Obituary for Bruce McNamara

Bruce Gene McNamara

(September 8, 1948 – September 25, 2015)

Bruce Gene McNamara of Enid, Oklahoma, passed away at his home after a battle with cancer on September 25, 2015, at the age of 67 years.

Bruce Gene McNamara was born on September 8, 1948, in Dodge City, Kansas, to Martin Patrick McNamara Jr. and Geraldine Snow Tyler. He spent his childhood in Littleton, Colorado, until moving with his parents to Blackwell, Oklahoma, during the 1960’s. He especially loved the time he spent with his Grandma and Grandpa Tyler. He attended Blackwell High School where he met Renee Lynn Brown. He graduated in 1967 and upon graduation he entered the United States Army. He married Renee Brown on July 5, 1969, and they made their home overseas at Hessen Army Base in Hanau, Germany, where he was a heavy equipment mechanic. Following discharge from the United States Army, he attended school at Southern Oklahoma Technology Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma, in their Automotive Technology Program and graduated the top in his class. They returned to their hometown of Blackwell, Oklahoma, where he worked for the Blackwell Zinc Company, ran the agency for the Daily Oklahoman and started selling cars on his front lawn. He also worked for Otasco’s after the closing of the smelter. In 1975 he bought McNamara Motors in Blackwell where he continued to grow his car business. He had a love for old cars, football and most of all dirt track racing and started competing in the sport in 1976 at Enid Speedway. It was a huge family event every Saturday night. He also operated McNamara Motors of Tonkawa, Oklahoma and McNamara’s Eatery in Newkirk, Oklahoma. In 2000, he moved to Enid, Oklahoma where he and Loretta Maly began their life together. He then opened McNamara Auto Plaza and Brewster’s Lounge in Enid. Upon his retirement he continued to wholesale cars and faithfully attend car races to watch his son Chad race. His family was the love of his life. He was a member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his life partner, Loretta Maly of Enid, Oklahoma, his two daughters, Cristy Mudgett and Shaye McNamara both of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two sons, Chad McNamara of Pond Creek, Oklahoma, and Tyler McNamara of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a brother, Mark McNamara, of Blackwell, Oklahoma; and sisters, Becky Hawkins and husband Max of Blackwell, Oklahoma, Cindy Ball of Blackwell, Oklahoma, and Marilyn Sisney of Ponca City, Oklahoma. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Ashlyn Ewy and husband Joe of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Alyssa Mudgett and Amanda Mudgett both of Edmond, Brendon Mudgett of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Tiah Greenfield and husband Carson of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; two great-grandchildren, Maddex Trig Ewy of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Waylon Don Rowell of Edmond, Oklahoma; and several nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Macky McNamara, Craig McNamara, Danny McNamara and Mike McNamara.

Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 2nd in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with Rev. Gregg Engle officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery with military rites performed by the United States Army. The family asks that you wear your favorite racing shirt to the funeral to celebrate Bruce’s life and his love for racing.

The family would also like to express their gratitude to Circle of Love Hospice for their care given to Bruce during his final months.

Memorials may be made to the American Legion and The Shriner’s Children’s Hospital c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home 120 W. Padon Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.