Emery Retherford, 88, lifelong Cushing resident, died on May 8, 2023, at his home here in Cushing. Services will be Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer here in Cushing with Pastor Ron Rafferty officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairlawn Cemetery.
The son of the late Leroy Retherfrod and Alice Marie Case Retherford, he was born March 21, 1935, in Cushing and was reared and educated in Cushing. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve and later in the U.S. Army. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Cushing. He was a general contractor, building numerous houses in the Cushing and Stillwater area. He spent his final years working in the oilfield, retiring in 2017.
He was married to Iris Lauderdale, and to this union two daughters, Erin and Jill, were born. In May 1979, he married Anita Blake. He was married to Anita until his passing. He was a devoted husband and father. Emery was an active member of the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer here in Cushing. He loved the fellowship he had with the members and working around the church.
Emery enjoyed wood working, camping and spending time with family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Erin Lynn Turner; two step-mothers, Jane Retherford and Bertha Retherford; one sister, Gwendola Gilmore and three brothers, Freddie Retherfrod, Haskell Retherfrod and Troy Retherford.
Survivors include his wife, Anita, of the home; daughter, Jill Wright and husband, Kelly, of Cushing; one son-in-law Jim Turner of Sapulpa; two grandsons, Alex Wright of Phoenix and Grant Turner of Cushing; one brother, Neithel Retherford and wife, Diane, of Stillwater and many other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 730 E. Cherry, Cushing OK 74023 or to Traditions Hospice.
Services are under the direction of the Matherly-Davis Funeral Home. You may share your condolences with the family at www. matherlydavisfuneralhome.com.
