Carl Edward Standefer

Carl Edward Standefer, World War II Veteran and resident of Tahlequah for over 43 years, was born on March 12th, 1927 in Tuskahoma, OK, the son of Robert Edward and Safrona Davenport-Standefer. Growing up during the great depression, times were hard. As a teenager, his family traveled to California to find work, as did many other Oklahoma Families. At the age of 16, he joined the US Navy to serve his country in WWII. When it was discovered he was too young to enlist, he was discharged, but not before serving 9 months with the Navy. When he attained the legal age to enlist, he joined the US Army, serving honorably for 4 years as an Auto Mechanic, keeping the vehicles running that won the war. During his military time, he served in New Orleans, and Alaska, receiving the World War II Victory Medal. Following his discharge from the Army in 1949, Carl returned to Oklahoma and attended OSU. While there, he met and married Juanita Craft in Stillwater, OK in 1953. Upon graduating, he held a variety of positions throughout Oklahoma. These included Shell Oil Company in Elk City, OK, Kiamichi Electric Cooperative in Wilburton, and Frederick Public School System. He would eventually return to work at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, OK.

He married Margaret Ruth Davis Rains in 1976 and moved to Coffeyville, KS to work for Sherwin –Williams Company. In 1978, he and Margaret moved back to Oklahoma and Carl began working for the Cherokee Nation Housing Authority in Tahlequah, OK. Upon retirement, he worked briefly at Northeastern State University, then acquired his Home Inspection License. After retiring from those professions, he volunteered with Habitat For Humanity, CASA, Food Pantry, Retired Senior Volunteer Program and was very active at First Lutheran Church of Tahlequah, after being a longtime member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. He served as Deacon, President of the Congregation, and he and Margaret volunteered with the Lutheran Denominational Missions. They were instrumental in establishing the Little Lambs Preschool at the church. He loved his church family and served in any capacity he was asked without hesitation. He and Margaret traveled extensively in their RVs throughout all 50 states, and ventured out to the Holy Land and the Dominican Republic.

He loved people and loved to see them smile. He would go to any length needed to make things happen and complete the task at hand. He never tired of time spent with his favorite people on earth, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, John Carroll Standefer and wife Lula Hulsey-Standefer-Sorrels, John Wesley Davenport and wife Cordelia Evans-Davenport, his mother, Safrona Standefer, father Robert Standefer, sister Joyce Cocke, brother Bobby Standefer, wife, Margaret , sons, William Edward Standefer, Terry Lynn Rains, Dale Alan Standefer and a granddaughter, Sheridan Elizabeth Standefer.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Bill Rains and wife Martha of Tulsa, OK, Kay Hyde and husband Pete of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Tony Rains and wife Jan of Jenks, OK, Paul Standefer of Arcata, CA, and Robert Rains and wife Marilyn of Bixby, OK. He leaves one sister, Pat Robbins of Durant, OK. Carl lives on in his 15 grandchildren, Michael Rains, Julie Rains, Jeremy Rains, Mandy Dye, Tyler Rains, Tara Rains, Melissa James, Aaron Slay, Matt Hyde, Kelli Keniston, Kerrie McDaniel, Ben Standefer, John Standefer, Chantelle Standefer, and Jared Standefer-Frazier. There are 30 great grandchildren, several great great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.

Funeral services for Carl Edward Standefer will be held on Friday, at 10:00 AM, December 3rd, 2021 at the First Lutheran Church of Tahlequah with Reverend Clifton Loman officiating. There will be a visitation on Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 beginning at 1:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Reed-Culver Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Tahlequah City Cemetery next to his wife, Margaret. Online condolence may be left at www.reedculver.com.

Pallbearers for Carl include Jeremy Rains, Michael Rains, Matt Hyde, Tyler Rains, Aaron Slay, and John Standefer. His honorary pallbearers include Melissa James, Tara Rains, Mandy Dye, Kelli Keniston, Chantelle Standefer, Kerrie McDaniel, Julie Rains, Ben Standefer, and Jared Standefer-Frazier.

Those wishing to leave an expression of sympathy to the family are asked to consider the First Lutheran Church of Tahlequah,2111 Mahaney Avenue, Tahlequah, OK 74464.