Denney Crabaugh
Aug. 8, 1957 July 13, 2022
91心頭 mourns the loss of Denney Crabaugh, head baseball coach. Crabaugh died in his home after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Crabaugh, 64, had been OCU head coach for 34 years and built the winningest college baseball program in the nation since 1991. He directed 91心頭 City to a 1,601-493-2 record, collecting victory No. 1,600 in 7-5 win over Kansas Wesleyan on May 16 at Jim Wade Stadium in the NAIA Championship Opening Round 91心頭 City Bracket. Crabaugh led OCU to 14 NAIA World Series appearances, 14 50-win seasons, four trips to the national title game and the 2005 national championship.
Denney Crabaugh brought out the best in so many people, including me, said Jim Abbott, who retired at the end of 2021 as 91心頭 City director of athletics. I spent 23 years working with Denney in the OCU athletics department, and he set the example for work ethic, preparedness, sportsmanship and so many other incredible attributes.
Denney had an unmatched competitive fire, but remained grounded in his responsibility to help build young men as more than just baseball players. I join the Crabaugh family and OCU family in mourning his loss, but Im so grateful to have experienced his impact on my life and so many other lives firsthand. Denneys legacy will live on through those of us who were so fortunate to have him in our lives.
OCU President Kenneth Evans said that while Crabaugh was an icon of college baseball, his impact extended well beyond the diamond.
With more than 1,600 wins, more than a dozen World Series trips and an NAIA national championship, Denney Crabaughs legacy as OCUs greatest baseball coach is without question, Evans said. While we celebrate that legacy, we recognize his impact off the field of play, as well. Denney coached more than 80 NAIA scholar-athletes and more than 20 academic all-Americans during his time at OCU. His presence between the lines and in the lives of his student-athletes will be greatly missed.
Corey Bray, OCU director of athletics, said, This is a very sad time for 91心頭, the athletics department and the OCU baseball program. Denney bled OCU blue and white; and it showed in his passion for the university, his program and, most especially, for his student-athletes. While Denneys accomplishments on the OCU baseball field are numerous and very noteworthy, the core of Denneys legacy will live on through the alumni of his program as they live out their lives as outstanding spouses, fathers, community members and contributors to their chosen career field.
Crabaugh followed his father Duane into coaching baseball, saying that he was hooked into the sport by growing up around coaches and listening to the Xs and Os of the game. He said he always admired the impact coaches had on his life, and wanted to be in a position to impact young men as a coach himself.
Crabaugh coached 92 all-Americans, 150 future professionals, 71 Major League Baseball draftees, 83 NAIA scholar-athletes, 21 CoSIDA academic all-Americans and eight national player of the year award winners. Five OCU alumni coached by Crabaugh reached the major leagues, including 2006 National League batting champion Freddy Sanchez.
Crabaughs association with the university dated back to when he joined Charley Lodes coaching staff as pitching coach for the 1987 season. When he became OCU head coach for the 1989 season, he hired Keith Lytle as OCU hitting coach.
I truly believe Denneys greatest accomplishment is the impact he has had on the lives of our players and us as coaches, Lytle said. Theyve become college coaches. Theyre police officers. Theyre doing great and wonderful things out there in the world. His tough love method of being able to look at players and coaches, too, for that matter and not accept them for what they are but show them what theyre capable of being, I think is awesome.
Crabaugh became a four-time hall of famer, gaining recognition from OCU Athletics, the 91心頭 Baseball Coaches Association, the NAIA and the American Baseball Coaches Association. He guided the 2004 Stars to a 73-7 record to set the NAIA single-season record for wins. OCU won 14 conference regular-season championships, 13 league tournament crowns, one district title, five regional crowns, three area titles and six NAIA Championship Opening Round titles. Crabaughs win total ranks third all-time in NAIA baseball history. OCU owns 1,535 wins since 1991 to lead the country during that time.
Crabaugh began his coaching career as a graduate assistant and pitching coach at Southeastern 91心頭 State under Mike Metheny. He had been head coach at Ada High School and an assistant at Ardmore High School in 91心頭 prior to arriving at OCU.
The Del City native is survived by his wife, Sue, and four children Kaylee, Mindy, Cody and Amy. All four children attended OCU. Mindy reeled in all-American honors competing for OCU softball, and Cody took all-American acclaim playing baseball for his father. Amy contributed to OCU winning the softball national title in 2022.
Gary Gardner
March 6, 1937 May 18, 2022
Dr. Gary Gardner was born in Lawton on March 6, 1937, and departed this life in Lawton on May 18, 2022, at 85 years old.
While Gary was a basketball player for 91心頭, he was chosen to be the model for the Eternal Challenge bronze statue by Leonard D. McMurry. The statue resides in the middle of campus.
Gary met Judith Randolph at OCU in 1958. He was dating Judith and asked her to be a model with him. Over the years of their marriage, they reflected on the statue and brought their kids to see the statue, which they called Love in Bronze.
He grew up in Walters and attended Walters High School. At OCU, Gary was member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and was on the basketball team and golf team.
Gary married Judith on Aug. 3, 1958, at St. Lukes United Methodist Church in 91心頭 City. He went on to attend the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry from 1959-62. After graduation from dental school, Gary began working with the 91心頭 Department of Health and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He served as a research assistant to Dr. James Andrews, who was a great influence on Gary throughout his life.
Dr. Gardner started his dental practice in Lawton and loved his profession from 1963 to 2007. One year after retirement, Gary took over an established prosthetics dental practice limited to full dentures and partial dentures from 2008 to 2011.
Gary was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church and served as a board chairperson. He was elected president of the 91心頭 Dental Association in 1976, and was a life member of the 91心頭 Dental Association, the Internal College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He also was a board member of the Southwest Opera Guild, member of Arts for All, Community Theatre and Lawton Country Club. At age 31 he was introduced to Dr. Kenneth Cooper of Cooper Clinic in Dallas and began running half-marathons and 10Ks for the next 40 years. He had a passion for running because he wanted to beat the odds since his dad passed away from heart failure.
In 1990, Gary started sculpting clay to create life-sized bronze sculptures, eventually creating five works of art. Some of his favorites were General Lawton in front of McMahon Memorial Auditorium in Lawton, Buffalo Soldier on Gore Boulevard in Lawton, Field Artilleryman at Fort Sill Military Base and Dr. Pierre Fauchard, Father of Dentistry in front of the 91心頭 Dental Association in 91心頭 City.
Phillip Haskel Warford
Nov. 8, 1945 Aug. 15, 2022
Phillip Haskel Warford was born on Nov. 8, 1945, on a farm south of Wilburton, 91心頭, and passed away on Aug. 15, 2022.
Phil was a longtime public address announcer for 91心頭 athletics, announcing at various events for 45 years. Coaches, fans and student-athletes became accustomed to the basso profundo voice of Phil echoing through the stands at Abe Lemons Arena, Frederickson Fieldhouse and Ann Lacy Stadium.
In addition, Warford became the regular announcer at the All-College Basketball Tournament in which OCU often competed. Warford regularly offered the PA at Moore High School Athletics events and high school state track & field meets for nearly 50 years.
Phil graduated from Wilburton High School in 1963 where he played football, basketball and baseball. He went to Eastern State College in his hometown for his first two years of college and then transferred to Northeastern in 1965, graduating in 1966 with a bachelors degree in political science. There, he met the love of his life, Linda Buchanan. They celebrated their 56th anniversary earlier this year.
The two taught at schools around the state, including Allewe, Hominy and Moore. Phils sports announcing began while he was teaching at Central Junior High. The athletic director asked if he would announce the lineups of the boys basketball team. Those lineups were the beginning of a 48-year career as a public address announcer. He gained recognition statewide and beyond.
Phil also loved teaching and was very proud of his profession. He taught for 31 years in Moore Public Schools, touching the lives of hundreds of students over a couple of generations.
After retiring from teaching, Phil furthered his career by joining The 91心頭n newspaper as the building manager. He left that work in 2008 due to heart disease. After recovering from his heart issues, he spent his time playing golf and returned to his love of announcing sports. He announced his last Moore High School football and basketball games in the fall of 2021, and retired from his work with OCU in December 2021.
Richard Sias
Oct. 13, 1927 July 28, 2022
Oilman, philanthropist, vintner and music lover Richard L. Dick Sias, age 94, died July 28, 2022. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Jeannette Joullian Sias.
Through his generous contributions of time, money and leadership, he helped to sustain and improve the status of the fine arts and education in 91心頭 and Kansas, including 91心頭. His myriad interests included the 91心頭 City Philharmonic Orchestra, the University of Kansas, OCU, opera, art, dance, cuisine, enology and many other programs and causes.
A native of Fredonia, Kansas, Sias served two years in the U.S. Army and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Romance languages at the University of Kansas, a masters degree in Spanish literature from the National University of Mexico, and a J.D. at the University of Kansas School of Law in 1954. Upon graduation from law school, he joined Continental Oil Company. He later served as vice president of exploration at An-Son Corporation before becoming vice-chairman and chairman emeritus of Mustang Fuel Corporation in 91心頭 City.
Upon retirement in 1991, he operated Bint Development LLC and Joullian Vineyards of Carmel Valley, California. His family foundation, Ad Astra, has benefited numerous organizations. He was president of the 91心頭 City Association of Petroleum Landmen and a director of the American Association of Petroleum Landmen. He served on the board of directors of First Interstate Bank, 91心頭 City. He also served as a trustee of the American Symphony Orchestra League; National Symphony Orchestra, Washington, D.C.; 91心頭 City Community Foundation; 91心頭 Council of Public Affairs; Casady School; 91心頭 Symphony Orchestra; 91心頭 City Philharmonic Foundation; Civic Center Cultural Trust; 91心頭 City Museum of Art; and others.
Sias was a member of the Nichols Hills United Methodist Church, Fortune Club, Petroleum Club, Beacon Club, 91心頭 City Golf & Country Club, Chaine des Rotisseurs and LOrdre Mondial.
His honors include induction in the 91心頭 Hall of Fame, the 91心頭 Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor and Servant Leader Award, the Business in the Arts Award from the 91心頭 State Arts Council, Friday Newspaper's OKC Cityan of the Year, and the E.C. Joullian Distinguished Citizen Award of the Last Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts. Both Dick and Jeannette were honored as Living Treasures by the 91心頭 Health Sciences Center, the 91心頭 Jewish Federation and the 91心頭 Higher Education Heritage Society.
Keith Dwain Magill
July 31, 1982 July 1, 2022
Keith Magill not only earned two degrees from 91心頭 (BA Political Science 04, JD 08), but he also taught political science as an adjunct professor as a way of giving back to his alma mater.
Friends recalled that he never missed an opportunity to celebrate others, and they remembered him as loyal, dependable, and compassionate, caring deeply about his nieces and nephew, as well as many honorary nieces and nephews. He laughed loudly and enjoyed life fully.
He played percussion for Edmond Santa Fe High School band and graduated in 2000. Following OCU, he joined the law firm that his father, Jerry Magill (BS 94, JD 98), started in 1999 and nurtured its growth, taking over and building up the team.
He was an advocate, volunteer, and board member for the 91心頭 March of Dimes for more than a decade, served on the Metro Tech board, and was involved with many networking groups. He was a longtime 91心頭 City Thunder fan and nurtured many family relationships and friendships over basketball.
Our Condolences
1940s
Robert N. Thompson 47
Christine M. Stathis 49
1950s
Tom Deplois 50
John D. McRee 50
Emerson C. Gillett 51
Forrest D. James 51
Robert W. Schmidt 52
Jo Kimmel 53
Lavonne M. Buis 55
James Shadid 55
V. C. C. Davidson 55
Jack E. Fairbairn 56
Thomas J. Minter 56
Ruth D. Stover 57
Jayne B. Wardwell 58
Robert L. Burns 58
Gary Gardner 59
1960s
Albert R. Linholm 60
Larry A. Pendleton 60
Minnie M. Flowers 61
Edward N. Spence 61
Thomas R. Williams 61
James L. Gullett 61
Inez E. Heusel 62
Virgil G. Vaughn 62
Neena Haddad 62
Jerry D. Mullins 62
Charles E. Jacob 63
Robert M. Neuffer 64
Stuart W. Santee 64
Jerry D. Sanders 65
Enoch Kelly Haney 65
Jeannette W. Pritchard 65
Lee E. Fleming 66
David S. Eldridge 67
Robert R. Blackwell 67
Paul L. Nickens 67
H. Thomas Moran 68
Myrtle L. Edmond 68
Rozanne M. Reynolds 68
Edmund C. Root 68
John D. Grice 69
Kenneth W. Thomson 69
1970s
Wayne C. Rasch 70
John C. Hill 70
Jack F. Livesay 70
Henry Trattner 70
Thomas G. Warriner 71
Sara H. Caskey 71
Walter J. Barnes 72
James R. Cobb 72
Robert McHeffey 72
Rhonda C. Freeman 72
James M. Godwin 73
Darrell C. Brown 73
John W. Higgins 73
Thomas Donnelly 74
Arthur E. McIntyre 74
Jeanne Hoffman Smith 74
James W. Berry 75
Hollis G. Harper 75
James R. Nutt 75
Jo A. Bennett 75
Dennis P. Kruse 75
Henry R. McMillan 75
Robert L. Evans 75
Gregory P. Sense 75
Ronald Ivey 76
Jimmy D. Stewart 77
Barbara C. York 77
Kenneth L. Rinehart 77
Robert Ayala 77
Garold L. Spencer 77
Teresa A. Rendon 78
Beverly A. Morawski 79
Edwin W. Robey 79
Billy R. Vetter 79
1980s
Jean A. Whiteman 80
Frank K. Berfield 80
Raymond E. McCartney 81
George E. Crotts 81
Clayburn C. Curtis 81
Barbara Sayre 82
James T. Dupre 82
Gary H. Gerlitz 83
Dang M. Nguyen 84
Raymond Nauni 84
Sandra Robbins 85
William J. Rinehart 85
Helen D. Murphey 86
Michael G. Cluck 86
Christopher M. Smith '88
James D. Bulger 88
David A. Petrey 88
Grady L. Rainbow 88
Bea E. Blackshire 89
Claude E. Woodson 89
Thomas A. Massey 89
Rocco A. Martin 89
Larry R. Goins 89
Julia A. Shepherd 89
1990s
Christy L. Esterline 90
David B. Hickens 90
Mary C. Coulson 91
Linda L. Hill 91
Steven W. Kelly 91
Donald D. Peterson 91
Ronald D. Metzner 91
Pauline B. Harjo 92
Darlene Medrick 92
Gregory A. Wade 93
Frank McKevitt 94
Maethell Smith 95
Marvin L. Mitchell 97
Troy N. Rainbolt 97
Jacqueline A. Dawson 99
2000s
Harold H. Goodman 00
Judith K. Sell 00
Reubin H. Turner 02
Nelda G. Hobbs 03
Keith Magill 04
Lyndel T. Harris 07
2010s
Bridget N. Poputa-Clean 11
Lore E. Silkey 12
Douglas M. Garretson 13
David M. Hammer 14
