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. at the Four Square Church at 617 N. Oklahoma.  Interment will follow in the Morris Cemetery under the direction of the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee.  Online condolences may be made at www.mcclendon-winters.com