William L. (Bill) Flaherty was born on January 11, 1918 to George Hughey Flaherty and Clara Belle Potter Flaherty. He was born youngest of 8 children. Doc Irvin, the family friend who delivered Bill, said he was born on the coldest night in the coldest room in the coldest winter he had ever delivered a "young un." During Bill's early childhood the family lived in and operated a hotel and livery stable 1 block east of Main Street in Gage. Bill was baptized at the age of 12 in the Gage Beach by a tent revival pastor, sponsored by the Christian Church in Gage.
Bill attended Gage school, graduating in 1937. During those years Bill was very active in baseball, football, basketball and band. After graduation Bill attended college at Northwestern State University in Alva, majoring in journalism. During that time he played football for the school before injuring his knee. He was first chair trombone player for the college band. On Nov. 20th 1942, he was called to active duty in the U.S. Army. He served as Tech Sergeant when he shipped out to the Philippines. He was the Communications Chief of the entire 780th Field Artillery Battalion. He was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Bronze Star at the end of his service.
Bill was united in marriage to Evelyn May Bayless on Sept. 15, 1947, in Canadian, Texas. This family was blessed with 5 children: Margie Sue, Patricia Lee, Christine Ellen, Michael William and Timothy Dee. Bill and Evelyn created a loving home in Gage for their family during these years. In 1986, Bill lost his "Daisy" with the passing of Evelyn.
During Bill's lifetime, his favorite job was carrying the mail on his rural route. Even though it was the longest route in the state of Oklahoma, it was the first job he ever had that allowed him to be home every evening with his family. Bill enjoyed keeping up his yard and home, golfing, and following his beloved Sooner football team. His greatest passion, however, was his family. His home has been the center of countless happy family gatherings throughout the years.
Bill married Mary Myers on July 23, 1988. They were faithful attendees of the First Baptist Church in Gage until failing health limited their ability to attend regularly. His faith and love in his Lord Jesus was very important to him, especially in recent years.
Family members preceding Bill in death were Evelyn, his Parents, 3 brothers, Dee, Floyd and Hughey; 4 sisters, Helen Harbour, Lois Morris Mary and Dorothy Flaherty. Also, one son-in-law, Dr. Bruce Shapton, and 2 grandsons, Stewart Lee Shapton and James Patrick Flaherty. He leaves to CELEBRATE his life 5 children: Margie Sue Miller and husband Larry of Gage, Patricia Shapton of Auburn, CA, Christine Rymer and husband Dewayne of Littleton, CO, Dr. Mike Flaherty and wife Linda of Shattuck, and Timothy Flaherty and wife Kathy of Medford, OK.
Bill leaves 14 Grandchildren and spouses, Bruce and Carolyn Miller of Snow Hill, MD, Kristi and Chad Wiard of Broken Arrow, OK, Lori and Thad Shepherd of Catonsville, MD, Alan Shapton of Santa Barbara, CA, Amy Shapton of Huntington Beach, CA and Spencer Shapton of Auburn, CA, Sam Rymer of Denver, Sarah Rymer and Claire Rymer, both of Littleton, CO, Nathan and Kellie Flaherty, Dr. Jennifer and Charley Berends, and Becky and Matt Budig, all of Shattuck, Ryan Flaherty of Tulsa, and Tyler and Amanda Flaherty of Cherokee, OK.
He leaves 25 Great-grandchildren, Tiffany, Ben and Timmy Miller, Chelsea and MaKenzie Wiard, Katie and Vadeem Narudsky, Victoria, Olivia, Preston and Samantha Shepherd, Shara Shapton, Noah Rymer, Ray, Rachel, Grace and Luke Flaherty, Kalen and Grey Berends, Scott, Jadyn and Camden Budig, Mikey Flaherty, and Rodderick and Cody Flaherty. Also, twin great-great grandchildren due in January.
With his marriage to Mary, his family grew to include her children Judy and husband, Scott Grey and children Steve, Joni, and Carol and families. Ray Schweitzer and wife Jean. The late Carolyn Jane Poindexter and her children Kelly, Krista and James and families. Claudette and husband, Wes Ehrlich and children Nathan and Annie and families.
His family misses him dearly, but rejoices that he is now in the presence of Christ Jesus his Lord. We live with the assurance that through our Lord's sacrifice, we will spend eternity with our Dad, Grandpa and Bill . In Christ there are no goodbyes.