History of Oak Park Cemetery

Ripley, Payne County, Oklahoma

© Jerri {Shoup} Arthur

A tract of land in the SE/4 of Section 20, Township 18 North, Range 4 East of the I.M., Payne County, Oklahoma, more particularly described as beginning at a point 614 feet West of the Northeast corner of said SE/4; Thence South 330 feet; Thence West 330 feet; Thence North 330 feet; Thence East 330 feet to the Point of Beginning.

To reach the cemetery from Highway 33 and 108 (South of Ripley, Oklahoma) take Highway 108 North for 2 miles to Cook Street. Turn East/Right on Cook Street for 1 mile. Turn North/Left on Parotte Road for ½ miles. Turn West/Left on Oldham Street for ¼ mile. Cemetery is on the South/Left side.

Oak Park Cemetery also known as Ripley Oak Park Cemetery or Ripley Cemetery is a rural cemetery, located SE of Ripley, Oklahoma, Payne County.

William H. Bowdlear provided burial services in the Ripley community from 1901 to 1911. He was bought out by E.G. Messecar (Funeral Home) who then operated from March 28, 1911 to August 27, 1926 in the Ripley community.

This approximately 2.5 acre cemetery with 880 legitimate burial spaces dates back to the late 1800's. At this site on September 22, 1891 Frank A. Shoup staked his claim for homestead rights to SE20-18N4E IM in the opening of the SAC and Fox Lands. He donated the cemetery grounds and was buried where he had staked his claim. The cemetery was plotted, dedicated, and recorded with the Payne County Courthouse on September 27th, 1901 by owners W.H. Bowdlear and F. A. Shoup (Book 3 of Misc and page 176).

Frank A. Shoup granted ½ interests (partnership) in this cemetery to William H. Bowdlear on October 16th, 1901 (Book 4, Page 550).

William H. and Lillie M. Bowdlear returned the ½ interests (partnership) to Frank A. Shoup on November 10th, 1926. It continued to be owned and operated by the Shoup family until the cemetery association was organized in April 1959. Shoup descendants have continued to be active members of the association and operation of this cemetery.

Burials dating back to the late 1800's and previous to the September 27th, 1901 dedication are:

First burial after September 27th, 1901 dedication:

There are military men and women buried here, beginning with Civil War Veterans:

The Ripley Oak Park Cemetery is operated by volunteer staff. The cemetery association current membership is as follows:

A Perpetual Care Fund has been established to assist with the care of this cemetery. Your contributions are welcomed.