Obituary for William Garwood

Ponca City Now - November 4, 2016 4:05 pm

William “Bill” Garwood

(February 3, 1929 – November 4, 2016)

William “Bill” Rufus Garwood of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away on November 4, 2016, in Joplin, Missouri, at the age of 87 years.

William “Bill” Rufus Garwood was born on February 3, 1929, in Blackwell to John W. and Naomi (Neese) Garwood. He grew up in Blackwell attending Blackwell Public Schools and graduated from Blackwell High School in 1947. While in high school he was a member of the Honor Society, played football and his senior year was selected as Maroon Spirit. After high school he furthered his education at the Oklahoma State University receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. He married Marva Ann Wilbur on November 24, 1950, in Blackwell. He began his career teaching in the Braman Public Schools for a year before entering the United States Army where he served during the Korean Conflict. Upon his discharge he returned to Kay County and began an extended career in the Ponca City Public Schools. He began as a science teacher at East Junior High School for ten years before moving to the high school where he taught physics and biology while serving as chairman of the science department. He mentored several science fair winners during his tenure. He retired in 1984. He was a member of the Oklahoma Education Association, National Education Association, the Ponca City Teacher’s Association and the American Legion. He was also a founding member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Ponca City. He enjoyed watching sports, and refereed high school football games throughout the area during his teaching career.

He is survived by his wife, Marva Garwood of Ponca City, Oklahoma; one daughter, Susan Elaine (Garwood) Barros of Amarillo, Texas; one son, David Wade Garwood of Joplin, Missouri; and four grandchildren, Cameron Ruth Barros of Helena, Montana, Grant William Garwood of Joplin, Missouri, Jana Barros Loyd of Amarillo, Texas, and Anthony Sousa Barros II of Amarillo, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Irvin and Vernon Garwood; and three sisters, Viola Carter, Edna Constant and Mary Cavett.

Graveside services are scheduled for 3:00 pm Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at the Blackwell Cemetery, with Rev. Jim Constant officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Missions in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.