Earl Kachelmeyer

Earl Kachelmeyer, 88, of Pryor went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 23, 2015 in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was born on July 22, 1927 in Batavia, New York to Michael and Geraldine Kachelmeyer. He married Rita Slominski on December 27, 1947 in Batavia, New York. Earl and Rita were married for 67 unbelievably wonderful years. Earl was an outstanding athlete who excelled in football and basketball during his high school years. The day after he graduated from high school, he enlisted in the Navy to serve his country. He was a man of honesty, courage, and faith; serving his country, his family, and friends with love, honor, distinction, humility, and humor. He was honorably discharged when the war ended. His work career started at U.S. Gypsum in Oakfield, New York, where he was a Quality Supervisor. Later, he was transferred to Jacksonville, Florida to help start a new paper mill. He then moved to Pryor to become Superintendent of the Georgia - Pacific plant. Years later, Genstar Paper Mill asked him to move to Seal Beach, California. His last move was to Republic Gypsum in Hutchison, Kansas, where he retired and moved back to Pryor. Earl was an active member of St. Mark Catholic Church serving on the finance committee and as an usher. He was also chosen as one of the first five council members to form a parish council at St. Mark when the diocese asked each parish to implement a parish council. Earl pursued a lifelong quest for knowledge. He enjoyed reading anything pertaining to World War II and United States History. He loved to watch classic movies and old westerns. Earl started stamp collecting as a young child and continued this hobby throughout his adult years. He enjoyed fishing and weekends at the lake on his boat with family and friends. He was also a past member of the Pryor Lion's Club for several years. A Funeral mass celebrating Earl's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 28, 2015 in the St. Mark Catholic Church in Pryor with Father Celestine Obidiegwu officiating. Interment will be in the Graham Memorial Cemetery with his grandchildren, Gregory Reeves, Christopher Reeves, Brian Reeves, Jeff Kachelmeyer, Ryan Kachelmeyer, Kevin Kachelmeyer, Madison Scott, Jennifer Self, Jamie Wheeler, Katie Smith, Kyle Kachelmeyer, Cassandra Short, and Candace Summer serving as Pall Bearers. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 27, 2015 in the Shipman's Funeral Home Chapel. Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children's Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105. To leave his family a message, please visit his Book of Memories at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service. Earl is survived by wife, Rita Kachelmeyer of the home; four daughters, Sandra Reeves of Austin, Texas, Patricia Scott of Owasso, Oklahoma, Cheryl Stafford and husband Michael of Pryor, Oklahoma and Carol Salcido and husband Richard of Portland, Tennesee; three sons, Michael Kachelmeyer and wife Kathy of Venore, Tennessee, Gary Kachelmeyer and wife Starla of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and James Kachelmeyer and wife Charlotte of Galveston, Texas; 13 grandchildren, Gregory Reeves, Christopher Reeves, Brian Reeves, Jeff Kachelmeyer, Ryan Kachelmeyer, Kevin Kachelmeyer, Madison Scott, Jennifer Self, Jamie Wheeler, Kaie Smith, Kyle Kachelmeyer, Cassandra Short, and Candace Summer; 13 great grandchildren; many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Geraldine and Michael Kachelmeyer; sister, Norma Kachelmeyer, and brother, Robert Kachelmeyer; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

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