Jimmie Dale O'Steen

Jimmie “Dale” O’Steen, retired educator of Durant, passed away Tuesday, January 1, 2013, at the age of 78. He was born in Willis, Oklahoma, on August 21, 1934, to parents Chester Lewis and Carrie Belle (Jackson) O’Steen Jim grew up in Marshall County, Oklahoma, and graduated from Russett High School. After graduation, Jim worked as a truck driver for Clint Williams. In July, 1954 he entered the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. Jim was awarded the National Service Defense Medal & Good Conduct Medal. Jim attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. In 1964, he achieved a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri. From 1971-1973 Jim worked on his Doctorate in Computer Science at the University of Oklahoma. Jim married Karen Maxine Jones, on June 2, 1964, in McAlester, Oklahoma. Following their marriage, Jim was hired by IBM in Huntsville, Alabama to work as a prime team member in the Manned Flight Awareness Program. His engineering team developed an IU component for the Saturn /Apollo Spaceship. In 1967, Jim moved his family to Durant, Oklahoma, and brought with him the knowledge to head the first Computer Science Department at SOSU. He also developed, and installed the program that led to the university’s original computerized enrollment. Jim retired from Southeastern in 1995, with 28 years of service. In his retirement Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and especially attending his grandkids activities. He liked tending to his garden every summer, yard work and woodworking. Jim was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Blue Key, Kappa Delta Pi, a volunteer youth baseball and basketball coach, Boy Scout Cub Master and Durant Athletic Club Treasurer. He has been an active member at Northwest Church of Christ for many years serving as coordinator of the Feeders Program. He volunteered for RSVP where he assisted with Meals on Wheels and their blood drives. Jim was an officer for the Oklahoma Retired Teachers Association. Jim is survived by his wife, Karen O’Steen of the home; son Jerry Dale and daughter-in-law Ashley of Shawnee, Oklahoma; son Stephen Wayne and daughter-in-law Barbara of Durant, Oklahoma; son Mark Lee and daughter-in-law Laura of Lino Lakes, Minnesota; 9 grandchildren Tina O’Steen Thorne and husband Jared of Durant, Katy O’Steen of Edmond, Hazel Knudson of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, Shelby O’Steen of Shawnee, Carter Knudson of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, Casey O’Steen of Durant, Connley O’Steen of Shawnee, and twins Ashlyn and Eva O’Steen of Lino Lakes, Minnesota; 1 great granddaughter Kenidee Thorne of Durant. He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers, 4 sisters and several nieces and nephews. Services are planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Northwest Church of Christ in Durant, Oklahoma, with burial at Lark Cemetery. John Carrell and Don Gelles will officiate, with congregational singing led by Rudy Manley. Casket Bearers will be nephews. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownsfuneralservice.com. Services under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service PDF Printable Version

Jimmie Dale O'Steen

August 21, 1934 - January 1, 2013