Merle (Leroy) Clavin Stocum

Merle Calvin Stocum, longtime member of the community passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2015, at the age of 88 years old.  Merle was born February 23, 1927, in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.  He was the son of Merle Leroy and Mabel (Mosley) Stocum.  As a young boy Leroy grew up in the Wellsboro area.  Following the completion of his education, Leroy moved to Oklahoma.  Leroy later joined the United States Army on May 21, 1945, during World War II.   He was initially assigned to Company A 4th Regiment of the Army Ground Force Replacement Depot No. 2.  Private First Class Leroy Stocum was later assigned to the Fourth Constabulary Squadron.  On November 12, 1946, Leroy was honorably discharged from the United States Army.   Upon his discharge Leroy returned to Oklahoma and gained employment as a truck driver.  On December 14, 1946, Leroy was united in marriage to Mary Joan "Joann" Dasher.  The two established their initial home in Tulsa and later moved to Jennings in 1969 where Leroy has continued to reside.  In the late 1970's, Leroy was employment with the Turnpike and retired in 1988.   Leroy enjoyed fishing and hunting.  Spending two weeks below the Grand Lake Damn was a yearly event while his kids were growing up.   Survivors are his daughter Jean Bishop of Tulsa, Oklahoma; son Merle C. "Smokey" Stocum, Jr. of Hallett, Oklahoma; daughter Tawny and her husband John McDole of Tulsa, Oklahoma; son Boy Bilyeau Stocum of Hallett, Oklahoma; son Shawn Stocum and his wife Misty of Cleveland, Oklahoma; two brothers Don Stocum and Leo Stocum both of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania; sister Carol Castleberry of Florida; half brother Kenneth Griffin of Tulsa, Oklahoma; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren that will mourn his passing.  In addition to his parents Leroy was preceded in death by his wife Joann Stocum, two daughters Patricia Phillips, Michelle "Button" Bixler, infant son Alan and brother Skipper Griffin.Graveside services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the Bethany Cemetery.  Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.  Friends may share a memory with the family online at www.chapman-black.com.