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Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home, 500 S Main Street, Hennessey, OK (2026)

12/23/2025

Cecil Edwin Brownlee was born in Tishomingo, Oklahoma on November 3, 1931, to Effa Ann (Caldwell) and Earl Madison Brownlee, Sr. Cecil died Saturday, December 20, 2025, at his home in Stillwater.

Cecil grew up on the family farm and graduated from Tishomingo High School in 1950. He had joined the local National Guard unit while still in high school and in August 1950 his unit was activated and deployed to Japan during the Korean War. He returned home and attended Murray State College.

As a junior in high school, Cecil attended a local girls’ basketball game and was awestruck by one of the players, Shirley Mae Doolittle, who would eventually become his wife and partner for 70 years. Cecil and Shirley were married on December 22, 1953, at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Tulsa.

Cecil worked for Exxon Oil Company which took them to Hennessey in 1960, where Shirley taught school and coached basketball. Cecil retired from Exxon after 40 years of service and they moved to Stillwater in August 1992.

Cecil was fun-loving and enjoyed joking around with people, possibly even pulling a prank or two. He enjoyed gardening and then delivering produce to friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed woodworking, playing cards or dominoes with friends, hunting, and his dogs. He loved his family and never missed a game or event involving Shirley or his children.

He was an active member of the Hennessey and Stillwater First Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ). He was a 72-year member of the Tishomingo Lodge #91.

Cecil is survived by his children Russell Brownlee and wife Rovay of Wilburton, Sigrid Brownlee Krause and husband Greg of Tonkawa, and Brett Brownlee and wife Erin of Stillwater; six grandchildren: Caitlin Brownlee Parker and husband Josh and their daughter, Sadie, Conor Brownlee, Jessica Brownlee, Barrett Brownlee, Jace Brownlee and Cole Brownlee.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, two brothers and the love of his life, Shirley Mae, who passed away on December 9, 2023.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the 30/20 Club Scholarship Fund of First Christian Church with the funeral home serving as custodian.

Viewing will be Sunday from 9:00 am until 6:00 PM at Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home, Hennessey. Graveside services will be held on Monday, December 29, at 1:00 p.m. at the Hennessey Cemetery. Reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall of the Hennessey First Christian Church from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Everyone is welcome.

12/22/2025

CG “Shorty” Jones was born on May 27, 1940, to Agnes and Virgil Jones, in Nogal, New Mexico. He was the third of ten children and the oldest boy. Story has it, Shorty got his nickname from his grade school bus driver. His given name was Carrol Gene, but his favorite name of all was “Pappy.”
Shorty graduated from Capitain Highschool in 1959, then honorably served in the United States Air Force in the 60’s. He enjoyed traveling, yard work, sports, livestock, and rodeos, along with the loyal companionship of a good dog. Although he lost his right hand in an oilfield accident in ‘75, he never let that slow him down. He was a hardworking, generous, and dependable man. He was deeply loved and will be missed by many.
On December 19, 2025, Shorty peacefully passed at home in Hennessey. He was joyfully reunited in Heaven with cherished loved ones, greeted by family and friends who had been waiting for him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. led by Vernon Racer. It will be located at the One Twenty-Two building on Main Street in Hennessey, formerly the Funtime Video Store he owned in the 2000’s.
In honor of Pappy, family asks that guests wear blue, his favorite color. As we celebrate a life well lived, everyone is encouraged to share a favorite memory or story, either aloud or written on paper to be enjoyed later. As he wished, cremation arrangements are under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to the Nogal Mesa Ranchmans’ Camp Meeting in Shorty’s name. This special gathering of faith, fellowship, and worship was near and dear to his heart.

12/22/2025

Jaqueta Colleen Connell of Dover, who was known and loved by all as Jackie departed this world at her home Friday December 19, 2025.

She was born in Midland, Texas on October 23, 1937, to Lee and Iva Franks. She was raised in Bristow, Oklahoma and graduated from high school there.

She married Calvin “Rusty” Connell October 2, 1970. Rusty had three children from a previous marriage, Connie Hawkins, Cal Connell, and Doug Connell. Jackie had one daughter Diann Hoover previously. The couple then had one daughter Jana Connell Robinette to complete their family.

Rusty and Jackie made their home in Dover where Jackie was a licensed beautician and homemaker. Her hobbies included working in her yard, planting flowers, painting, and crafting. Jackie enjoyed attending church and working with the family’s animals. She and Rusty raised their children with love and devotion. Jackie was most proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As we will miss her on earth, her memory will forever be in our hearts. She was greeted at the gates of Heaven by her husband, Calvin “Rusty” Connell, her parents Lee and Iva Franks, her brothers Ulumn Franks, Gene Franks, their son Cal and granddaughter Tiffany.

Jackie is survived by her children Diann Hoover and Steve Buckner of Dover, Jana Robinette of Enid, Connie Hawkins and husband Bill of Loyal, Doug Connell and wife Kim of Perry; one sister Judy Haney and husband Bill, grandchildren and great-grandchildren Morgan Spracklen and husband Charlie, Blaze Smith, Taylor Spracklen, Jacob and wife Ainsley, Calvin, Hudson and Maxson Hoover, Whittni Butts and boyfriend Marquel, as well as may extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Friday December 26, 2025, at Dover Christian Church officiated by Jimmy Berkenbile. Burial will follow at Dover Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home. Viewing will be Tuesday December 23, 2025 from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.

12/19/2025

Ronald Dean Collier (Ronnie) entered the world on July 8th, 1952, in Wewoka, Ok. He was the first-born son of JC and Ruby (Quisenberry) Collier. He peacefully passed on December 17th, 2025, in the home.

Ronnie married Wanda Arend on June 10, 1975, in Hennessey, Ok. They welcomed one son, Travis Don Collier on March 23, 1976, in Enid, Ok.

Despite a terrible motorcycle accident in the late 1970’s that put him in a coma, he regained the ability to walk and talk, although his speech was affected for the rest of his life. Ronnie worked in the oil field for his parents’ business, J. C’s Well Service, as a rig operator.

Ronnie loved to fish and listening to music, and he enjoyed trips to the casinos later in life. He was a good man, and he was loved dearly by all who knew him.
He is survived by his son, Travis Collier of Hennessey, two sisters, Vicky Bell and her husband, Virgle of Hennessey, Sharon Aufleger of Geary and one brother, Larry Collier of Dover.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Ruby & J.C Collier, infant sister Carol Collier, brothers David Collier and Terry Collier. One nephew, Chance Bell and one niece, Tisha Drake Collier.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday December 27, 2025 at Hennessey Cemetery. Cremation arrangements are by Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

12/15/2025

The funeral for Carolyn Maddox 82 will be at 1:00 PM Wednesday December 17, 2025, at Dover Christian Church officiated by Jimmy Berkenbile and Vernon Racer, Burial will follow at Hennessey Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

Carolyn was born in Hennessey on April 8, 1943, to Freddy and Iola Harris Roberts and died Friday December 12, 2025, in Oklahoma City.

She graduated from Hennessey High School. Carolyn married Larry Maddox in Hennessey June 4, 1960. She was a member of Dover Christian Church.

Carolyn is survived by one son Terry Maddox and wife Sheri of Hennessey, one daughter Melisia Mead and husband Ronnie of Dover; five grandchildren Staci Maddox, Kelci Gregory, Brandi Holder, Jessica Gatlin, Ashlyn Mead; eight great-grandchildren Kinslee, Addi, Ava, Collin, Isabella, Gracie, Greyson, and Khole.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Larry, two brothers Roy Roberts and Charles Roberts.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.

11/28/2025

The funeral for Fred Elmer Jones, 74 will be at 3:00 PM Saturday November 29, 2025, at Dover Christian Church officiated by C**t Melrose. The family will receive guests at the church beginning at 2:00 PM for visitation. Private burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements are by Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home, Hennessey.

Fred was born in Perry, Iowa on February 20, 1951, to Claire Eugene and Marjorie Beulah Smith Jones and died Thursday November 27, 2025, at the Commons in Enid.

Fred attended Friends Bible College in Haviland, Kansas. There he met Sharon Binford, and the couple were married in 1971. Three children were born to this union, Michelle, Michael, and Melissa.

Fred later married Evelyn Kathryn (Rikli) Myers in Enid on December 31, 2011. They made their home in Dover for the past fourteen years.

He was a member of Dover Christian Church, and past member of the Hennessey Powder and String Club.

Following graduation from Friends Bible College, Fred was a youth pastor in Wichita, Kansas, then pastored churches in Elizabethton, Tennessee, Kansas City, Missouri, Salem, Iowa, Penrose, Colorado, Rough Rock, Arizona where he pastored on the Navajo Reservation. He then pastored in Cherokee, Dover, and Loyal, Oklahoma.

Fred was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He began collecting and restoring Ford Model T’s, which transitioned into him becoming a machinist and rebuilding and restoring antique engines. Fred collected antique fishing lures. He was also a meticulous woodworker and later became a gunsmith.

Fred is survived by his wife Evelyn of the home; two daughters Michelle Morford and husband Kenny of Haviland, Kansas, Melissa Tucker and husband Marc of Bel Aire, Kansas, one son Michael Jones and wife Sarah of Woodward; two step-sons Heath Melrose and wife Lucia of Moldova, Europe, C**t Melrose and wife Lindy of Pearland,
Texas; grandchildren Alissa Tomberlin, Kylee Hunt, Jenna Cole, Zion Myers, Catelyn Jones, Caleb Jones, Cara Jones, Callie Jones, Gavin Tucker, Gabriel Tucker, Adriana Tucker, Rylie Tucker, Ariella Tucker, Eugenia Ermurachi, Vlad Ermurachi, Kathryn Melrose, Nova Melrose, Abigayle Melrose, Boston Melrose; three great-grandchildren Kallen Tomberlin, Kassidy Tomberlin, Nehemiah Hunt; three sisters Gaynelle Kirkberg and husband Bruce, and Marilee Savage and husband Steven, and Marla Cole.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother-in-law Brian Cole.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Dover Christian Church Mission Fund with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.

11/28/2025

The funeral for Fred Elmer Jones, 74 will be at 3:00 PM Saturday November 29, 2025 at Dover Christian Church. The family will receive guests at the church beginning at 2:00 PM. Full obituary will follow.

11/21/2025

Tommy Joe Parrish, age 67 of Hennessey, OK died on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at AMG Specialty Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was born October 4, 1958 in Oklahoma City, OK to parents Kenneth Parrish and Alice Stribel.

Though Tommy faced a number of health issues throughout his life, he was a determined man who achieved more than doctors and his family ever thought he would. Some of his greatest achievements were being a remarkable husband, father, friend, and a devout follower of God. Tommy’s faith in God and his own abilities allowed him to live a full life colored by laughter, community, and family.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Kenneth; brothers, Steven Parrish and Johnny Parrish.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Parrish; daughter Kathryn Thomas and husband Tyler Thomas; son, Brandon Parrish and wife Eileen Anderson; granddaughter, Charlotte Thomas; sister, Katie Bossa and husband John Bossa; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

The family would like to thank the numerous doctors and nurses of St. Anthony’s and AMG hospitals for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s or Compassion International, two charities Tommy supported.

A celebration of Tommy’s life will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 29, 2025 at LifeWay Church in Kingfisher, OK. The family encourages anyone who knew Tommy and loves his family to attend.

11/18/2025

The funeral for Dora Ybel Reyes Orozco, 41, will be at 2:00 PM Wednesday November 19, 2025, at Cristo Rey Baptist Church officiated by Francisco Oropezo. Burial will follow at Hennessey Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

Dora was born in Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico on November 19, 1983, to Refugio and Camila Orozco de Reyes and died Monday November 17, 2025, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Enid.

She graduated from Hennessey High School.

Dora is survived by her parents Refugio and Camila Reyes, two sisters Ana Laura Duenas and husband Raul, Carla Giselle Saldana and husband Gregorio; one brothers Leonel Reyes and wife Kelly, and her beloved service dog Pancho Reyes; several nieces and nephews Gilberto, Adan, Camila, Ivan, Evelyn, Magalie, Mateo, Milagros, Kyra, Raylie, and Ethan.

She was preceded in death by an infant brother Refugio Reyes, maternal grandmother Aurora Orozco, paternal grandparents Domitilo Reyes and Ana Maria Valenzuela de Reyes.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.

11/03/2025

Graveside services for Billy Ray Hale, 94, will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday November 4, 2025, at Hennessey Cemetery officiated by Jimmy Berkenbile. Viewing will be Monday November 3, 2025, from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM at Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

Bill was born in Parnell, Texas on October 24, 1931, to Hollis and Stella Hale, and died Friday October 31, 2025, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Enid.

He married Geneva Collins in Clovis, New Mexico October 1, 1955. Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Bill is survived by two daughters Ronda Terrell and husband Steve of Flower Mound, Texas, Suzanne Hale of Enid, one son-in-law Eddie Barnett of Dover; eight grandchildren Molly Bonham of Hennessey, Marty Moulton of Arkansas City, Kansas, Kelli Livingston of Dover, Dustin Jackson of Aubrey, Texas, Robbie Barnett of Hennessey, Matt Moulton of Sherman, Texas, Kerri Johnson of Texas, Kandi Venable of Oklahoma; eighteen great-grandchildren Abbi, Daigen, Cameron, Christian, Andi Harris, Grace, Gentry, Rachel, Dakota, Alysha, Randi, Zachariah, Jona, Dakota, Devin, Tyler, Tala, and Levi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Geneva, one daughter Judy Barnett; and two sisters.

11/02/2025

Graveside services for Shirley Ann Hall, 88, will be at 2:00 PM Tuesday November 5, 2025, at Hennessey Cemetery, officiated by Tim Taylor. Viewing will be from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM Monday November 3, 2025, at Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

Shirley was born at Loyal on January 30, 1937, to Clyde and Dora Lorenz Hosins and died Thursday October 30, 2025, at Hennessey Care Center.

Shirley married Earl Hall in Hennessey in 1956. She attended 132 Bible Church.

She is survived by three sons, Larry Hall of Enid, Terry Hall of Hennessey. Mark Hall and wife Phyllis of Guthrie; three grandsons Bruce Hall, Robert Hall, Stephen Hall; one sister Janice Scheffler, one brother Jerry Hoskins, and several great-grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Earl, one daughter Cheryl Hall, one son Jimmy Hall, three brothers, and one sister.

Memorial donations may be made to Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home to defray funeral expenses.

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