Elbert L "Al" Mutzig

Elbert L. "Al" Mutzig, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and community leader, passed away peacefully at his home on June 21, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of service, sportsmanship, and unwavering love for his family and community.
Born on January 5, 1940, Al was the proud New Year's Baby in his hometown of Tahlequah. He attended all 12 years of school there and was one of the first classes to attend all 3 years at the new Junior High. He graduated in 1958 and was one of the tennis players on an undefeated State Championship Team, Tahlequah's first. In order to keep the team's undefeated record intact, he played a doubles match by himself and WON when his partner had to leave to make a flight. The team was never defeated and won 38 straight victories, including the state championship, during his high school tennis career.
Immediately after high school graduation, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves, training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas and Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern State University in 1966. He then pursued graduate studies at the University of Central Oklahoma and North Texas State University.
He began his professional career teaching special education, coaching boys and girls tennis, and the offensive line coach for the football team in Chickasha, Oklahoma.
In 1975, he and his beloved wife, Phyllis Kay Chaudoin Mutzig, relocated back to Tahlequah where he transitioned into real estate. He served as Project Director of the Flint Ridge Development along the Illinois River, then he and Phyllis owned and operated four businesses one of which was Meigs Jewelry. He retired in 2000.
He was a member of Masonic Lodge #10, Bedouin Shrine Temple, Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, and of Royal Order of Jesters Court #99. He was a member of the Bedouin Clown Unit, always driving his tiny red clown car and interacting with the children, which he loved. He gave generously of his time serving on numerous boards and committees, including the Tahlequah Hospital Board of Directors, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the vestry of St Basils Episcopal Church; where he also served as Junior and Senior Warden and he led the charge in establishing a men's group, the MOB, or Men of Basil. Their main goals were helping the less fortunate.
Al and Phyllis were avid motorhome travelers, joyfully exploring all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico. He was a serious bird watcher, an enthusiastic fisherman, a true grill master, and never missed an opportunity to cheer on his children and grandchildren at games, performances and special events regardless of the locale.
Al is survived by his loving wife of 65 years: Phyllis. His 3 children: Gregory Kent of St Petersburg, FL,Elizabeth Montez of Tulsa and Everett Todd of Tahlequah. 2 grandchildren: Breanna Joy of Tucson, AZ, and Connor Helm of Fayetteville AR. 3 great grandchildren: Maxie Kay, Freeman Jay and Georgia Jane, 2 brothers, 3 nieces and 3 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Edwin and Euola Mutzig.
Al's legacy is one of love, laughter, leadership and loyalty. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure and honor of knowing him.
A private family Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date at St. Basil's Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bedouin Shriners Hospital Transportation fund, P.O. Box 1667, Muskogee, OK 74402, PH 918-682-2761. These donations are used to provide children and their families with travel and lodging to and from the free Shriner' Hospitals.
The family wishes to thank Traditions Hospice for their kind and professional assistance, especially Amber, Skye
and Tammy. And thank you to Kim, a very special helper. We give special appreciation to Green Country Funeral Home for their professionalism during this difficult time.