George Bristow

George Bristow was born on July 10th, 1939 in Arkansas City, KS, the son of George William and Katherine (Sowden) Ghramm. While still a baby, George lost his father, a pilot during WWII. His mother remarried Samuel Bristow, who raised George as his own. He graduated from Central High School in Tulsa, OK, in 1958. He then began his studies in Criminology at Tulsa University, where he graduated in 1966. On December 5th, 1960, he enlisted in the US Army and served in the Heavy Vehicle Driver group. He was honorably discharged December 4th, 1963 and went into the reserves until his discharge on November 30th, 1966. He met and married the love of his life, Mary Ann Garner on October 1st, 1960 in Sedan, KS. Together they raised one son, Michael and one daughter, Gailann, who preceded him in death in 2003. He dedicated 30 years to the Tulsa Police Department, retiring in 1996. He then went on to serve as a Deputy Sheriff for the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office under Delena Goss, was a Park Ranger at Cherokee Landing, and a Police Officer for Westville Police Dept. He loved Cowboy Shooting and was a member of the Indian Territory Single Action Shooter Society. He loved his country, his family, his community and his rescue dog, Meeka. He had the worlds best smile and the laugh to go with it. His was a life of service and sacrifice, and he loved everybody. George went home to the Lord on November 22nd, 2023 in Tulsa, OK, following a lengthy illness. He was 84 years old. He will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, mother, father, step father, daughter Gailann, and step brother Sam Bristow.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann of the home and his son, Michael Bristow of Dallas and his step brother John Janovy of Nebraska. He also leaves a host of fellow officers, friends and loved ones far too numerous to mention. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to the Humane Society of Tahlequah.

Funeral services for George Ralph Bristow will be held on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Reed-Culver Chapel with Reverend Marilynn Schellhamer officiating. George will be laid to rest at Tahlequah City Cemetery.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Bennett Guthrie, Gus Mnich, Jim Morrow, Mike Sherman, Pat Hanson, John Janovy and Bill Bell.

There will be a visitation on Monday, December 4th, 2023 at Reed-Culver beginning at 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.reedculver.com for the Bristow family.