VanPoolDecember 30, 1931 - January 13, 2013 LAWTON Graveside funeral service for COL (Retired) Jack L. VanPool, 81, Lawton, will be 2:00 p.m. Friday in the Post Cemetery, Fort Sill.Colonel VanPool died Sunday, January 13, 2013 in Lawton. Burial with full military honors will be in the Post Cemetery, Fort Sill, under the direction of the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home. He grew up in Oklahoma City and was a graduate of Capitol Hill High School. He would become an all-star basketball, baseball and football player and be selected as a high school "All American" football player his senior year in high school. In 1949 he quarterbacked a 12-0 and undefeated Capitol Hill High School to the State Championship. He was later inducted into the Capitol Hill High School Activities Association Hall of Fame in 2000. Following graduation he attended the University of Oklahoma where he played quarterback for Coach Bud Wilkinson on the football team from 1951 until 1953. He also played quarterback in the 1954 Orange Bowl and helped quarterback OU to a 7-0 victory over the number one ranked University of Maryland. His distinguished Army career spanned more than twenty-eight years and he retired at Fort Sill on August 31, 1983. He is survived by his wife of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Debra and David Davis; two grandchildren, Sarah and Michael Davis; a sister, Carol Ann Carter; a sister-in-law, Savilla VanPool; two additional daughters, Kelly Gipson and Sandy Mathis. An online guest book and sympathy cards are available atwww.beckerfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
I'm repeating myself, I'm sure, but Jack was my #1 hero when I was just a young lad in the early 1950's. He is the major reason I have been a life-long Sooner fan. I also graduated from Capitol Hill High School and never miss a chance to brag about my cousin Jack. Besides being a stellar athlete, he was an all around good guy. I was very shy when I was young, but he always made time for me when we were together.
David Senn
Family
January 11, 2021
Tamara Davis
January 18, 2013
I looked up to Jack my entire life and felt that he was the "best looking" and one of the most talented persons I had ever met--and I was fortunate and proud that he was in my family! He remained humble and loving, and never let the great honors that came his way go to his head. You are going to be missed, cousin Jack. We love you so much.
Jeanette Hedrick
January 17, 2013
Cousin Jack was my hero when I was a young lad and teen-ager. I started following the Sooners when Jack played for them and always admired him greatly. He once gave me a program with many of the players' autographs; it was a prized possession. RIP, Jack.
David Senn
January 17, 2013
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more