On July 4, 1930 a bouncing baby boy was born to Joe and Effie Drake Stripling in Clearview, Oklahoma. The couple named the newest addition to the family Merle Lynwood Stripling. He was the second of four children born to the union. Mr. Stripling was raised in Clearview, graduating from Clearview High School in 1949. Upon graduation Merle moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. He joined the United States Marine Corps where he served faithfully for two years.

Mr. Stripling at the age of 25 would help make history. In 1956, the Tulsa Fire Department was seeking to integrate Black firefighters into the fire department. Merle was among a group of six Black firefighters to be hired. Mr. Stripling married Norma Evans, and began a life together on December 24, 1960. At work, Mr. Stripling eventually earned his way up to driver, captain, and finally district chief, and setting history as the Tulsa Fire Department's first African-American District Fire Chief. Mr. Stripling retired in 1986 after 30 years of service as the District Four Fire Chief.

Mr. Stripling joined Immaculate Conception Church under Father Gary Sherman with his wife Norma. He enjoyed all sports, especially fishing which he spent a lot of time doing after retirement. On the evening of September 19, 2013 with his loving wife by his side, Mr. Merle Lynwood Stripling was called to rest by his Lord.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory, his wife, Norma Stripling, one brother, Michael Hitchye, four children: Rhonda and husband, Cheryl, Merle and wife, and Paul and wife, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several nieces, and nephews.

Services for Mr. Merle Lynwood Stripling will be Friday September 27, 2013 at 11AM at St. Monica Catholic Church in Tulsa.

Friends may visit Mr. Stripling as he peacefully rests on Thursday from 10AM until 7PM in Tulsa.