Arthur Paul Gerfen, 89, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at his home in Cushing, Oklahoma.

He was born on April 28, 1925 in Ponca City, Oklahoma to his parents, Will and Elise Ewen Gerfen.

Arthur was raised on a farm in rural Cushing and as a young child and through adulthood, he and his family attended the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Avery, Oklahoma.

He left home to honorably serve his country in the Army during World War II serving primarily in the Philippines and New Guinea. He returned and married Wilma Jean Cleveland on February 3, 1948. They were happily married for 42 years and remained in Cushing where they raised their family.

One of his greatest pleasures was when he was able to spend time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arthur’s passion for tractors and mechanics remained throughout his life. More importantly was his loyalty and love for the Lord. He later became an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cushing.

He was preceded in death by his parents Will and Elise; his brothers Louis, Harold and Martin; his sister Genevieve Oestmann; his beloved wife Jean and his oldest son David.

Arthur is survived by his sister Dorothy {Melvin} Oestmann; his sister-in-law Norma {Earl} Berger; and his son Chris {Audrey} Gerfen; all of Cushing; his son Mark {Shannon} Gerfen of Branson, Missouri; his daughter Elise {Richard} Wright of Panama City, Florida; his grandchildren David Gerfen {friend Brittney Cook} of Midwest City, Oklahoma; Jerod {Lauren} Gerfen of Norman, Oklahoma; Janene {John} Stewart of Stillwater, Oklahoma; Lindsey {Chad} Wallis of Panama City, Florida; Allison {Patrick} Kerrigan of Tampa, Florida; Erin Dye of Tampa, Florida; Luke Gerfen and Lacie Gerfen of Branson, Missouri; his great-grandchildren Emma, Abby and Jenna Stewart and Carmine and Kalea Wallis; his loving nieces and nephews; and his dear friend Katherine Parker along with numerous other relatives.

The family will greet friends on Monday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Floyd Family Center, east of the funeral home.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. in the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer.

Burial will follow in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.