Ernie Renfrow

Ernie Renfrow, 68, of Stigler passed away Thursday, July 6, 2017, at his home. He was born July 19, 1948, in Stigler to Euel and Fannie (Muller) Renfrow. He grew up at Stigler and graduated from Stigler High School in 1966, along with 74 classmates who have stayed close and connected all these years. During his time at Stigler High School he excelled at football, basketball and track. One of his many awards was that he was recognized as an All-State Football Player. He went on to run track at Oklahoma State University where he graduated with a degree in agriculture economics.
Ernie married Emily Cox on Dec. 30, 1971, at Catoosa. They made their home in Stigler and raised their family here.
Ernie was a member of First Baptist Church in Stigler, where he was a deacon since 1985. He also enjoyed serving as a Gideon and serving on many committees throughout his time there.
He spent 32 years of service with the Army Reserves as a lst Sargent.
Above all, one of Ernie’s greatest accomplishments was being a grandpa. He loved being a part of all his grandkids activities. He helped mold them into the kids they are today, even if that required a thump on the head every now and then. He loved loading all the grandkids up in his pickup truck to go feed cows, go to the post office or for a surprise haircut. Going on road trips and stopping frequently to snack became one of their favorite ways to make memories. As a grandpa, it wasn’t about the destination, it was all about the journey to get there.
Some people best knew him from his love for the color blue, eating the corners of every dessert, crispy cookies and lots of laughter.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Emily Renfrow of the home; his two sons and daughter-in-law, Eric and Rebecca Renfrow of Lindale, Texas and Erin Renfrow of Bixby; his daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth Kay and Jeremy Thompson of Stigler; nine grandkids, Wyatt, Emma, Cord, Will and Clay Thompson, Kirstin, Anthony, Gavin and Gage Renfrow; his brother and sister-in-law, George and Jerry Sue Renfrow of Broken Arrow; and his sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Forrest Switzer of Payson, Ariz.
Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Euel and Fannie Renfrow.
Funeral services were 1 p.m. Monday, July 10, 2017 at Stigler First Baptist Church with Daniel Milligan officiating. Eulogist: Jeff Dover. Pallbearers were his children and grandchildren.
Honorary Pallbearers were the First Baptist Church Deacons.
Burial followed immediately at Garland Cemetery under the direction of King & Shearwood Funeral Home of Stigler.