Gayle Artz

Mr. Gayle William Artz, age 85, passed away at Medicalodge Nursing Center, in Dewey. Oklahoma, on Tuesday, March 27, 2012. Gayle was born in Eldon, Missouri on September 27, 1926. He was the son of John William Artz and Opal Mary (Vernon) Artz. He received his education in the Dewey public school system, graduating with the Dewey High School Class of 1944 as Valedictorian. He furthered his education by attending Southwestern Louisiana Institute of Technology, Lafayette, Louisiana, as well as the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. During WWII, he served in the Air Wing of the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged on July 1, 1947. Gayle and the former Miss Norma Rose Smith were united in marriage on April 9, 1950 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Gayle retired from TRW Reda Pump Company on December 12, 1985, after 31 years and three months of loyal service. At the time of his retirement, he was Supervisor, Metrology Services. Gayle was also involved in the marine business for many years, from The Sport Shop with his brother, Seaton, in the early 1960s, through the late 1990s with Artz Marine. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; three sisters; and one son, John Artz. He is survived by his wife, Norma Rose, of the Dewey home; daughter, Paula Eckert and her husband, Don, of Dewey; sons, Dan Artz and Jason Yocum of Las Vegas; Gary Artz of Dewey; daughter-in-law, Peggy Artz of Dewey; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Artz of Gardner, Kansas; and one sister, Glenda Thomas of Houston, Texas.

Service Details

Saturday, March 31st, 2012 2:00pm, Dewey United Methodist Church

Interment Details

Memorial Park Cemetery Bartlesville