Obituary for Alan Case

Alan Nelson Case

September 30, 1937 – January 13, 2022

Alan Nelson Case passed peacefully with his children at his side on Thursday, January 13, 2022, in Ponca City, OK after a brief battle with pneumonia. He was 84.

Alan was born on September 30, 1937 to Lloyd Nelson and Anna Laura (Andrews) Case in the family home in Marland, OK. After his High School graduation, he joined the US Air Force and served from 1955 until he was Honorably Discharged in 1959. During his stint as an airman, Alan served as an aircraft mechanic and was stationed in England for a time, as well as a few other stateside bases. He began his career in the US Postal Service as a Postmaster in Marland by Presidential appointment and ultimately brought the family to Woodward in 1974.

Alan married Vicki Lee Love on October 29, 1965 and together they had two children, Janet Lee and Alan Nelson, II. The family lived in Marland, Nowata, and Woodward, all due to his Postal career. He was as accomplished and respected in his field as he was in civic involvement. His love for promoting Woodward is well known and he was a board member of and helped guide several impactful organizations in Woodward, including the Chamber of Commerce and Woodward Industrial Foundation. He was happy to help anyone at any time.

Alan could do most anything mechanical with his hands. Adept at carpentry, electrical, and plumbing trades, he either added on to, remodeled, or built all the homes that he lived in as an adult. He was equally capable with engines, small and large. Those who knew him best will admit that if faced with the prospect of replacing an $8 part, Alan would rather spend $10 and three hours labor repairing the old one. The two bucks and three hours were worth it for the satisfaction. By the time Janet and Alan, II were in High School, the family had built three homes in Woodward, mostly by themselves. He taught his children and grandchildren alike the value of work and personal responsibility, all by example.

Alan was a pilot, hobby farmer and rancher, carpenter, used car dealer, and aggressive driver with a mild case of road rage. He continued to ride his Harley up until his death and Alan, II would have lost a large bet on how he would meet his Maker if anyone had cared to wager. In his youth, Alan was well known around the Ponca City Police Department for his driving style. That mellowed with age, a little.

Alan loved his kids and grandchildren dearly and was proud of them all. As character and lessons are passed from one generation to the next, his impact will live on within each of them. It is his greatest legacy. He was a devoted follower of Christ and decided to move back to Ponca City last year, close to Marland, where he spent his first 35 years. He enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and relatives and attending church in Marland, two blocks from where he was born.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Anna and brother, Lloyd Ray. He is survived by his daughter Janet Wills and husband Terry of Moore, OK and son Alan, II and wife Kristen of Woodward. Alan is also survived by his treasured grandchildren, Jalee Anna Wills, Conley Case Wills, Jack Nelson Case, and Avery Elizabeth Case. He leaves behind many friends, relatives, coffee drinking buddies, and people who generally just still need him. Alan, Sr. will be missed.

The memorial service will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022, at the Marland Methodist-Christian Church at 2PM with interment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Ponca City with Pastor Chris Short officiating. The family asks that contributions be made to the Marland Methodist-Christian Church in lieu of flowers. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home