James E. Parr

James E. Parr was born on September 27, 1927 in Sentinel, Oklahoma to Jess and Fannie (James) Parr. He passed away on Friday, December 13, 2013 in Norman, OK at the age of 86 years. James was a lifetime resident of the Lindsay area. When James was 3 years old, his parents moved to Purdy, Oklahoma. Some years later they moved to Erin Springs, Oklahoma where he helped his dad farm and ranch. While in high school, he met Betty Strickler and on September 4, 1948 they were married in Gainesville, Texas. When James was 20, he lost his dad, but James never forgot what his dad taught him about working hard on the land and tending to the cattle. His dad had a love for horses and he passed that along to James. He broke his own horses and trained them in the art of roping which became his hobby. Any extra time he had, you could always find him in the arena practicing. When Nancy was old enough to ride, he trained her horses she used at the 4-H Club horse shows. He was always willing to help anyone with their horses if they would come by and ask. He built an indoor arena and hosted many horse shows for the 4-H Club. On Saturday night he had team ropings. The ropings were great fun for him because of all the people that he got to meet. Someone new every weekend. When his grandson, Lloyd, came along and he got old enough to play T-Ball, James never missed a game from T-Ball to high school baseball. He said this kept him young, being involved in Lloyd’s ball games. Lloyd brought great happiness to James. Raychel came along when Lloyd was 12 and everyone enjoyed her. James thought this cuddly, smiley, happy baby was pure joy. She played in the band and James and Betty went on Friday nights to watch the band. His grandchildren, Lloyd and Raychel, were very special to him. He helped care for his mother as long as she lived. James joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association in 1950 and in later years joined the Senior Steer Roping Association. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. His survivors include his wife of 65 years, Betty of the home in Lindsay. A daughter, Nancy Parr Murray of Sulphur. Grandchildren: Lloyd “Lil B’ver” E. McCoy, Jr. and Raychel Parr Murray. Niece, Gwen Rogers and great nephew Clay Myers. Cousins: Christine Lawrence Ferguson and family; Tenys Parr; Charlotte and Eddie Lowe; Julie, Todd, Jaycee, and Jada Martin. And special friends in Lindsay. James was preceded in death by his parents Jess and Fannie Parr; his in-laws Sim and Maud Strickler; a son who was stillborn; and twin grandsons who died in infancy. Viewing for family and friends will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, December 15, 2013 at Winans Funeral Home, Maysville, OK. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at Winans Funeral Home Chapel with Mike Johnston officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of John Williams of Winans Funeral Home, Maysville, OK. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.winansfuneralhome.com