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Norris H. "Mac" McKelvey has accepted a position as Jesus' gardener. While his family will miss him dearly, they know he is once again growing his beautiful roses, colorful hibiscus and delicious tomatoes. Services will be held December 24 at St. Francis Xavier Church at 9:00 a.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Strode Funeral Home.
Mac was born in Tulsa on January 14, 1934 to Willis H. and Pauline McKelvey. He passed from this life on December 21, 2014 at the age of 80 years, 11 months and 7 days.
In 1952 he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in San Diego before transferring to Kingsville, TX, where he served at the base fire department. There he met Smoky Slover and his daughter Carolyn. Mac and Carolyn were married on October 20, 1956. To this marriage, two children were born.
After the Navy, he worked at T G & Y in Tulsa and OTASCO in Tulsa, Lawrence, KS, Stillwater and Cushing. He also worked at National Standard and Mercury Marine until his retirement in 1997.
Mac was an avid gardener. He was a former Oklahoma Botanical Garden Ambassador and a Master Gardener in Creek and Payne Counties.
He was a member of the Cherokee HCE. He enjoyed making pies for the kitchen at the Payne County Fair and noodles for the annual Chicken and Noodle dinner.
Mac was a member of the Elks Lodge and the Lady Elks. He was named Man of the Year for the Lady Elks in 2001.
Additionally, he served three terms (one as president) on the Stillwater Senior Citizen Center Board.
Mac loved his family and took pride in their accomplishments. His common sense approach to life will be carried on for years to come. He was once overheard saying, "Tomatoes and kids! I can raise 'em." Truer words have never been spoken.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Mac is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn, of the home, his son, Andy (Irene) of Stillwater, his daughter, Maggie Yates (Rance Johnson) of Bethany, grandchildren, Lisa McKelvey of Norman, David McKelvey of Stillwater and Brendan and Caitlin Yates of Bethany. Additional survivors include his sister, Harriett Smith of Bartlesville, John McKelvey (Liz) of Sand Springs, his sister, Kay of Allen, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Judith Karman Hospice, PO Box 818, Stillwater, OK, 74076.
Condolences may be emailed to the family and an online obituary may viewed by visiting www.strodefh.com.
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