Roy Gene Derebery

Roy Gene Derebery, 96, passed from this life on October 29th, 2022, in Vian, Oklahoma.  Roy was born in Okemah, Oklahoma to Edgar Derebery and Leona Williams Petree on October 26th, 1926.

He grew up attending Muskogee schools graduating in 1944.  After high school, Roy joined the United States Navy during WWII.  After his time in the service was ended, he worked several jobs in Muskogee and Tulsa before joining the Muskogee Fire Department in 1951.  He retired in 1981 after 30 years of service attaining the rank of Assistant Fire Chief.  Roy and his wife, Betty Lou, had two daughters.  In 1977, Roy married Catherine Hellinghausen.  They were married 39 years until her passing in 2017.

Roy enjoyed golfing, fishing, and playing pool.  He always liked to remind his family that he was the number one pool player in the Muskogee area. Roy loved being associated with the Muskogee Fire Department.  He was a Christian.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Derebery and Leona Petree; wife, Catherine; sisters, Sally Robinson and Geraldine Eirwin.  Roy is survived by his daughters, Patricia Kathy McClung and husband Mike of Vian and Carol Napier of Vian; brother, Billy Ray Derebery and wife Lou of Richmond, Texas; grandchildren, Joe McClung and wife Charity, Jenny Bell and husband Cody, Justin Napier and wife Tammy; great grandchildren, Austin, Tristan, Savanna, Tanner, Tiffany and husband Eric and Jacob; great-great grandchildren, Remington and Kaydence, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, 11:00 a.m., November 25, 2022, at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery.  The Muskogee Fire Department Honor Guard will present the flag.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hunn Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Checotah, Ok.

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