George Ray Heupel, a lifelong resident of Okarche, passed away Sunday morning, March 19, 2023, at his home. George was born Feb. 15, 1940, at the Heupel farm homestead in Okarche, Oklahoma.
He married Carol Bullard in 1961 and had four children – Cynthia, Shelly, Wesley and LaVon. He later married Deanna Maass-Hedrick on June 23, 1972. Together they made a home in Okarche with their blended family of six children. You could say they were the Okarche version of the Brady Bunch.
For four years George attended Corner Door School before transferring to Okarche Public Schools. In 1958, he graduated from Okarche High School, where he was a member of Okarche FFA, served as vice president of his class and received the Junior Master Farmer Degree. In 1960, he received the American Farmer Degree.
In 1962, he joined the Air National Guard serving in San Antonio and Wichita Falls, Texas, and Will Rogers Field in Oklahoma City. Once he completed his service, he returned to his home to begin his life as a farmer and rancher in the Okarche – Kingfisher area of Oklahoma. George also worked in the oil fields for a short time while he was establishing his farm and ranch. He would continue the life of a rancher for the remainder of his days.
He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church his whole adult life. During his membership at the church, he served three terms as usher and two terms on the St. John’s Lutheran School Board. He was also busy as a member of the Co-Op and served on their Board of Directors for over 30 years and as secretary and president.
He is survived by his wife, Deanna Heupel; daughter, Shelly West (Jeff) of Grapevine, Texas; son, Wesley Heupel of Okarche, Oklahoma; daughter, LaVon (David) Bentancourt of Haslet, Texas; stepdaughter, Toni Crouch (Rick) of Round Rock, Texas; stepson, Darin Hedrick (Patricia) of Yukon, Oklahoma; and stepdaughter Heidi Struck (Danny) of Kingfisher, Oklahoma, as well as grandchildren, Heather Copsin (Justin) of Okarche, Oklahoma; Ashley Brooks of Round Rock, Texas; Kaitlin West of Ningbo, China; Spencer Struck (Maegan) of Kingfisher, Oklahoma; Tanner Bentancourt (Lexi) of Fort Worth, Texas; Madison West of Fort Worth, Texas; Lauren Bentancourt and Morgan Bentancourt of Haslet, Texas; great grandchildren, Brooklynn, Jett, Jase, Hensley and Jackson. He also had many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Catherine and George G. Heupel; sister, Kathryn Grant; daughter, Cynthia Ann; and nephews, Kenneth Schiffman and Trey Schiffman.
Services will be held Thursday, March 23, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Revs. Joel Heckmann, and Jeff Klade officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery under the direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers George has asked that donations be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church Youth Camp Fund.
