Emile Sol Bayouth

Emile Sol Bayouth, 87, ìHave I told you lately, I love you?î Emile Sol Bayouth was welcomed, for eternity, with open arms by his Lord and Savior on August 14, 2014. Emile was born October 20, 1926 into the family of Solomon and Salwa Bayouth. As one of 12 children in the family, Emile always said, ìI was blessed to be raised in such a large family.î His childhood was spent in Collinsville, OK and Wellington, TX. It was this time when his love began to develop for the game of football and the freedom of living in America. Shortly after graduating from Collinsville High School in 1944, because of his love for America and his four older brothersí example, Emile enlisted in the Navy. When Emile asked for permission from his father, he received a simple reply ìYou know, all your brothers are in the service. I think itís a good idea for you also.î For nearly two years Emile served on the USS Osmond Ingram Destroyer, which was heavily involved in the battles at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Emile received an Honorable Discharge from the Navy in 1946. He was unbelievably proud to have the privilege to protect his countryís freedom. He consistently reminded others, ìThose that died for your freedom didn't owe their lives to you any more than you owe your life to them.î After proudly serving his country Emile returned to his first love, football. He played one season at Independence Junior College in Kansas and then transferred to Tulsa University to play one more year of football. Upon returning to Collinsville he quickly took notice of a school friend of his sisters, Delores and JoAnn, Katie Dampf. After asking her to the movies she replied, ìWith you? Ok, I guess so.î On May 3, 1949, a year and a half after Katieís enthusiastic reply to a date with Emile, the two married. After finally telling their families of their marriage (a two week long secret), Emile and Katie worked jobs in and around Tulsa in family stores. In 1951 Emile and his family moved to Wagoner to open a dry goods store. They loved their time in Wagoner and made many friends. However, due to slow dry-goods business, Emile in January 1955, with the help of his brothers, moved his family to a new store and a new town, Cleveland, OK. Though his family, his country, and his Oklahoma Sooners hold special places in his heart, according to Emile the best decision he ever made came shortly after moving to Cleveland. While attending church, his wife Katie informed Emile that she was going to get baptized. During invitation time, Emile unexpectedly followed her down the aisle and gave his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This decision impacted not only Emile and his family, but has left a legacy of faith that has reached all over the country, around the world, and has spanned four generations. Emile faithfully served, until his death, in many capacities at First Christian Church in Cleveland from teaching Sunday School to serving on the church board as a deacon and elder. During his 60 years in Cleveland, Emile was as a devoted Cleveland Tiger as you could find. On more than one occasion he served as the chairman of the Retail Merchants Association and was active in the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce for many years. Additionally, he served on the Pawnee County Industrial Board and Cleveland Library Board. He also served on the Cleveland Tiger Athletic Booster Club and could always be seen standing in the end zone at Tiger Football games shooting his ìTiger Shotgunî for any Tiger score. Emile helped lead the installation of the American Flag on the south hill in Cleveland and was responsible for raising money and developing the idea for the Cleveland War Memorial. The Memorial was, admittedly, his favorite project he worked on for Cleveland. After his devotion to God, church, family, work and the community, Emile spent the rest of his time cheering for the Oklahoma Sooners. From 1963 until Katie passed away he did not miss a home football game or an OU vs Texas game. He shared many memories tailgating before every game with his favorite Sooner fans from Cleveland. He also loved taking high school players to Oklahoma games to show them the Mecca of College Football. Emile was preceded in death by brothers: Jamil, William, Kay, Bus, and Eddie; sisters Louise Farris, Juanita Jorishie and Inez Jones; and wife, Katie. He is survived by younger siblings Delores Sallee, JoAnn Naifeh, and Tex Bayouth, oldest child Cathy (and husband, Archie) Pearmon of Maryland, son Danny (and wife, Lee) Bayouth of Cleveland, youngest child Toni (and husband, Doug) Stevens of Allen, TX, grandchildren Mindy, Leslie (and husband, Billy), Marcia, Sol (and wife, Libby), and Douglas, 2 great-grandchildren Sully and Lillian, a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews, and 3 special family member Sherie Estrella, Joy Schuellein, and Betty Orcutt. Emile, lovingly referred to by family as ìGiddo,î the Lebanese term for granddad, wanted to share with all who will listen, the three things that were most important in his life. ìGod. Country. And Family. I pray that you will always put God first in your life, that you will always love and respect America, and last but not least, love your family and always, always lead by example.î In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to First Christian Church Missions Fund (Mail to: First Christian Church, 100 S. Division, Cleveland, OK 74020).