Jerry Mitts
Jerry Mitts, 79, of Guymon passed away early Monday, December 14, 2020 at the Memorial Hospital of Texas County in Guymon.
The son of Floyd Everett and Lucy May (Russell) Mitts, Gerald Dane “Jerry” was born July 27, 1941 in Spearman, Texas. Jerry attended the Spearman school system, graduating with the Class of 1959.
Jerry attended Oklahoma State University and Panhandle State University, where he earned his Bachelor degree in History Education. Jerry entered into service on October 4, 1966 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army - Infantry, receiving the Purple Heart medal after stepping on a land mine. He received his honorable discharge on October 3, 1968. Jerry had another brush with death in 2005 when he suffered a brainstem stroke requiring months of rehabilitation.
Jerry worked for the City of Guymon for 40 years working in the utility departments. Jerry finished his career in 2005 after serving 20 plus years as the Utility Director, overseeing the Wastewater, Water and Natural Gas Departments, Jerry had one break in his years of service to the City of Guymon when he served his country in the Vietnam War.
Jerry and Belinda (Hoggatt) Ray were united in marriage on July 5, 2003. Jerry was an avid classic car and hotrod collector, where he spent many years in the Flatlanders Car Club. He attended the Northridge Free Will Baptist Church.
In addition to restoring classic cars, Jerry has had many other hobbies over the years that included raising Appaloosa horses during his life on the farm to refurbishing vintage parking meters, stop lights, and drive-in speakers that he would take along as he traveled to car shows across the country.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his biological parents, Elmer and Wanica Ooley, his biological siblings: Claire “Jean” Mittel, Edith Lucille “Jo” Smart, Clifford “Don” Ooley, Billie Ruth McSwain, Elmer “Jack” Cunningham, Neal Ooley, and Patricia Smith and former wife, Susan Kay “Susie” (Neas) Mitts.
He is survived by his loving wife, Belinda Mitts of the home; two sons: Beau Mitts of Houston, Texas and Brandon Mitts of Stillwater, Oklahoma; two daughters: Joanna Ray of Oklahoma City and Melissa Watson and husband, Scott of Guymon; six grandchildren: Noah, Natalie, Sarah, Hannah, Jacob and wife, Codi, and Nathan; one biological sister, Alma “Jane” Teague of Houston, Texas, one biological aunt Mavis Purdue of Datil, New Mexico, and his beloved dog, Pug.
Jerry was a great son, husband, father, grandfather, “Papa”, brother, and uncle. He gave us joy, humor, and wit.
A memorial service for Jerry will be held at a later date and will be announced by the Bunch - Roberts Funeral Home.
Memorials in memory of Jerry can be made to Puppies Behind Bars, a program providing service dogs for veterans and first responders. Memorials will be accepted at the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home, PO Box 1112, Guymon, OK 73942. Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www. bunchroberts.com.
The family wishes to thank the clinicians and staff of the Memorial Hospital of Texas County that cared tirelessly for Jerry. The comfort and attention provided meant so much.