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Oran McCune

1927 - 2016

Oran McCune obituary, 1927-2016, Gary, IN

BORN

1927

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Guy & Allen Funeral Directors, Inc.

2959 West 11th Avenue

Gary, Indiana

Oran McCune Obituary

Oran McCune was born on February 2, 1927 to the late Simon and Mamie McCune in Union, Mississippi. Oran had a love for poetry and a thirst for knowledge. He spent hours reading and reciting poetry as well as reading the dictionary to increase his vocabulary. Oran served in the Army during WWII. When he returned from service, Oran attended Jackson State University. While at Jackson State, he had an incredible football career and became a member of Omega Psi Phi. He was the first African American in his hometown to graduate from college. Most importantly at Jackson State, Oran met Hattie Heard, who would become his devoted wife of 66 years. To this union 4 children were born: Oran ll, Ana, Deborah and Simon. He was very proud of his wife, his children and all they accomplished. After graduating from Jackson State, Oran and Hattie moved to Chicago, and he attended graduate school at the University of Chicago, where he received a Master's Degree in Education. After receiving his Master's Degree, Oran went on to be an educator in the Chicago and Gary Public School Districts. A tough disciplinarian, Oran is most known for his work as a Principal at Wirt High School and Ernie Pyle. At Ernie Pyle, he successfully overcame obstacles to make positive changes in the school, which ultimately spilled over in to the community. He also spearheaded Teacher Core, a program which afforded the opportunity for those interested to receive a degree in teaching. After retirement, Oran continued his education by taking various classes and continuing to read until his sight failed. Oran was a man that wore many hats in his career, and he accomplished a great deal. He was a Teacher, Counselor, Principal, and Father. But the job that he was proudest of and did to perfection was Grandfather, or lovingly G Pop. Oran had 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, whom he loved very much. He loved spending time with each of them, telling them about their family history, and teaching them about so many of the things he had learned and read. Oran leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Hattie; his children: Oran McCune II, Ana McCune (Special Daughter), Deborah McCune, and Simon (Kara) McCune; and his grandchildren: Amy Williams, Alex Williams, Tristan Van de Velde, Yann Van de Velde and Simon McCune, II. Visitation Friday, August 26, 2016 from 9-10:00 a.m. Family hour 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. all services at St. Timothy Community Church 1600 W. 25th Ave. Rev. R. E. Robinson officiating.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post-Tribune on Aug. 24, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Oran McCune

Not sure what to say?





Nuzhat Haneef

September 20, 2016

My Dear Mrs. McCune (Mother), Ana, Debbie, Oran, and Simon,

It is with a heavy heart that I address you on this occasion. I am sorry I have not been in touch for so long although I have been communicating with Ana for some time recently.

I do cherish my memories of Father and the time I spent with your family. I just read the obituary and feel proud of Father's many accomplishments.

He is now relaxing in the afterlife, enjoying the rewards of all his good works in this life. May his soul be in peace. For the loved ones left behind, I pray for comfort and for happiness in his memory.

My fond regards and best wishes to all.

Nuzhat Haneef

Natalie Parr Stewart

August 31, 2016

To Mrs. McCune and family... I was so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. You have my sincerest and deepest sympathy.

David Hale

August 27, 2016

My condolences to the McCune family.

Ms Evelyn Horton Reaves

August 26, 2016

My family joins me in extending sincerest condolences to the McCune family. We shall always remember Mr McCune as a scholarly gentleman who worked tirelessly to leave his communiy-at-large in a better condition than he found it. He was an exemplary educator that positively impacted many lives. He will be sorely missed.

Our prayers are offered for your comfort at this difficult time .

Nancy Mingo

August 26, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family of Oran McCune. I pray for God's strength as you celebrate the life of my dear cousin.

Full Obituary - Oran McCune pg. 2

August 25, 2016

Full Obituary - Oran McCune pg.1

August 25, 2016

Sheila Howard

August 25, 2016

My 5th grade teacher...my fellow classmates and I were in grades 4-6 together and we are still a close group as adults, Mr. McCune as our teacher made our journey together that much more memorable. I think he would be proud of us and our many accomplishments. Job well done Mr. McCune.

Jill Keeton Sudberry

August 25, 2016

My condolences to the McCune family. Mr. McCune was a wonderful man and an excellent role model. I had the privilege of being in his 5th grade class at Lincoln School in Gary,Indiana. I later met and worked with his daughter, Ana when I did my student teaching, and briefly worked as a building substitute teacher at Gary West Side High School (1975-1976). I pray that God will comfort the entire McCune family during this time of bereavement.

Edwardo Rhodes

August 25, 2016

My condolences and prays to the family of this strong and wonderful man.

Anna Torres Ocasio McAndrew

August 24, 2016

May Mr. McCune RIP. I knew he was a special person as he guided and directed us through Wirt HS. I remember him fondly. After reading the orbituary it is not surprising to see that he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. May our Lord comfort you all, he will be sorely missed. Always a Trooper

michael joiner

August 24, 2016

What a wonderful and inspiring life from my principal at Wirt 72-77....Thank you, sir...for setting a great example...you will be missed.

Carolyn Manuel

August 24, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. McCune, he was my fifth grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School and I had the privilege of being in the Teacher Core program under his leadership. He was the first male teacher I had and his love of education and discipline must have influenced me to follow that path. He was a memorable teacher.
Again, my sincere expression of loss to the entire family.
Respectfully,
Carolyn Manuel

Sue Sawa Lemon

August 24, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the McCune family and friends. I was a student at Wirt back in the 70's. At that time Mr. McCune was the assistant principal to Mr. Richard Barrack. He certainly had a presence about him as he walked the halls. I'm sure he made an impression on every student there. Thank you for your service Mr. McCune. Rest peacefully in heaven. You certainly have earned it!

Laura Baker

August 24, 2016

My condolences to the family. I was a student at Wirt while he was there. May the Peace of God rest upon his family.

Cecilia ann Nash-grant

August 24, 2016

So sorry for your loss you have my deepest heartfelt sympathies may God bless you keep you you are always in my prayers.

Caryl West

August 24, 2016

My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Oran McCune. Simon, you are in my thoughts and prayers Phi. May God grant you and your entire family peace and comfort.

August 24, 2016

My condolences to the McCune family. Mr. McCune was an inspiration to so many at Wirt High School. RIP Mr. McCune. You will be missed.

August 24, 2016

So sad to hear. He was a kind & thoughtful vice principal when I was at Wirt and always enjoyed seeing him. So sorry for his family's loss.

Billy Madgett

August 24, 2016

I would like to send my deepest condolences to Simon and the McCune family. You will be in my prayers.

Karen Terrell

August 24, 2016

Simon, Sending my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. May God's peace be with you. Praying for all.

Brady Bryant

August 24, 2016

Mr mccune was a great assistant principal at Kennedy king middle school he will be greatly missed my condolences to the family

Shyrl Bethel

August 24, 2016

Simon, my deepest condolences to you. I am praying for you and your family. God bless and keep you, Brother!!!

Nikki Murray

August 24, 2016

Simon, my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to you and your Family. God Bless you always.

Carolyn Thompson

August 24, 2016

Simon, my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God Bless you and keep you lifted up during this difficult time....You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

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Memorial Events
for Oran McCune

Aug

26

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

St. Timothy Community Church

1600 W. 25th Ave., IN

Aug

26

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

St. Timothy Community Church

1600 W. 25th Ave., IN

Funeral services provided by:

Guy & Allen Funeral Directors, Inc.

2959 West 11th Avenue, Gary, IN 46404

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