Mervin Parkhurst

Mervin Eugene Parkhurst, 90, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on September 12, 2025. Merv was born on November 28, 1934 in Woodland, California to Everett and Marie (Firchow) Parkhurst. The oldest of seven children, he grew up in Dixon, California and graduated from Dixon High School in 1952. In 1956, he and his lifelong best friend, Alan Schmeiser, enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving together for two years in the 6th Army Color Guard. After his military service, Merv began a long career with Shell Oil Company in California. He married Luanne Ebbage, and Shell moved the couple to Houston, Texas. After 15 years with Shell, Merv returned to California, working for El Dorado County and Kingswood Christian School. In 1979, he moved his family to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to begin a 20-year career with American Airlines. Known for his dedication, Merv retired in 1998 without missing a single day of work. Never one to sit still, he spent 15 additional years with Brinks and later enjoyed part-time work at Drillers Stadium until his health began to decline in 2024. Merv will be remembered for his devotion to family, his lifelong love of baseball and classical music, and his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He knew and believed as a young child that we are all sinners in need of a Savior and that salvation, which allows us to spend eternity in heaven, is a free gift that was offered to us because Jesus paid the price for our sins when he died on the cross to be our ultimate sacrifice – once and for all. He raised his family to know and believe that and was confident that one day soon, we will be reunited in heaven. After moving to Broken Arrow, Mervin was very involved in his community. He helped alongside his church, First Baptist of Broken Arrow, to sponsor and help acclimate multiple Vietnamese and Cambodian immigrants who were fleeing oppression from those countries. After his time at FBCBA, Mervin moved his membership to Battle Creek Church, where he served on the greeting team. He was also a very active attender at the First Slavic Baptist Church in Tulsa, where he was welcomed and loved by many. A true baseball enthusiast, Mervin could recall games, jersey numbers, and plays from decades past, and he loved sharing those stories with anyone who would listen. Coaching his children’s’ teams and cheering at his grandchildren’s games were among his greatest joys. He also served as the President of Broken Arrow Youth Baseball for a season, advancing the organization forward in many ways during his tenure. His love for baseball took him to many Oral Roberts University games where he was a season ticket holder and booster for their program. He is survived by his wife, Luanne; his children Kim (Shane) Stokes, Brad (Angie) Parkhurst, Daniel (Mandi) Parkhurst, and Carrie (Ben) Cody; and his grandchildren Hallie (Mark) Oatman, Cammie Stokes, Denys Stokes, Slavik Stokes, Adley Stokes, Cameron (Natalie) Parkhurst, Carson Parkhurst, Avery Parkhurst, Amber Parkhurst, Leah Parkhurst, Joshua Parkhurst, Elijah Parkhurst, Paige (Greyson) Owens, Connor Cody, Kai Cody, and Drew Cody; as well as four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Ron (Cynthia) Parkhurst, LaVerne Ogren, Joanne (Jerry) Moore, David (Janet) Parkhurst, and Jim (Cathy) Parkhurst, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. Merv was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Marie Parkhurst; his sister, Shirley Parkhurst; and his brother-in-law, Donnie Ogren. A private family celebration of life will be held on his birthday, November 28, with interment following at Fort Gibson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would request anyone who desires to contribute do so to the Oral Roberts University Athletic Program, or to Angel Care Hospice of Broken Arrow, who faithfully ministered to Merv and his family over the last year.

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Mervin Parkhurst

November 28, 1934 - September 12, 2025