George "Jack" Robert Gideon

June 22, 1922 - September 6, 2013

Memorial Services for George "Jack R. Gideon, 91, were held Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Skiatook, Oklahoma with Pastors Earleen Reedy and Bill Bowman officiating. Musical selections for the service were "It Is Well With My Soul" and "In The Garden" sung by Karon Roberts and Sharon Harper, "Ashokan Farewell" was performed by Jack and Karen Gideon and Patricia Webster. Jack was born June 22, 1922, in Avant, Oklahoma. He passed away September 6, 2013, at home in Skiatook with his loving wife by his side. He was one of eight children of George and Trixie Gideon. He attended Avant schools graduating in 1940. He was a World War II veteran. He served from 1942-1946. He served with the 334th Infantry Regiment of the 84th Division. He saw action in Germany, Holland and in Belgium during the Battle of The Bulge. He was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and three Bronze Battle Stars. He was a Technical Sgt. After the service he met and married Norma Ann Walker in January 1949 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They celebrated their 64th anniversary last January. In 1950, he then enrolled in Edmond Teacher's College now known as University of Central Oklahoma. He received a Bachelor's Degree with a double major in Social Studies and business Education. He also earned a Master's Degree in School Administration from UCO and a High School Counselor's Certificate from University of Tulsa. He also completed graduate extension work from Oklahoma State and University of Oklahoma. He taught In Anadarko, Durham, Avant, Sperry, and Skiatook. He retired with 38 years of experience in 1987. He was a member of the Masons, the American Legion and the United Methodist churches in Avant and Skiatook. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, a brother and three sisters. He is survived by his wife Norma; his son Jack Gideon and wife Karen, his son Donald Gideon, his granddaughter Holly Rehberg and husband Randall of Muskogee, his grandson Brandon Gideon and wife Julie, four great grandchildren, and also Jodelle Gideon. He is also survived by his brother Bill Gideon and wife Eula of Owasso; two sisters: Helen Lee of Tulsa, and Marjorie Biggerstaff of Oklahoma City; also survived by Kale Mendenhall of New York, NY; Maureen Mendenhall of Rock Hill, SC; and a host of nieces and nephews. He loved OU football and couldn't wait for the season to start. He loved horses and horse racing and music of all kinds. Country music was his favorite with George Jones, Merle Haggard, Marty Robbins, and Ray Price as his favorite artists. He also enjoyed playing guitar and his harmonica. He liked going to the casino (but didn't win much). He liked watching the birds while he sat on the porch. He wanted his wife to get hanging baskets every spring so the birds could build their nest, and he would watch the babies grow and fly away. He is and always will be missed. A large hole has been place in our hearts. Life will never be the same. He was a gentle man, respectful and kind to everyone. He was a loving son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Cremation services were under the direction of Peters-Stumpff Funeral Home