Robert Perry Beaver

Robert Perry Beaver, 75, of Morris, OK, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2014 at his home. Perry is survived by his wife Mariam of 46 years, children Brant Robb Beaver, Brent B. Beaver, Robin L. Beaver, and Del Beaver and his wife Rhonda K.; three grandchildren Isaiah C. Lowe, Kynnedi Gibson, and Olivia K. Beaver; siblings Pete Beaver and wife Bridget, Letha Mae Rutherford and husband Frank, Miley Hargis and husband Gene, Cora Sue Berryhill, Jean Froman, Hanna Beaver, and Sally Beth Wittman and husband Royce, and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Della Mae Fox Beaver and two brothers John and Oscar Beaver. Perry was born on December 13, 1938 in Muskogee, OK to John and Della Mae Fox Beaver. He graduated from Morris High School and attended Murray State College where he earned All American athletic honors. He then played football at the University of Louisiana-Monroe where he also earned All American athletic honors before being drafted to play for the Green Bay Packers under legendary Coach Vince Lombardi. On March 30, 1968, he married Mariam Ruth Bruner, and they made their home in Jenks, OK. He earned his Masters of Education from Northeastern State University and became an educator with Jenks Public School for 25 years. While at Jenks he worked his way up to head coach of the football program, leading the team to its first-ever two state championships. Perry also served his tribe, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, for many years where he sat as a Representative on the National Council before being elected Second Chief and later Principal Chief of the Nation from 1996 - 2003. He retired in 2004. He has been recognized nationwide for his athletic talent, outstanding coaching, and his contributions to the native community as well as the local community. Perry was inducted into Murray State Athletic Hall of Fame, University of Louisiana-Monroe Athletic Hall of Fame, Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Free Masons and Shriners. He was a member of Big Cussetah Indian United Methodist Church in Morris, OK. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends laughing and telling stories. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Monday, July 14, 2014 at Jackson Funeral Home in Okmulgee, OK. Funeral services will be at First Baptist Church in Okmulgee, OK, on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 1:30 pm with Rev. Newman Frank officiating. Burial will follow at Big Cussetah Indian United Methodist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made to Big Cussetah Building Fund, 16210 N. 270 Rd, Okmulgee, OK 74447. Pallbearers will be John M. Beaver, Anderson Berryhill III, Kyle Wittman, Drew Wittman, Lance Stephens, Shannon Stephens, Harold Gossman and Buddy Beaver.