Cecil Carl Shrum

GROVE/TAHLEQUAH, OK - Graveside services for Cecil Carl Shrum will be held on Monday, May 12th, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Mollie Field Cemetery with Reverend David Weins officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 9th, 2014 at Reed-Culver Chapel from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM with family greeting guests from 2:00 Pm until 4:00 Pm. Interment will follow at Mollie Field Cemetery near Tahlequah, OK. Online condolences for Cecil’s family can be left at www.reedculver.com.

Cecil Carl Shrum was born February 26th, 1934 in Moodys, OK, the son of Jess and Ruby (Shewbart) Shrum. He attended school and then was drafted into the US Army on August 2nd, 1956 in Oklahoma City. He served as a Postal Clerk during the post Korean War, in the Army 117th APU APO 59, until his honorable discharge May 19th, 1958, attaining the rank of SP-5. Upon returning to Oklahoma, Cecil finished his degree in Education and taught Elementary Science for 35 years. Cecil loved children, he enjoyed challenging their mind to explore and learn new ideas. He was a member of the OEA. Cecil was a farmer at heart. Whenever he had the chance, he spent time on his farm working with his horses. He loved farming. The love of his life was his son Jeff and his wife Tammy and the grandchildren, Derick and Ashley. He took great pride in their endeavors and enjoyed rooting for them in their basketball and wrestling, and especially his grandsons State Championship. Cecil was always willing to support his students, and offered his assistance whenever it was needed. He was a quiet and sincere man, with a winning smile and easy going manner. He made many friends and few enemies. Cecil was just that kind of man. Cecil’s health began to fail him and on May 3rd, 2014, he passed from this life in Joplin, MO. He was 80 years old. Cecil will be greatly missed by the many students who were lucky enough to call him friend.

Cecil is preceded in death by his parents, one brother Jay Shrum, and one sister Imogene Ocbun.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Jeff and wife Tammy Shrum of Jay, OK, and their children, Derick Shrum and Ashley Shrum. He leaves one brother, Donald Shrum and wife Beverly of Tahlequah, OK. His legacy lives on in his two great grandchildren, Alexia Gibe and Grayson Shrum, as well as many cousins and a host of friends and loved ones.