Obituary for Tony Vowel

Tony Vowel

(January 5, 1949 – January 28, 2016)

James Anthony Vowel, loved and known by all as Tony, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2016. Tony was born in Blackwell, OK on January 5, 1949, to James and Elizabeth Vowel. Tony married Linda Riseling on June 19, 1971. After living in Oklahoma City for a couple of years, they decided to make Blackwell their home. Tony worked with his father at Powell Plumbing and eventually took over the family business. Tony was funny, ornery, and could fix anything. He loved to take his jeep on rock climbing trails all over Oklahoma and play with his grandchildren. Tony’s house was a place where pancake breakfasts were famous, dirty jokes and pranks were often being planned, and the garage was frequently turned into a magical playground. Linda was the love of his life. He often pretended that he wasn’t affectionate, but then would show up with gifts for no reason, or favorite dinners just because. Being Papa was his second love. He always had something up his sleeve, a new gadget or toy for the kids. You might have to say “Dad” 3 or 4 times, but if one of the grandkids said “Papa” he went running. His third love was the Wheel of Fortune. Don’t call at 6:30, he’s busy. If the kids were there watching and solving puzzles before him, they either got a “you’re on fire tonight kid” or a “who invited you anyway”. Tony loved a good project. If you were trying to find or build something he would think it over for days and call to ask how it was going and give new ideas. He loved to tinker on things. If he thought there was a better way to do something, he simply built it. Tony was a simple man who didn’t need the finer things in life, but was just pleased with what he had and who he was with. He put his whole heart into everything he did. We will miss many things everyday when we think of Papa, but one of the most missed will be the phrase “watch this”. When you heard those words, you better be paying attention because something awesome was about to happen!

Tony is survived by his wife Linda of 44 years; two daughters, Lesa Elerick and husband John, of Jones; and Jamie Marlen and husband Ryan, of Edmond; and one son, Blake Vowel of Stillwater; five brothers and sisters, Christine Dorsey and husband Gorman, Mary George, Emily Venell and husband Greg, Bernard Vowel and wife Kris, and Kelly Vowel and wife Kathy; and five grandchildren Trip Elerick, Lily Elerick, Blakely Vowel, Leo Marlen, and soon-to-be born Anna James Marlen. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Elizabeth Vowel.

Prayer Service will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 at Roberts and Son Chapel. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 5, 2016 at St. Josephs Catholic Church, 315 W Blackwell Ave, Blackwell, Ok. Interment to follow at Blackwell Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to the Blackwell Public School Foundation.