Sam Jerome, 79, of Orlando, Oklahoma passed away on June 6, 2023, in Stillwater. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and “adopted” father of many, Jerome passed away surrounded by family.
Jerome is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Richards, and their three children and their families: John and Robin Vert-Gutches Jerome of Orlando, Oklahoma, Sharrie and Rick Ely, of Coppell, Texas, and Patrick and Brooke Jerome of Orlando, Oklahoma.
Grandchildren are Katie Jerome and Gratt Hodges and Kallie Jerome, Erik, Alyssa, and Emily Ely, Andrew Jerome, Logan and Meleena Jerome and great granddaughter, Vivianne Jerome is also survived by his brother, Lyle Jerome and his wife, Norma Filtz of Stillwater and his sister, LuAnn Jerome and husband, Terry Williams, of Edmond.
Surviving members that were as close as family and instinctively “adopted” include Jack Nunley, Charlie Guy Zimmer, Paul Walton, and Jason Kirby.
Jerome was born at home, the second of three children to Maxine Barker Jerome and Glenn Jerome, on the family farm Northwest of Orlando on February 2,1944.
Jerome attended Orlando Schools and graduated in 1962. Sam and Shirley were married on August 23, 1962, at EUB church in Orlando, Oklahoma.
Sam Jerome worked for Ditch Witch in Perry, Oklahoma after high school and later for Ditch Witch of Indianapolis. Later he started his own business, Jerome’s Trenching and Construction. He started the Logan County Rural Water District #3 and was employed there for 21years.
Jerome was a man of service to the teachings of Christ. He served as pastor for Potter Community Church, serving since 1970. He also served as deacon for the First Baptist Church, Mulhall, Oklahoma. He trained in masonry work and worked with Rebuilding Teams of the Baptist Disaster Relief to help build churches in surrounding states. He was a friend and helper to those in many communities.
Sam Jerome was a man of service to his community and served as the Orlando Mayor for 45 years, the Orlando Town Board for 49 years and a volunteer fireman to Orlando for over 50 years.
Jerome was recently named the 2023 Orlando School Alumnus of the Year by the Orlando School Alumni Association.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 12, 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, Mulhall, Oklahoma.
Services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home of Perkins.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church Mulhall building fund.