Juel Sweatte

Juel Sweatte of Norman, Oklahoma died Sunday August 23, 2009 at the age of 79. Mr. Sweatte was born June 15, 1930 in Miami, Florida, to Mr. Leo Sweatte and Mrs. Grace Gooding. He was raised aboard the USS Amphitrite, a hotel ship which traveled along the Eastern seaboard. Juel settled in Georgetown, SC where he graduated high school and played football earning him a full scholarship to the University of Oklahoma to play football under coach Bud Wilkerson. While attending the University of Oklahoma, Juel was awarded the title of an All American Back, and won the Big 7 Championship in the 60 and 100 yard dash in both 1953-54. Juel served for the Navy in the Korean War. Upon returning to Oklahoma, Juel was drafted to play football for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1955. He returned to Oklahoma to be joined with his wife Elaine, and in 1957 built a restaurant named Glenn's Drive In, which later was operated for 28 years as a Sonic. Today this well known landmark on Lindsey Street is recognized as Classic 50's Drive-In and is still serving the community.Till his death, Juel remained very active in his community. He was a life long member of the "O Club", OU's official letterman's club. His restaurant donated a great deal of time and efforts to the University; he raised funds and created billboards for the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. Classic 50's continues to donate food and cups to numerous University affairs today, not to mention creating wonderful memories for today's youth, and people from the past growing up and cruising to the Drive-In.Mr. Sweatte is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mrs. Elaine Sweatte; his three children; Kelly Sweatte, Tim Sweatte, and Leslie Seal; and his six grandchildren, Jeri Sieber, T.J. Sieber, Jenny Czinder, Jonathan Czinder, Christopher Sweatte and Alyssa Sweatte; and two older brothers, Mr. Leo Sweatte of Beaford SC, and Mr. Charles Sweatte of Alaska. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Grace Sweatte, and one younger sister, Mrs. Betty Ann Ryan.The services will be at 10:00 am on Friday August 28, 2009 at the First Baptist Church in Norman. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 27, 2009 from 6-8 PM at Primrose Funeral Service in Norman. Services are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Service.Submitted by family