Jerrel Lynn Puckett

Jerrel Lynn Puckett, age 85, of Norman, OK, died Thursday, February 27, 2020, at Legends Memory Care at Rivendell in Oklahoma City, OK.

Visitation will be on Wednesday night from 5 - 8 p.m. at Havenbrook Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at Havenbrook Funeral Home in Norman with Rev. Mark Barnes officiating. Burial will be in Blackburn Cemetery under direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home.

Jerrel was born September 1, 1934, in Bogata TX, the son of Jasper David “Dave” and Mary Sophronia Kennedy Puckett. He graduated from Bogata High School class of 1951.   Upon graduation, he ventured to Oklahoma to live with his brother, C.A.  His first job in Norman was at the Norman Transcript as a linotype operator.   On June 11, 1954, he married the love of his life, Nancy Ann Followwill, at the First Freewill Baptist Church in Norman.   Jerrel was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served in Germany and in New Orleans, LA.  Together, they would raise an amazing family.  He and Nancy became guardians to Sharon Jones, raising her as their own, even though they were just a few years older than her themselves.  Soon to follow, came Timothy David, Jerri Lynnette, Adam Lynn, and Jennifer Ann.  This love story continues on through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Following his Army career, Jerrel worked at Oklahoma Publishing Company to provide for his family as he pursued a degree in Business Administration at the University of Oklahoma.  In 1978, Jerrel and Nancy, packed up their family and headed to Bartlesville, OK where he began his long career in Civil Service for the US Government with the Department of Energy.  In 1982, the family moved back to Norman, where Jerrel, along with his brothers and several other family members, began building the house where he and Nancy would spend the rest of their lives together and that would serve as a gathering place for lots of family visits and holiday celebrations.   He became a Supervisory Contract Negotiator at Tinker Air Force Base from 1982 until retiring 1995. 

In 1996, Jerrel made his first bid at the Oklahoma State Senate seat for District 17 as the Republican candidate.  Although this race was a disappointing loss to the future governor Brad Henry, he ran again in 2000 for the same seat.  It was during these years as a member of the Cleveland County Republican committee that Jerrel made lots of lifelong connections with others of like mind and beliefs.

Retirement brought lots of adventures for Jerrel and Nancy as they spent a lot of time traveling around the US in their travel trailer. They loved spending time together and with a host of extended family members, and especially visiting Branson, MO several times. They continued enjoying retirement until her untimely death in 2005, one day after their 51st wedding anniversary. 

On Valentine’s Day of 2010, Jerrel married fellow church member, Marilyn Keller.  They enjoyed spending time with both of their families until her death in 2019.

Jerrel served for several years as a Deacon and Adult Sunday School teacher at Pleasant Hill Freewill Baptist Church in Norman until he was physically unable to fulfill his duties.  To say that Jerrel was a good man is an incredible understatement. Those who knew him have described him as kind, sincere, compassionate, honest, hardworking, and always a gentleman. He loved to have a good time and was always up for a board or card game, a good movie, a southern gospel concert, and of course, watching an OU football game or a Thunder basketball game!  He enjoyed having visits from all his children and grandchildren. Jerrel also really enjoyed helping others with different construction projects in their own homes.      

Above all else, Jerrel was Christian and a true Man of God.  He loved his Lord with all his heart and lived every day to be a good example to others.  Today, he is standing with all of those who have gone on before him at the throne of God, catching up and having an awesome reunion.

Jerrel was preceded in death by his wife Nancy of 51 years, his parents, brothers – J.D., Claude, Gaston, George, and 2 infant brothers, his parents-in-law, Oscar Followwill and Ruth Followwill Haun (Elmer), and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Those left to cherish his memory include his bonus daughter, Sharon and husband Ronnie Stanley, their children Brenda Jackson and William Stanley; his sons Timothy and wife, Lerma, of Spencer; Adam and wife, Heather of Oklahoma City; his daughters Lynnette and husband Gordon Mohon of Norman and their daughters, Lyndsee Copple, Mackenzie Crick, Christina Saumty, and Madelyn Mohon ; Jennifer and husband Jimmy Whitehead of Edmond, and their children Nathan, Joshua, Anna, and Kaitlyn Whitehead.  As well as, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to take this time to thank Legends at Rivendell Memory Care in Oklahoma City and Humanity Hospice.   The staff has gone above and beyond in taking such good care of Dad during a difficult time.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day...”  2 Timothy 4:7-8