Henry Barxdale McRee, a long-time local resident, passed away the evening of Wednesday, October 28, 2009, at the Pauls Valley Care Center, at the age of 104.
Born July 14, 1905, in Aledo, Texas, to Sally and George Franklin McRee, the family moved to Wayne, Oklahoma, in 1911 and to Pauls Valley in 1917. He spent the remaining 92 years of his life as a proud resident of Pauls Valley.
Barxdale was preceded in death by his parents; a half-sister, Blanche Pate; and a half-brother, Louis Coated. His father died when Barxdale was 12.
A graduate of Pauls Valley High School, he attended the University of Oklahoma and Cumberland University Law School in Cumberland, Tennessee, but dropped out of school due to financial stresses of the severe economic times.
He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and achieved high honors and accolades for his skills in debate and oratory. He carried those talents to adulthood, and spent 40 plus years as the “Voice of the Panthers,” announcing local high school football, wrestling and basketball games. He loved sports and played football and basketball both in high school and in college.
He was married to Mary Elizabeth Shumate in 1926 and they had two sons, Edward B. of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and George Chesley of Pauls Valley, who passed away in 1998.
Barxdale was manager of the Ice Service Company for 20 years before joining his partners W.L. Menefee and Van Sparks in the formation of the Pauls Valley Ice and Locker Company. He managed that business for the next 21 years, retiring in 1962.
A Kiwanian for some 64 years, he also served as a city councilman, and for two years (1960-61) as mayor of the city. He was the senior member of the First United Methodist Church congregation at the time of his passing. He also belonged to the Masonic Lodge, and was very active over a long period of time in both the lodge and in DeMolay. He spent many years as a volunteer fireman, and was assistant chief before retiring from the department.
A quiet unassuming man, he saw the city of Pauls Valley as a huge asset in his life. His interests were immersed in the activities of the community and he was always delighted by every significant achievement that brought credit to his town.
Surviving family include his son, Edward B. McRee and his wife, Jan, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan; grandsons: Scott of Lansing, Michigan, Clay and his wife, Lee Ann, of Owasso, Oklahoma, Chad and his wife, Julie of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and Mitch of Tulsa, Oklahoma; along with a former daughter-in-law, Lavena Waid of Owasso, Oklahoma.
Other surviving family members are great-granddaughters: Micaela McRee Maccussi of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Meaghan McRee of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, along with great-nephews: Don Coates and his wife, Ruth, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and David Coates of St. Louis, Missouri, and great-nieces: Carole Cooley and Sheri Shaw and her husband, Tim, also, of Oklahoma City.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 31, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Pauls Valley, officiated by Dr. Robert J. Kanary. Interment will be at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Professional services are under the direction of the Stufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home. Notes of remembrance and condolences may be sent to the family at www.stufflebeanfuneralhome.com.
