Derry B. Ebert

1924 - 2011

Derry B. Ebert , a long time resident of Bartlesville, who practiced architecture there and throughout the area, died Saturday, July 16, 2011 following a long term illness.
Derry, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edison Ebert, was born in Blackwell, Ok. on November 24, 1924. Upon graduation from Kansas State University with a degree in architecture, he moved to Bartlesville where he had a successful career in architecture for 58 years. He designed over 1000 buildings including homes, schools, banks, medical facilities, churches and office sites. He designed the Bartlesville YMCA which he supported all of his life.
One of Derry's great joys was the friendships he formed during his time at the YMCA. He started and coached the YMCA wrestling program as a volunteer for 19 years and served as a member of the board of directors of the "Y" for25 years and as the president of that board for two years. He also coached Little League Baseball and League Softball for 15 years. Many young men came to value Mr. Ebert as a coach, mentor, friend and father figure. His years of service there, along with his participation in both basketball and racquetball supported lifetime friendships as well as a lifetime commitment to physical fitness.
He was a member of the First Wesleyan Church. He designed the sanctuary, as well as the Wesleyan Family Life Center. In addition, he designed the gymnasium for Oklahoma Wesleyan University. H e served for 20 years as the architect for Woolaroc and the Frank Phillips Foundation. He was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors where he served on the mayor's committee for the physically handicapped. In addition, he was a respected member of the Board of Governors for the State of Oklahoma Architectural organization. Derry was a devoted Boy Scout and served as a scout leader for many young boys. His service as a volunteer was a reflection of his generous spirit.
Derry's devotion to his family was evident throughout his lifetime. His beloved wife of 47 years, Carolee Kriter Ebert was his "sweetheart" for 8 years before they married. She preceded hi m in death in 1991. Derry and Carolee were married on December 15, 1944 during World War II, when he was serving in the United States Marine Corp. Derry was based in the Aleutian Islands during the war but was able to come back to the mainland for a period of time so he and Carolee could marry in Charlotte, NC. They have three children and their spouses, all of whom survive Derry: Mike and Carol Ebert of Stillwater, OK, and their children Ryan Ebert and Amy Ebert; Drs. Catherine (Ebert) and John Jameson of Davis, OK, and their children Brett Jameson and Carrie Jameson Webber; and Dr. Mark and Renee' Ebert of Stillwater, OK and their children Jason Ebert, Rachel Ebert Leslie, and Justin Ebert. Derry is the great grandfather of 8 great grandchildren: Tyler, Jake, Cole, and Gentry Ebert, Lauren and Cody Jameson, Benjamin Webber, and Cooper Leslie.
He traveled the world with various members of his family. He was able to travel to Washington. D.C. to see the recently erected WW II Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial. He fulfilled his goal to visit all 50 of the U.S. states, as well countries throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
Derry began his college career at Oklahoma A and M but left school to join the Marines. Sergeant Ebert was a dedicated USMC veteran and supported the military with his loyal patriotism. He not only displayed a commitment to patriotism through his military participation but passed on his love for the United States of America to his family, his friends, and his community. He served 3 years. Upon the end of the war, he returned to continue his education at Kansas State University. A scholarship in his name has been established at what is now Oklahoma State University and it is the hope of the family that many young people will gain the education to follow a successful career path, as Derry has done.
In addition to his many other contributions of time and talent, Derry served on the board for the Home Savings and Loan, the Kansas State Alumni Association, and American Institute of Architecture, the American Legion, and the Blackwell High School Alumni Association.
Derry 's brother Bill Ebert and his wife Nita live in Oklahoma City, his sister Norma Vickers resides in Hutchinson, Kansas, and his brother-in-law, Don Brewer lives in Billings, Montana. His sister, Bobbie Brewer and his brother-in-law, Don Vickers preceded him in death. Also, his sister-in-law Dorothy Hetrick and husband, Chuck reside in Stillwater, OK. Derry was married to Betty Mead from 1995 until December 2009 . Her daughter, Lisa Bolton and her family make their home in Michigan.
A memorial fund has been established and those who wish may send their contributions to the Derry and Carolee Ebert Memorial Fund and The Richard Kane YMCA, 101 N.E. Osage Abe., Bartlesville, Oklahoma, 74003.
The funeral will be held at the First Wesleyan Church in Bartlesville at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 with Rev. Joe Colaw officiating. Interment will be at Blackwell Cemetery in Blackwell, Oklahoma at 3:30 P.M. on Wednesday next to our beloved mother Carolee. Stumpff Funeral Home in Bartlesville will handle all arrangements.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons and grandsons-in-law: Ryan Ebert, Brett Jameson, Jess Webber, Jason Ebert, Chris Leslie, and Justin Ebert.
Friends who wish may call for visitation at the Stumpff Funeral Home on Monday and Tuesday from 9 A.M. until 9 P.M .