Cletus ‘Murl’ Sandlin
Cletus Murl Sandlin was born Dec. 13, 1936, in Keota, Okla., to Jesse Milner and Buna Marie Forrester Sandlin. He died Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Tulsa, Okla., at the age of 84 years.
Murl was reared and educated in Keota and graduated with the Keota High School Class of 1955. He was married Oct. 23, 1959, to Margaret Burnes. Murl spent over 40 years as a sheet metal worker with Ventaire, Corp, in Tulsa, Okla. He then worked seven years with Harris Printing as a part-time delivery driver before his final retirement to care for Margaret in 2010. He enjoyed a variety of pastimes, especially going to the casino.
Those he leaves behind who hold many cherished memories include children; Rhonda Garoutte and husband, Brad and Michelle Johnson and husband, David; grandchildren, Heather Henry and husband, Eric, of Keota, Lindsay Williamson and husband, Clint, of Owasso, Brant Sinyard and fiancé, Kayce Curren, of Sapulpa, Okla., Cole Garoutte and fiancé, Brittany Layne, of Owasso, Brittney Johnson, of Tulsa, Drake Johnson, of Norman and Dreamy Davidson, of Keota; great-grandchildren, Jace Welch, Jadi McKibben and husband, Owen, Jance Welch, Leighton Williamson, Baker Williamson and Jeter Henry; great-great-granddaughter, Indie Jane Welch; sister, Kathleen McClary, of Keota; brother; Howard Sandlin and wife, Wilma, of Norman; and nieces and nephews, Steve Sandlin, Sheila Maxwell, Kathy Davis, Tammy Drummonds, Clark McClary, Doug Sandlin, Larry Sandlin and Brian Sandlin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret; daughter, Kim; brother, Bill Sandlin; sister, Eunice Harris; son-in-law, Russell Sinyard; niece, Kristi Fitzgerald; and nephews, Gary, Terry, and Alan Harris.
Visitation was held from 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, at the Mallory Funeral Home in Keota. The funeral service was held at 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, at Unity Baptist Church in Keota with Pastor Scott Welch officiating.
Serving as casket bearers were Brad Garoutte, David Johnson, Mike Davidson, Brant Sinyard, Cole Garoutte and Drake Johnson. Honorary casket bearer was Howard Sandlin. Committal service and interment followed at Keota Cemetery in Keota, Okla.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to Porta Caeli House, www.portacaeli.org, or Unity Baptist Church, P.O. Box 472, Keota, OK 74941.
Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso.