Coach Gerald D

Coach Gerald D. Utley, 84, husband, father, grandfather and dear friend to many, died peacefully surrounded by his family on September 7, 2016 at Mercy Hospital in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Gerald was born on September 20, 1931 on Jackrabbit Alley near Calera, Oklahoma. He grew up in Oklahoma City where he graduated from Putnam City High School. Gerald attended Central State College, where he not only earned his teaching credentials, played baseball and served as a sports writer, but also met and married the love of his life, Delores Ann Lewis. He later earned his master’s degree in Administration at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Gerald served for 28 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator in Oklahoma public schools, dedicating 19 of those years to Tishomingo Public Schools. For many years he served as the Tishomingo High School athletic director, where he attended and provided support at athletic events. His passion for working with youth included coaching football, basketball and supporting FFA. He was responsible for starting the 5th and 6th grade football program at Tishomingo Elementary School. Gerald had many hobbies. He ran a small farm operation where he loved working with his animals and gardening. He loved to oil paint, create arts and crafts, spend time with his loved ones, and of course, fantasy sports with family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Blanche Utley. Gerald is survived by his wife of more than 63 years, Delores Utley; his 3 children, Keith Utley and wife Mary of Tishomingo, Terri Dupree and husband Terry of Durant, and Gary Utley and wife Juliana of Stillwater; his sister, Nita Kay Cadenhead of Oklahoma City; grandchildren Amy Caskey and husband Jeff, Brian Utley, Katie High and husband Lance, Jason Utley and wife Melissa, Cheri Morse and husband Philip, Tanner Dupree, Erin Condor and husband Chase, Kristina Higgins and husband Ty and Tori Dupree; 22 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends. Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Pastor Michael Dye will officiate, with interment to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Calera, Oklahoma. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Clark Funeral Home. Pallbearers for the service will be: Brian Utley, Jason Utley, Tanner Dupree, Jeff Caskey, Philip Morse, Ty Higgins, Chase Condor, Lance High, Charles Wyatt, Steve Dodd, and Jerry West

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Coach Gerald D

September 20, 1931 - September 7, 2016