Earl W. Sass, 98, died on Tuesday, May 7, 2019.
A visitation was held on Thursday, May 16 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. A Rosary followed the visitation at 7 p.m.
A celebration of his life was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Dewey, Oklahoma at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, May 17. Interment followed the service in the Ft. Gibson Cemetery, Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com.
Earl was born on May 9, 1920 to Will and Martha Sass, in Port Huron, Michigan.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War.
Upon his return he married Frances Mattie Fitzpatrick on March 21, 1946 in Manhattan, Kansas. They returned to his home state of Michigan. He took a position of deputy sheriff, in charge of Sanilac County Park, on Lake Huron. He and Frances also ran the country store and grill in the park. Earl and Frances recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.
He and Frances moved to Dewey, Oklahoma where he operated Sno-White help-yourself laundry. He completed a degree in electronics and, along with Frances, opened Earl’s TV in downtown Dewey. Their business prospered and moved to a new location in south Dewey. The business expanded to become Earl’s TV & Appliances.
Earl and Frances raised three children, Earlene, Dennis and Susan. He had nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Earl was one of the original founders of the Dewey Recreation Association and was instrumental in building baseball diamonds in Don Tyler Park. He coached little league baseball and softball for years.
Earl was an active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic parish in Dewey for years. He served as president of the Parish Council and finance committee.
Earl was also active in the Dewey Chamber of Commerce. He was a charter member of the Dewey VFW Post 10099. He served as local Post Commander as well as in state and national VFW positions. He was responsible for sponsoring the VFW Auxiliary Post in Dewey. He worked extensively on the Voice of Democracy scholarship program.
Earl is survived by his children: Earlene (Bob) Gales of San Antonio, Texas, Dennis (Kathleen) Sass of Wilton and Susan (David) Elliott of Winter Garden, Florida.
