Jerry Nofire

Rev. Jerry Nofire the son of Robert and Unabelle (Coleman) Nofire was born May 5, 1933, in Nicut, Oklahoma, and departed this life on January 7, 2022, at the age of 88 years, 8 months and 2 days.

Jerry married Louise Pritchett on September 4, 1953, and to this union were born ten children; four boys and six girls. He grew up in the Nicut area. In his younger days he played baseball and had the chance to go play professional baseball which he turned down to be with his family. He became a deacon at the Oak Ridge Baptist Church on June 14, 1980; then became a licensed minister in 1981. He became an Ordained minister in 1984 when he was chosen as Pastor of the Oak Ridge Baptist Church, where he served until his death. He lovingly performed numerous baptisms and weddings over the years. When his health allowed he enjoyed fishing, cutting wood, and hauling hay with his sons. He loved to tell stories about his younger days and making everyone laugh. He always made time for everybody. He prayed for everyone especially the children. He always told the children that he loved them. Most of all he loved the Lord, he enjoyed reading the Bible and talking about the Bible. He loved his church congregation and he preached his final sermon on December 26, 2021. He touched many lives over the years and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Louise (Pritchett) Nofire; his children Gary Nofire, Pauline Livers, Maxie Nofire and Janice Nofire; his brothers Robert Nofire Jr., James Nofire, Jackson Nofire and Abel Nofire; and his grandchildren James Nofire, Gary Nofire Jr., and  Jonathan Nofire and great grandchild Armondo Nofire.

He is survived by a loving family which includes his children Eugene Nofire and wife Betty, Junior Nofire and wife Frances, Norma Cochran and husband Roger, Eva Cochran and husband Andrew, Lavonna Scott and husband Thurman and Rose Cochran and husband Jerry; his granddaughters that he raised as his own Jodie Ross and husband Lonnie and Bobbi Turner all of Stilwell; his sisters Margaret Terripin of Stilwell and Akie Gourd of Tahlequah; his brother Mose Nofire and wife Mary of Nicut; a special relative and friend to the family Harry Daugherty; 43 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Several nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives also survive him.