George Clifford Meese

George Clifford Meese III was born in Joplin, Missouri on October 7, 1932. He was the middle child among three siblings - an older sister, Jackie, and younger sister, Jerriann. The family relocated to Lamar, Missouri in 1943. George fondly remembered his childhood nickname, "Buddy," given to him by family and friends.

His first job was at an ice cream shop, but spent most of his free time playing sports. He was an avid athlete and loved playing basketball the most. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1950.

George attended Pittsburg State University, where he met Nola Robinson during their freshman year - he gifted her a pretty scarf and a record on their first date. In order to pay for his education, George worked many hours as the Program Director for the local radio station in Pittsburg. He recalled having to work the overnight shift for a period of time but enjoyed being able to choose what played on the radio. 

On April 5, 1953, George and Nola were married in Baxter Springs, KS. After graduating later that year, he began searching for full-time positions in radio. However, in June 1953, he was drafted into the Army. Following basic training, he was stationed in Korea for 17 months, serving as a radio operator for the Armed Services Korea Network. He remembered getting to see a special premiere of the film White Christmas while stationed overseas in 1954. George was honorably discharged in April 1955 and returned to the United States to reunite with Nola.

George's professional career took off when he joined Phillips in 1956 in the company's treasury department. He later transferred to another department at Phillips, providing the Meese family the opportunity to live in Kansas City, Des Moines, and New Jersey. During that time, George and Nola welcomed three children to their family - Mark in 1958, Lisa in 1960, and Clark in 1962. In 1965, he moved the family back to Bartlesville with a new role at Phillips. George and Nola were immensely proud of all three of their children for actively participating in sports, choir, and their church community during their youth. George continued to grow his career, holding numerous supervisory positions including Manager of Financial Services, Director of Public Affairs, and Director of Educational Communications. 

George was proudly elected Mayor of Bartlesville in 1979, serving until 1981. During his tenure, George delivered numerous speeches, from high school and college graduations to interviews with national media outlets. The Examiner-Enterprise published over 40 articles about Mayor Meese, including multiple ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new local businesses. He also initiated the creation of the inaugural City of Bartlesville flag. In a memorable speech to Bartlesville Wesleyan College students in March 1980, he encouraged them to "always look for ways to be of genuine service and be involved in what's going on around you in life, no matter what area you pursue." His proudest achievement as Mayor was spearheading the development and groundbreaking of the Bartlesville Community Center, which opened in 1982 under his leadership.

In 1983, George was elected by the Board of Directors at Phillips to serve as Corporate Secretary. George ultimately retired in this role after a remarkable 36-year career with the company. George created lasting friendships at Phillips, many he kept in touch with his entire life. Even at the age of 90, he would spend hours on the phone with former Phillips colleagues reminiscing about old times.

George and Nola dedicated their free time giving back to the community. George was a long-time Deacon at First Baptist Church, actively participated in the church choir, taught Sunday School, and supported Nola in her leadership of the Deaf Ministry for 43 years. They have been pillars of the First Baptist community for over 60 years, sharing their wisdom and guidance with generations of church members. George also served on various boards including the Rotary Club, Bartlesville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Tulsa Speech and Hearing Association. George and Nola were proud supporters of Pittsburg State University and Oklahoma Baptist University, providing annual scholarships to students at both institutions, which will continue to be a part of their legacy. 

You could always find George at a sporting event. He attended countless high school and University of Tulsa basketball games, was a season ticket holder for Bartlesville Legion baseball, and coached for his grandkids youth sports teams. If he couldn't attend a Bruin game, he'd turn on KWON radio station over the surround sound and listen to JV and Varsity. He and Nola were avid St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, and Oklahoma City Thunder fans. His love for sports extended beyond watching; for over 20 years, he played tennis twice a week at Hillcrest Country Club - some of his favorite memories were made on the tennis court with friends. 

Nola and George were able to see their children flourish and have children of their own. Their nine grandkids have been a huge part of their lives. Family vacations to places like Hawaii, Florida, and Big Cedar Lodge created countless memories. The Meese family cherished and spent many holidays together, big or small, always finding reasons to celebrate. His grandkids will always remember the little things - his unlimited supply of lemon drops, how quick he could work a crossword puzzle, his role as chauffeur to countless events, and the valuable life lessons he imparted along the way.

All of these accomplishments, accolades, and awards are things that George would never take credit for - he always gave thanks to the Lord for what He had provided. George truly exemplifies a life well-lived, leaving a lasting legacy of wisdom that will continue through all that knew him. He was a loyal, generous, witty, and trustworthy individual - a mentor and role model to many. He will be deeply missed. As shared in Matthew 25:23, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

George is preceded in death by his parents, George C II. and Louise Meese; his wife, Nola Meese; his daughter, Lisa Johnson; and his sister, Jackie Sumners. He is survived by his son, Mark Meese and wife Paula Meese (Tulsa, OK); son Clark Meese and wife Traci Meese (The Woodlands, TX); son-in-law Rick Johnson (Bartlesville, OK); his sister, Jerriann Robinson (Tulsa, OK); his nine grandchildren, Joya Johnson and husband Bryan Christie (Grand Rapids, MI); Kristin Aylett and husband Justin Aylett (Tulsa, OK); Ryan Meese (Tulsa, OK); Cameron Meese and wife Jamie Meese (The Woodlands, TX); Abbe Lee and husband Brendan Lee (Norman, OK); Caly Johnson (Charleston, SC); Kalynn Hodgson and husband Chris Hodgson (San Antonio, TX); Macy Johnson (Tulsa, OK); and Olivia Meese (The Woodlands, TX); and his great-grandchildren, Hudson Lee, Nolan Lee, Shepherd Lee, Blake Aylett and Grant Aylett; and a multitude of extended family members.

The funeral will be held at Bartlesville First Baptist Church at 11 am CT on Saturday, August 3rd. In lieu of flowers, those interested may donate to Bartlesville First Baptist Church. Donations may be mailed to: Bartlesville First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1080, Bartlesville, OK, or online at mybfbc.org.