Mr. Oscar Howard Humphrey, known to his loved ones and friends as Howard, was called home to Heaven by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where he resided with his wife, Dianna Humphrey.

Howard was born April 19, 1956 to James and Vernita Humphrey in Morris, Oklahoma.  He was the sixth of nine children.  After losing his father at a young age, his older siblings helped him become the great man that he was.

Howard excelled in basketball and football, and was heavily recruited by some of the biggest colleges in the country.  Sports Illustrated magazine wrote that he could play practically every position.  Howard opted to attend the University of Oklahoma [OU], where he played football for the legendary Hall of Fame Coach, Barry Switzer.  After two years of playing at OU, Howard ultimately transferred to Northeastern State University [NSU] and played both basketball and football under two additional Hall of Fame coaches, George Elliot and Dr. Jack Dobbins.  After leaving NSU, Howard returned to Okmulgee County and worked for Ball Brothers Glass Plant until the plant closed in 1994.

Howard began working at Wal-Mart in Okmulgee, after closure of Ball  Brothers, while he completed the requirements of his teaching degree.  While at Wal-Mart, he held several positions within the store and could always be found joking around with customers and always having a smile on his face.  He ultimately completed his teaching degree and began teaching Physical Education for Tulsa Public Schools, originally at Sam Houston Elementary in North Tulsa.  He eventually transferred to Peary Elementary School, where he was beloved by his co-workers and students.  In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and mowing his many yards.

In March of 1993, Howard was baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit of God gave utterance, at Mt. Calvary Apostolic Church with then Pastor, Bishop Sherman Taylor and under the leadership of Presiding Bishop Jeremiah Reed.

In 2003, Howard and his wife, Dianna founded the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, under the direction of Presiding Bishop Jeremiah Reed of Des Moines, Iowa.  He served as a deacon in the church and was ultimately ordained as an Elder by his wife and Pastor, Dianna.  He also taught Sunday school and the third Sunday of each month brought the morning message.

Howard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, minister, teacher, and friend.  He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Vernita.

He leaves in God's care;  his wife, Dianna Humphrey;  their children, Howard [Jamie] Humphrey, Alecia Humphrey, Darius (Shelly)Graham and Tre'kell Graham;  as well as five grandchildren, Cain, Gabe, Hadyn, Kason and Camden.  He is also survived by his siblings, Lucille [James Edward] Thierry, Ardella Morgan, Charles [Brenda] Humphrey, Althea [Tony] Craven, James [Ann] Humphrey, Veronica Bostic, Reginald [Shawna] Humphrey and Hope Humphrey;  and a host of nieces, nephews, and his church family.  He will be greatly missed.




The Celebratory service of Memory for Howard will be held Saturday November 25, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. in the First Baptist Church, 311 W 5th St, in Okmulgee.  Following the service He will then rest in the Woodlawn Cemetery.

You may visit Howard, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the funeral home in Okmulgee on Friday from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM.