Orville Thomas Holley

June 24, 1919 - December 2, 2011

Funeral services for Orville Thomas Holley, 92 of Skiatook, Oklahoma were held Monday, December 5, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lakeview Southern Baptist Church in Skiatook with speaker Rob Gross. Interment in Ridgelawn Cemetery in Collinsville, Oklahoma was under the direction of Peters-Stumpff Funeral Home. Casket bearers for the service were Matt Gross, Steve Overacker, Bobby Kelley, Chad Bowman, Joseph Elder and Bob Kelley. Musical selection for the service was "How Great Thou Art" with vocalist Linda Kelley and pianist Sharon Burton. Military services were by the VFW Honor Guard District 5 Rifle Team. Orville passed away on December 2, 2011 at his residence. He was born June 24, 1919 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Tom and Ava (Stokes) Holley. He attended school in Bartlesville graduating with the class of 1937. In 1940 he married Vivian Hogan and they had two daughters, Linda and Patricia. They were married 47 years. In 1944-45 he served in the US Navy as a crew member of the USS Franklin aircraft carrier, which was bombed off the coast of Japan. Over 900 men lost their lives. But, God spared his life when he was trapped in his sleeping quarters below deck. The USS Franklin was the most decorated ship of World War II. Orville was employed at American Airlines for 35 years, in the tool and dye shop, where he enjoyed his job, and had many friends there. On November 7, 1987, he married Myrtle Gross in Skiatook. He was a member of the Lakeview Southern Baptist Church in Skiatook His hobby was wood-working, and he made beautiful things, which he enjoyed giving to family and friends. He is survived by his wife Myrtle of the home, two daughters: Patricia Heintz of Ft. Morgan, CO; Linda Miller of Coweta; four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and a great great granddaughter, also by marriage Robert Gross of Joplin, MO; Linda Kelly of Barnsdall; Julie O'Connell of Corinth, TX; 9 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife Vivian. www.Peters-Stumpff.com