PRYOR, Okla. — Howard Clayton Reiser, a beloved godly husband, father, and grandfather, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. He was born on Nov. 6, 1926, on a rural farm in Ellinwood, Kan. where he grew up with his four brothers and sister. He attended a small single room school and completed his education at Ellinwood High School. In 1944, Howard enlisted in the United States Navy to proudly serve his country during World War II. His bravery and selflessness were evident as he served with the 147th Seabee Battalion in the Pacific theater. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Howard pursued higher education at Oklahoma Baptist University. It was during that time that he met the love of his life, Wilma June Collins. On Nov. 16, 1947, Howard and Wilma exchanged vows in Cherokee, Okla. and spent over 75 years together. Their first home was a small farm back in Ellinwood, where he raised and sold chickens. In 1950, they began their family – first with a daughter and 15 months later with a son. They raised their family in Great Bend, Kan. where they attended and served at the Immanuel Baptist Church. Howard’s professional career began in the oil industry and from there took the direction of office management for Farmland Productions and then with the school district in Garden City, Kan. In 1977, he and his wife Wilma relocated to Lindsborg, Kan. where he worked as the director of campus facilities at Bethany College before retiring in 1992. Throughout his life, Howard showcased a deep sense of faith and involvement within his community. Furthermore, he dedicated himself to serving on mission committees for various Baptist churches across Kansas including Scott City, Dodge City, Lakin, Deerfield, and Holcomb. He became an active member of First Baptist and then Life Fellowship Church in Pryor after his move to Oklahoma. In 1978, Howard was ordained as a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Garden City and continued serving as a deacon in the churches they belonged to. Beyond his professional achievements and community involvement, Howard cherished the simple pleasures in life. He and Wilma enjoyed spending winter months at Falcon Lake in Zapata, Texas, where he spent his time fishing and hanging out with friends. Gardening and planting flowers brought him great joy, and he found peace in the pages of a good book. As a proud member of the American Legion and DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Howard embodied a sense of duty and loyalty to his country. These organizations provided him with connections to fellow veterans and opportunities to continue serving his community. Howard Clayton Reiser will be remembered for his unwavering faith, love of his family, and a dedication to putting others before himself.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, at Life Fellowship Church in Pryor, Okla. with Reverend Wendall Lang officiating. Burial will be held in the Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Okla. Memorials can be made to Hope Is Alive at hopeisalive.net. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.

Howard is survived by his son, Ron Reiser and wife Lynda of Pryor, Okla. and daughter, Roxanna Hartline and husband Edward of Muskegon, Mich.; brother, Homer Reiser of Ellinwood, Kan.; six grandchildren, Jill, Jenell, Jason, Erin, Emily and Kierstyn; 10 great grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Avery, Aidan, Brittney, Abby, Coleman, Hailey, Ivy, Kayton, and Camden; special nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, William, and Josephine (Graf) Reiser; wife, Wilma June Reiser; three brothers, one sister, one granddaughter, and one great grandson.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Shipman’s Funeral and Cremation Service

P.O. Box 217

Pryor, OK  74362

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 16, 2024