Branson McElroy

Well-known Oklahoma race horse breeder and oil and gas businessman Branson F. McElroy died Friday, Sept. 18 in Warner. He was 79. Services for Mr. McElroy are set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at the First Assembly of God Church in Beggs, with Reverend Robert Yandell officiating. Internment will follow at the Beggs Cemetery. Born Sept. 29, 1929 in Keota, he was the oldest child of Milas F. and Agnes S. (Branson) McElroy. A 1947 graduate of Beggs High School, McElroy married Betty J. Jamison on Sept. 4,1950. McElroy served as a Staff Sgt. with the 45th Infantry and was stationed in Okinawa during the Korean War. After his discharge, McElroy worked for Douglas Aircraft for several years before he began a more-than 25-year career with the Prudential Insurance Company. Shortly after his retirement from Prudential, McElroy simultaneously launched and operated two different business ventures: Double BJ Gas, an independent oil and gas exploration and pipeline company, and Double BJ Farms, a breeding and racing operation for quarter horses and thoroughbreds. Although he had many interests, it was horse racing that was McElroy's passion, and he raced his horses at tracks throughout Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas, Illinois and on the East Coast. McElroy reunited with high school sweetheart Doris Hoppes, and married her on Nov. 29, 2004. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty McElroy; his parents, Milas and Agnes McElroy; son, Dale L. McElroy; and brothers, John, Phil and Larry McElroy. Survivors include wife, Doris, of the home; sons, the Rev. Tom McElroy and his wife Angie, Broken Arrow, and Derek Hoppes and wife Michelle,Tipton; daughters Cathy Logan and husband Mike, Jodi McElroy, all of Tulsa, and Paula Michelle Newton and husband Robert, Osage; grandsons Daniel McElroy and wife Angie, Joshua McElroy, all of Broken Arrow, Adam Milam, Muskogee, Bryce Hoppes, Tipton, Donnie Hoppes and wife, Genie, Manford, and Derek Griffin and wife Liz, Sand Springs; granddaughters Stephanie Bentley and husband Philip, Atlanta, Ga.; Kendal Hopkins and husband Jeff, Moore, and Jamie McElroy, Tulsa, as well as nine great grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Beggs. Friends may visit on Tuesday from 12-8 P.M.

Branson McElroy

September 29, 1929 - September 18, 2009