Obituary for Elbert Urban

Elbert Urban

(December 2, 1937 – December 27, 2016)

Elbert Fred Urban was born on December 2, 1937, one mile east and five miles north of Nardin on the family farm. He was the son of Joseph B and Amelia Dorothy (Plahn) Urban. Elbert attended school in Blackwell, Oklahoma, graduating in 1956.

Elbert played trumpet in the band until nineth grade. He competed and went to state in track and field. Coach Anderson led the Maroons to state placing runner-up in 1955. Elbert went on to play basketball for the Wichita State Shockers coached by Ralph Miller. Elbert graduated with a bachelor degree in Physical Education and a minor in Sociology. Elbert went on to coach and teach; a few students became basketball all-state players. In 1968 he and his family moved to the farm.

He married Evelyn Knapp on July 30, 1960, to which his five children were born; Jynda Jenkins, Christa (Sherwood) Starr, Frank Urban, Monta Pollock, and Lyman Urban. He married Joyce Curfman Lambring on February 29, 1988. Together they continued to farm in Kay and Noble Counties. His family grew to include Fran (Philip) Fenton, LeAnn (Nelson) Reagan, and Paul (Jana) Lambring. In addition Joyce and Elbert hosted many exchange students with many still in contact.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Ernest Urban; a sister, Elsie Hickerson; and grandson, Christopher Wade Urban.

Elbert is survived by his wife, Joyce Urban of the home; his brother, Edwin (Laurie) Urban; sister-in-law, Dee Urban (Ernest); children, Jynda (Gary) Jenkins, Christa (Bill) Starr, Frank Urban, Monta (Dan) Pollock, and Lyman (Melissa) Urban; and grandchildren, Robert (Trang Thq) & Mason (Marija)Sherwood, Justin (Amanda) & Case Jenkins, Shyla and Isac Urban, Cody, Peyton, Brodie & Brett Pollock, Trenton Hackwork Urban, Patrick & Kyle (Michelle) Fenton, Marc (Whitney) Byler, Anna Byler (Domenic Mussat), Bryan and Kayle Reagan, Ashten (Jeff) Durkee, Trevor and Kice Lambring. He is also survived by 11 great grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 30th in the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell with Rev. Cap McIlnay officiating.

His grandsons will serve as honorary casketbearers.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the Blackwell School Foundation in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.