Obituary
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LTC (Ret.) Elbert Alan (Bert) Humphrey of Norman, OK crossed over from this life to the next on 10/11/2013 after a long and courageous battle with cancer at the age of 71. Born to Wm. E. (Bill ) and Mary E. (Mamie) Humphrey of Pauls Valley, OK where he was raised. He was a lifelong member of The First Christian Church, a Boy Scout, a football player, and a member of The Order of Demolay. He attended Pauls Valley Elementary, Junior High, and High Schools. He attended Oklahoma State University, where he met and later married the love of his life, Patricia Kay Humphrey (nee McCord). After graduating, he proudly volunteered for service in the US Army, where he served faithfully for over 28 years, serving 2 tours in Vietnam as an Airborne Ranger. During his career, he was awarded 3 Bronze Stars for Valor, The Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 5 Meritorious Medals, The Air Medal, 3 Army Commendation Medals (1 for Valor), The National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal with Silver and Bronze Stars, 3 Overseas Service Ribbons, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Combat Infantryman's Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Device, and The Vietnamese Ranger Badge. He was a graduate of the NCO Basic Course, Infantry School, Airborne School, Ranger Course, Jumpmaster School, Ranger Instructors Course, The Infantry Officers Advanced Course, and The Armed Forces Staff College. After he retired, he continued to serve his country as a contractor with the Department of Defense, The American Legion, The Disabled American Veterans, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, as President of the Oklahoma chapter of The US Army Rangers Association, The Cleveland County Election Board, and The Rotary Club. He loved watching football and old Westerns, a good single-malt, traveling, golf, and telling war stories. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, their daughter Brooke Ryan, their son and daughter-in-law Blayke and Catherine Humphrey, and grandsons Ciaran Ryan and Elliot Humphrey as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, and his brother William (Bill) Humphrey. Service will take place at 10AM, Oct. 16, 2013 at First Christian Church of Norman, 220 S. Webster, with interment with full military honors at 2 PM at Ft. Sill National Cemetery, 2648 Dunn Rd, Elgin, OK. Hooah!.
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October 23, 2013
Fred Robbins
Bert was a long time friend. He talked me into a blind date with my wife over 49 years ago. Patty Kay and Bert gave me the most important person in my life. We had great times during our college days and Bert was an instructor in the Florida Ranger Camp when I graduated from Ranger School. I'll miss him but know that he is with our Savior Jesus Christ.
Fred & Pam Robbins (Seminole, FL)
October 21, 2013
Dan&Linda Mora
A great man and a great friend. Though we were close to the same age, I looked at Bert as a brother and sometimes a father with whom I could share my thoughts and talk about family. We spent many hours together, especially on the long night when we were both engaged in training military personnel preparing to go in harms way. Bert truly loved his Sooners but he loved his family more. He never met a stranger. His passing is a great loss to his family and his friends. My wife and I were honored to have known Bert. Our sincerest best wishes for his entire family.
October 17, 2013
Saddened to hear of Bert's passing, he was a real gentleman. It was great getting together with him at the Ranger Muster a few years back. "Rangers Lead the Way", and he did. Jeff Hoffman (Kennesaw, GA)
October 16, 2013
Frederick Wilmoth
I was saddened to hear the news of Bert's passing. Very soon after I met him in 1999 I knew he was a good, good man. It was a professional and personal pleasure to know him and work with him on Army exercises. It made me regret that we had never served together during our many years in the Army. Cindy and I send our deepest condolences to Patty, their children, and the other members of their family.
Rest in peace, Bert.
Fred and Cindy Wilmoth
October 15, 2013
Paul Jones
One of the best officers that I ever worked for. And he was a valued friend. Dianne and I are deeply saddened.
October 15, 2013
Sam Thiessen
Enough cannot be said about Bert Humphrey, a fine military officer and a gentleman. Bert's concern for the mission and the people around him elevate him to the ranks of the noble and the righteous. No one could argue that he ever shirked his duty and his actions as a leader speak for themselves. I am most pleased and honored by have had Lt. Colonel Humphrey as a friend, and I look forward to rejoining him at the appointed time.
October 15, 2013
Bert, I am privileged and honored to have known you and called you friend. You, sir will always rank as one of my most respected and loved comrades in arms and in the world. John Warren
October 15, 2013
Keith Nessle
It was an honor to know Bert, he was quick to laugh, but you could count on his sage advice and counsel. He influenced me to work in the training environment for our Soldiers that he was so proud to be a part of. My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family.
October 15, 2013
LaVon Archer
What wonderful memories I have of Bert and his family while growing up in Pauls Valley and attending the First Christian Church together. The Humphreys were such special friends of my family and we spent many happy times together. Pat, I know how much he loved you, Brooke, Blakye and those wonderful grandchildren. May God bless each of you.
October 15, 2013
I am going to miss BERT as a friend and work mate. He always was smiling and enjoying life which was contagious to all he met and worked with.
DAVE PEPPER
October 15, 2013
Jerry Wilson
Bert was a fellow Oklahoman and Vietnam Vet. He left a rich legacy and was a tribute to his family, country, and friends. It was a joy to know him. Jerry Wilson
October 15, 2013
Mike Wright
Bert,
I'm a better man having you as a friend. I'll never forget and always cherish the times we spent together on some of our exercises. Barbara, Grace and I were just talking about you this last weekend about when Grace "Borrowed" you bottle you left at our place. Look up Barbara's dad, Bruce Hennessy. He is at the Ft. Sill cemetary with you. He'll show you the ropes!
Till we meet again my friend,
Mike Wright
October 15, 2013
Bert,
I'm a better man having you as a friend. I'll never forget and always cherish the times we spent together on some of our exercises. Barbara, Grace and I were just talking about you this last weekend about when Grace "Borrowed" you bottle you left at our place. Look up Barbara's dad, Bruce Hennessy. He is at the Ft. Sill cemetary with you. He'll show you the ropes!
Till we meet again my friend,
Mike Wright
October 15, 2013
Patty Kay, Brooke, and Blayke: Bert faced the prospect of not being with us with the same courage and dignity that he always exhibited, whether it was defending this country and its citizens, or working for the betterment of his relatives and friends. May we all be lights on to the pathway he forged or us.
Bill Swift
October 15, 2013
Patrick M Oatley
Bert was a great friend and a true professional. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to the family.
October 14, 2013
SSG Steven Wilkerson
My deepest condolences to the Humphrey family. It was my great pleasure to have known Mr. Humphrey in my youth. His inspiration and service served as a shining example and motivated me through parts of my Army career. Thank you for your example and guidance, Sir.
October 14, 2013
Anita Baughman
I wish to express my deepest condolences to Bert's family and friends. My dad was one of them and I know he and Bert could tell many a tale from their days in Pauls Valley together. I regret I never had the opportunity to meet him, but some day, by God's grace.
October 14, 2013
I am saddened to learn of Bert's passing. I grew up with Bert, thought the world of him and always considered him a friend. The last time I saw him was a couple of years ago at the Pauls Valley Golf Course. We got to visit and talk about old times. He had an outstanding, impressive career. Condolences to his family. H.M. Pannell, Pauls Valley
October 14, 2013
Stevie Scheidemantel
Pat, Brooke, Blayke and family, I am so grateful to have been able to visit with you and spend time with Bert while Will and I were in Oklahoma. I am grateful too, that Bert and Will were able to meet each other. Bert was a good man and will be missed by many. May you all feel the loving embrace of the Divine during this difficult time. We are holding you in our hearts and prayers. Much love to you all.
October 14, 2013
Bill Warnock
I knew your husband and father from the times we shared helping with training exercises for US troops deploying abroad. Bert was a great friend and helper to me from the beginning and throughout our other times serving together. He is a great man who will be greatly missed. May God comfort and strengthen you in this time.
October 13, 2013
Jo Sprinkle
It is with saddened hearts that we express our sorrow for the loss of our sweet friend Bert. We want Patty Kay and the family to know how much we love them and are sending best wishes to them. We will always cherish our memory of our trip to Prague together. Right now, if we all listen with our hearts, we can hear the angels singing as they welcome Bert into their inner circle. We hope the family and friends find comfort and peace through faith and hope. With much love and true sorrow, Jo and Warren Sprinkle, Carson City, Nevada
October 12, 2013
Kay Vaughn
Bob Blackwood
October 12, 2013
Jason Kimball
Blayke, it is times like these that I regret not living closer to home. Know that we are thinking of you and your family. Much love.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
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