In Loving Memory Of

Clyde Collis

Clyde Vernon Collis, an exemplary man, died Tuesday, October 3rd at 2:50 am, after a long and happy life. Clyde, 91, was born on May 12, 1915, in Holdenville, Oklahoma, to Pearl and Frank Collis. He was the eldest of eight children.

Clyde was an outstanding athlete at Holdenville High School, lettering in football, basketball, wrestling, and track. He was honored with the fourth annual Purple H Award, given annually to the school’s most outstanding athlete. Clyde was recruited by Washington University and Oklahoma State University at offensive tackle, and attended Oklahoma State.

Clyde began his work career with AMOCO Oil Company in 1936. He worked for AMOCO for 42 years as a gang foreman, and head roustabout in Fitztown, Oklahoma, Pine Island, Louisiana, and in Plainville, Turkville and Russell, Kansas. Clyde spent his last 18 working years in Woodward, OK, as head mechanic at the AMOCO Depropanizing Plant. He retired from AMOCO in 1979. Clyde was a kind, compassionate man and spent his retired years caring for several special friends, Mr. Fithian, his neighbor, in particular. His servant’s heart continues to be an inspiration for his family and friends.

Clyde married his high school sweetheart, Millie Ellener Lorene Chamblin in1936. They were devoted to each other for 58 years, until her death in 1994. Clyde and Lorene were also devoted to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Church activities were the center of their social life, and they especially enjoyed their friends and experiences at First Baptist Church of Woodward, where Clyde served as a Deacon.

Clyde was blessed in love for the second time when he met and married Leta Crouch in 1997. They spent eleven months together before her untimely death in 1998. He remained close with her extended family and considered them a blessing in his life.

In 2002, Clyde moved to Pauls Valley and had a rich and full life in his new home. He joined Trinity Baptist Church and became a faithful member. He was warmly welcomed there, and became a favorite of the members of this wonderful church. Throughout his life, Clyde was known for his friendly and accepting manner. His sense of humor brought fun and sunshine into the lives of friends and family. He was an uplifting and inspiring person to know and had a special relationship with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Clyde and Lorene were blessed with a close family. Clyde leaves a legacy of children, grandchildren, and great-grand children. He is survived by three children: daughter, Beverly Kay Mayhew and husband, Darrell of Pauls Valley; son, Donald David Collis and wife, Margaret of Austin, Texas; daughter, Deborah Chris Anderson and husband Dave of Houston, Texas. Five grandchildren: Creig Allen Mayhew and wife, Mary; Tammy Mayhew Hiss and husband, Duane; David Tanner Collis, Christopher Leighton Collis, and Sarah Ann Frankenfield and husband, Rodney Beaver. He leaves five great grandchildren: Amanda Marie Hiss, Megan Ashley Hiss, Taylor Renee Hiss, Stephanie Tykana Mayhew, and Clinton Austin Mayhew.

Clyde is also survived by brother, Bill Collis and wife, Claudia of Virginia, and sister, Glenda Collis Smith and husband, Darrell of Holdenville. He is preceded in death by six siblings, Rita Fern Tanner, Wanda Williamson, Venita Welborn, Lorene Wall, and Allene Collis.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 6, 2006 at 11:00 am at Trinity Baptist Church in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, officiated by Bro. Tim Bowen.

Graveside service and interment will be at 10:30 am in the Elmwood Cemetery under the direction of Stufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home. Clyde will be buried with Lorene in Woodward, Oklahoma. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Baptist Church in Pauls Valley.