Alexander Obiefula Atukpawu

Alexander Obiefula Atukpawu, 72, transitioned on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 surrounded by his family in Norman, Oklahoma. He was born on March 2, 1947 in Zaria in Northern Nigeria to John and Grace Atukpawu. He was the 6th child of 10 children.

Alexander attended the Government College of Umuahia in Nigeria in 1961. While in school, he developed lifetime bonds with a group of peers who described him as a man who was “going places,” with his debonair style, sparkling wit, and boundless energy. After graduating, Alexander worked as a high school teacher, and gained admission to the University of Lagos. However, he decided it was time for him to leave Nigeria to further his education. His first stop was in Puerto Rico to attend the University of Puerto Rico in 1972. He then ventured to the United States, and earned a Bachelors degree in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. During that time, he married his first love and soul mate, Akufor Ejiogu on July 31, 1976. 

Alexander was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal church and his Nigerian community. He was a strong man of faith and always led by example. Alexander had many interests including music, sports, family road trips, and hosting ping-pong tournaments. He enjoyed spending quality time with his children and grandson who reside in New York, California and Texas. Alexander was known as a family man who loved his wife and five children unconditionally and wholeheartedly. His smile was infectious and he was always able to see the sunshine during any storm. He was a fun-spirited, loving, caring, self-less man with a calm, humble demeanor. Alexander is immensely loved and respected by his family here and in Nigeria, as well as his local community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Alexander is survived by his wife of 43 years, Akufor; daughters, Akudo, Grace, Ogedi, and Chibuzo; son, Okechukwu; grandson, David Jr; nephew, Placid Ajoku; and many other family members.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Havenbrook Funeral Home in Norman. Interment will follow at Norman I.O.O.F. Cemetery.