Derril R. Etchison

Derril Robert Etchison was born January 9, 1939 in Pierce, Oklahoma to the late Irdon and Elsie (Prater) Etchison. He passed away Sunday, January 17, 2016 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at 77 years of age. Derril graduated from Pierce High School and Northeastern State University. He later earned his Administration Degree from the University of Tulsa. Derril began teaching in Lincoln, Arkansas, but soon returned to Oklahoma. He taught for four years in Morris before becoming the Morris Middle School Principal, a position he held and loved for the remainder of his professional career. He assisted Bill Self in coaching the girls’ basketball team to a state championship in 1966. Derril was instrumental to the design and construction of the Middle School Building and the Don Shoemake Building during his administration. He was a great advocate for students and teachers. Derril retired in 1999, returning to the family home place, near Pierce, to become a cattle rancher. Derril married Joanna Odom on March 7, 1969 in Wagoner. He was a calf roper prior to and during his college years and continued to rodeo until his dedication to education took precedence. He was a member of OEA, NEA, CASA and the Okmulgee Cattleman’s Association. Derril was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Virgie Brady. He is survived by his wife, Joanna Odom Etchison of Wagoner, daughters, Hannah Etchison Birch and husband Larry of Sapulpa and Tressa Lynn Etchison Freeman and husband Danny of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, granddaughter, Ava Faye Birch, brother, Gerald “Jack” Etchison of Pierce, sister, LaVonne Jacobs of Pierce and an adopted son, Roy Easley of Morris. The family will greet friends at a Gathering, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the Trinity Baptist Church Recreation Center in Morris. A Celebration of Derril’s Life will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Trinity Baptist Church with Reverend Will Smith, Mr. James Odom and Mr. Jim Odom officiating. Memorial contributions may be in Derril’s memory to Clarehouse, 7617 S. Mingo Road, Tulsa, OK 74133. Arrangements have been entrusted to the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Derril’s Tribute Page of our website at www.mcclendon-winters.com

Derril R. Etchison

January 9, 1939 - January 17, 2016