William Jackson McElreath, Jr. 94, died September 27, 2014 at the Hobart Living Center. He was born at home in Roosevelt, OK on April 29, 1920 the second of four children born to William Jackson and Vina (Stoops) McElreath. Known throughout his life as "Jr.", (albeit all his grand and great grandchildren and their friends called him "Gran") He married Frances Corrine Moore on September 21, 1939. They had three children, William (Bill), Karen and Larry.
After enlisting in the US Army at Ft. Sill, Jr became a combat infantryman during World War II. He served in Germany, receiving the World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and the EAME Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars. Earlier this month, he was presented the "We Appreciate Our Veterans" award by the ladies from Faith Hospice in Mangum. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.
Jr spent most of his life outdoors, doing farm work, driving tractors, plowing, planting and harvesting alfalfa and cotton. He was a long-time employee of Bryan Gentry. Following Bryan's death, he worked for many years for the James and Marshall Harris families. Those who spent any time at all around Jr. McElreath, knew of his love for the land and every bit of dirt he touched he treated with respect and honor. He also could raise a garden when no one else had diddly squat growing.
Jr. was preceded in death by his wife Frances, sisters Marietta Jackson and Leta Bryant, his son Bill
McElreath, son-in-law, John Coakley and infant great-grandson Jackson Max Coakley.
He is survived by his brother, Harold McElreath, daughter, Karen Coakley, son-in-law, Virgil Beatty and son Larry and wife Bridget McElreath, all of Hobart. He is further survived by four grandchildren Tammy and Husband Ricky McCollom, Jon David Coakley, Jeff and wife Katie Coakley and Jim and wife Korrie Coakley; ten great-grandchildren (whom he called "the Jeesters"; Ben, Chandler and Deaton Smith, Ella Coakley, Andrew, Kallie, Kassie and Jenna Coakley, Bess Rose and Hannah McCollom all of Hobart, Victoria Giblet, Rocky, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of dear friends.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Hobart Rose Cemetery, Monday, September 29 with Bill Gentry presiding. Services are under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home of Hobart.
The family will receive visitors at Ray & Martha's Funeral Home in Hobart on Sunday, September 28 form 5-6:00 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to rayandmarthas.com.