The Norman Transcript January 6, 1995
Jasper Daniel "JD" Risenhoover died Thursday, Jan. 5, at his home
in Norman following a long battle with cancer.
Services are planned for 1 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church
of Norman with Dr. Lavonn Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Little
Cemetery north of Seminole under the direction of Primrose Funeral
Service.
The son of Jasper Samuel and Laura Jane Parsons Risenhoover, he
was born June 8, 1914 at Seminole. A graduate of Strother High School,
he received his bachelor's degree from East Central University. Mr.
Risenhoover received a master's degree from Oklahoma State University
and his Administrator's Certificate from the University of Oklahoma.
During his 40-year teaching career, he held several different positions,
including teacher, principal and superintendent. He was principal of
Ferguson, Hilltop, Ong and Excelsor schools in Seminole County.
He taught at Okemah Jr. and Sr. High schools and was Superintendent
of Mason School in Okfuskee County.
Mr. Risenhoover, who operated the Okemah Municipal Swimming
Pool and Skating Rink, spent the last 12 years of his teaching career
as principal of Jefferson Elementary School. He also hosted many
professional workshops for the Norman educators at his summer home
in Lake Wewoka. Following his retirement from the Norman Public
School, he worked as a Realtor for Cecil Woods Agency and later formed
Risenhoover Realty with his wife and son, Terry.
Immediate past president of the Cleveland County Retired Educators,
he was president of his graduating class at East Central University,
past president of East Central Teachers District, a member of the
Oklahoma Education Association, past officer of the Sooner Lions
Club and a member of the Order of the Red Red Rose.
Listed in "Great Personalities of the South" he was a popular
speaker, auctioneer, Champion Bass Singer of Seminole County,
Champion Domino Player, Champion Horseshoe Pitcher, Red Cross
Instructor of Swimming and a lifetime honary member of 4-H Clubs.
An active member of the First Baptist church of Norman for the past
30 years, he was past president and member of the Fellowship
Singers, president of Andrews Class and past president of the Adult
III Sunday School Department.
Mr. Risenhoover is survived by his wife, Mary Myrtle of the home;
a daughter and son-in-kaw, Sandra and Jim Gourley of Norman;
two sons and a daughter-in-law, Jerry of Woodward and Terry
and Nancy of Norman' a brother, Jim, of Fresno, Calif.; a half
brother, Albert E. Holmes and his wife Ethel of Oklahoma City;
a half sister, Rosa Pogue of Austin, Texas; two granddaughters,
Teresa Waxler and Amy Risenhoover of Norman, seven
grandsons, Bll Waxler of Norman, Jack Risenhoover of Lake
Arrowhead, Calif., and Chris, David, Paul, Jonathan and Peter
Risenhoover of Norman; eight stepgrandchildren, Timmy, Kelly,
Andrea, Michael, Travis, Lisa and Kristen Gourley of Moore,
and Chapell Easterley of Cardiff By The Sea, Calif.; two
great -granddaughters; two great -grandsons; several neices
and nephews; and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. And Mrs. J.S.
Risenhoover, a brother, the Rev. Clay Risenhoover, four sisters,
Daisy Hargrave and Lilly Lane of Wewoka, aand Eliza Jones
and Leona Woods of Seminole.
The family has suggested the J.D. and Mary Risenhoover
Scholarship Fund c/o Bank of Oklahoma, 3550 W. Main,
Norman, 73069, as appropriate for memorial contributions.
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