Earl "Bruce" Mumford, 85, formerly of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma left us on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 in Lawton to be with his beautiful wife Gerri.

On July 7, 1934 a precious baby boy was born to Eula Painter Mumford and Earl Mumford in Henryetta, Oklahoma. Bruce was the second born child and the first son born to his parents. A baby brother and baby sister soon followed. Bruce was a very inquisitive child and loved to ask questions. This trait stayed with him all of his life and he taught his children and grandchildren the power of a question. As a little boy he loved to build and fly kites and won a kite building/flying contest in the first grade. He continued to love kites throughout his life. Bruce attended Henryetta, Oklahoma schools during his school years. He excelled in sports and earned the nickname of Rapid Robert due to his speed in track. While in school he worked at his parent's grocery store, Mumford's Grocery. After graduating high school He joined the US Navy at the age of 17. After his honorable discharge he returned home to Henryetta and started to school at OSU in Okmulgee, Oklahoma where he earned an Associate's degree in Engineering Aide. On December 8, 1955 he met the love of his life, Geraldine Ramona Minyard. A few short months later they were married on February 17, 1956. Bruce and Gerri shared a lifetime of love and celebrated 63 years of marriage together. Bruce and Gerri had three children, two boys and one girl. After their first son was born they moved to Texas where Bruce worked as a land surveyor. Later they returned to Henryetta where they owned and operated a salvage business and continued to work and live there until moving to Tulsa where Bruce took a job with American Chicle Company. Two years in a row he was the top salesman in the United States. He was offered a position with the company in New York City. After living in Manhattan for six months, he and Gerri decided they wanted to raise their children in Oklahoma. He began to study for his real estate license and soon began selling homes. Later he became a successful building contractor in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After many years of doing this he and Gerri decided to try something new. They built a ranch and raised Santa Gertrudis cattle. After ranching Bruce and Gerri became antique dealers and were known across the country for their expertise in antique coffee grinders, antique salesman sample toy stoves, quilts and graniteware. Bruce also loved to volunteer and enjoyed his time with Volunteers of America as well as St. Francis Hospital. He and Gerri loved working together and lived life to the fullest. They both commented that they lived three lifetimes in one. Bruce had an infectious laugh, loved sitting in the sun and yellow roses. His favorite song was Schubert's Ave Maria. His family was everything to him and he was so proud of his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. After losing his precious Gerri December 16, 2018 Bruce's health declined. They will both forever be in our hearts.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Michael (Kimberley) Mumford of Bellevue, Washington, Joel (Cindy) Mumford of Damascus, Oregon and Kimberly (Ted) Williams of Lawton, Oklahoma, grandchildren Christine, Marisa-Claire, Lisbee, Nathan, Ali, Aaron and Melissa, 12 great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Lahoma Morris of Midland, TX along with other family members and many friends. The family will be hosting a private family celebration honoring the life of Bruce.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Beverly Ann Mumford, Donna Jean Kirkpatrick, and brother, Richard Wayne Mumford and his wife Gerri.

Arrangements are under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.