James Douglas Renbarger went to be with the Lord in the early afternoon February 2, 2019. He was born in El Reno, OK June 24, 1958. His parents were Robert “Bob” Renbarger and Eleanor (Hall) Renbarger. He was a student in El Reno Schools graduating from EHS in 1976. During these years he played League Baseball and Football. He was also an active 4-H Club member, winning a number of honors. In high school he gained an interest in debate, and participated actively in it until he graduated.
He continued his education at West Point in 1976, where he graduated as a Star Man, a designation for the top 5% of the class and continued his love of debate by becoming President of the debate team. Those who knew him best appreciated his willingness to always help others, earning him company F-2’s Fat Man Award by his peers as a true friend and someone who took cadet life “just seriously” enough. He graduated from the Academy in 1980 as an Army second Lieutenant. He selected Air Defense Artillery and served in many units Army-wide during his service. Appointments included working at the TRADOC Analysis Center at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, as well as his last appointment at the Joint Theater Air and Missile Defense at the Pentagon. His impressive military career resulted in him retiring in 2000 as a Lieutenant Colonel. His medals included Defense Superior Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, 5 Meritorious Service Medals, and an Army Commendation Medal.
While stationed at the Schofield Barracks in 1982, he met Tamie Murdock, who would later become Tamie Renbarger in 1984. They traveled together to a number of locations including a brief period in Princeton, NJ where he continued his education, receiving a Master’s in Public Administration from Princeton University. They then moved to West Point, NY where he became a debate coach and taught in the department of social sciences for three years, and the department of economic engineering for a fourth year. He and Tamie had two children, who moved with them to multiple locations until they settled in Piedmont, OK after his retirement from the military in 2000. He continued working, and became a partner in My Consulting Group. His wife will remember him as a devoted and caring husband who will be forever missed. His children describe him as a loving father who will be remembered for his dedication to them in every aspect of their life.
Doug was preceded in death by his father, Bob Renbarger. He is survived by his wife Tamie (Murdock) Renbarger of 34 years, his son Matthew Renbarger, his daughter Taylor Renbarger, his mother Eleanor (Hall) Renbarger, his brother Steve and wife Lindy Renbarger, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and many friends. Doug’s love for country music, Sooner football and his family will always be remembered.
The service will be at Wesley United Methodist Church, El Reno on February 11, 2019 at 10:30 am with burial to follow at Pleasant Valley cemetery in Oklahoma City under the direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home, El Reno. Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the West Point Association of Graduates (AOG) which can be accessed at westpointaog.org – select the “giving” tab or the Wesley United Methodist Church.
