Verdell Chatham

Velma - Funeral Services for Mr. Verdell "V.C." Chatham, 89, of Velma are scheduled for 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at the Countyline First Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Johnston officiating. Interment will follow at Hewitt Cemetery of Wilson. Services are under the direction of Alexander Funeral Home.

Verdell was born May 17, 1925 at Dillard, OK to the late Mr. James Monroe Chatham and Mrs. Lula Mae (Ainsworth) Chatham. He departed this life Friday Morning, May 8, 2015 at the Ardmore Veterans Center.

Verdell was raised residing at Cool Branch, just north of Ratliff City. He attended school there and lastly finished at Fox. He was drafted into the United States Army during WWII on July 20, 1944. He served honorably as a Duty soldier and a cook until January 18, 1947 when he received his honorable discharge. During his military service he married the former Ms. Wanda Jo "Jody" Dickinson on May 19, 1945 at Healdton. They lived happily together raising their family in the Ratliff City area.

Verdell worked in the Oilfield outside his home, mainly as a pumper. He farmed and ranched all of his adult life. His wife Jody preceded him in death on March 23, 1979. They were members of the Missionary Baptist Church of Healdton where Verdell served as a Deacon for many years and was baptized along with Inez and Richard Amant, Rossie and Mattie Dickinson in the early 50's.

Verdell married the former Ms. Doris Scott on Nov. 7, 1979 at Ratliff City. He and Doris remained residents of the Ratliff City area presently residing at Velma. Verdell transferred his membership to the Countyline First Baptist Church where he also served as a Deacon.

Verdell loved to Squirrel hunt always having to kill at least two. He was a great steward of his farm land and and loved fiddling with his cows. He cherished all of his family deeply and will be forever missed.

In addition to his wife Jody, also preceding him in death is a son, Terry Chatham; mother, Lula Redfield; father, Jim Chatham; sister, Daisy Cearley; brothers, Benjamin Chatham, James Chatham and John Chatham and a stepdaughter, Peggy Scifres.

Survivors include his wife Doris of the home; children, Jimmy L. Chatham and wife Harolyn of Moore, Barbara Jo Loving and husband E.L. of Wilson and Billy R. Chatham and wife Carolyn of Moore; stepchildren, Ed Majors and wife Peggy of Tulsa and Carolyn Presgrove and husband Hank of Velma; 15 grandchildren, Angie Sinclair and husband Ken, Brad Chatham, Preston Loving, Dyanna Hunziker and husband Brian, Janet Shores and husband Michael, Ben Chatham and wife Janie, Matt Chatham and wife Astrid, and Tricia McGuire and husband Michael; step grandchildren, Jackie and Kelly Davis, Shannah and Rocky Ray, Lacey and Justin Cowger, Billy and Jana Wright, Rusty Wright, Greg and Cheryl Majors and Kim Hall; 20 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; numerous other family and a host of friends.

Casket bearers are Preston Loving, Ben Chatham, Matt Chatham, Brad Chatham, Jimmy Rex Chatham and Buck Chatham.

Sunday viewing and visitation will be held from 2-4 pm Sunday at Alexander Funeral Home of Wilson.

Monday viewing and visitation will be held from 6-8 pm Monday at Alexander Funeral Home of Ratliff City.

Condolences may be sent online at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org