Funeral services for Jerald Dean Koehn, 74, of Fairview, Oklahoma, will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at the Church of God in Christ Mennonite with burial in the Cedar Cemetery.  Arrangements by Fairview Funeral Home Inc.

Jerald Dean Koehn was born on March 8, 1947, to John L. and Martha Schmidt Koehn.  He passed away on February 2, 2022, reaching the age of 74 years.

Jerald grew up on the family farm near Ringwood, Oklahoma.  His early years helped set a course for his life, as this is where he got his start in hard work and raising watermelons.  For most of his school years, he attended Ringwood schools.  On March 10, 1969, Jerald was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite at Fairview, Oklahoma, by Minister Carl Nightingale.

Jerald married Evelyn Nightingale of Fairview on October 5, 1969, and they enjoyed 52 years together.  Two daughters, Kathy and Stacey, were born to them.  Whether it was summer evenings working in the garden or winter evenings playing games and snacking on popcorn by the fire, we have so many childhood memories of time spent with Dad that will always be treasured.

Early in their marriage, Jerald and Evelyn spent two years in Blacksburg, Virginia, in 1W service working on an experimental farm and taking care of the unit boys.  Upon returning home, Jerald joined his father-in-law, Richard Nightingale, as a brick mason, a trade in which he continued for most of his life.  An avid gardener, he sold a lot of produce at his roadside stand over the years.  He was especially known for his watermelons.  Life wasn't all work, though.  Jerald and his brother Maynard shared many holidays and Saturdays fishing, and fishing eventually became a highlight that he and his grandchildren enjoyed together. This year around Christmas, several days before entering the hospital, he took his grandchildren fishing, and everyone caught one!

Jerald was a quiet, steady man, and he found quiet ways to give.  Whether ushering cars at church events, volunteering his time with Christian Disaster Relief, or just simply sitting at the breakfast table at the local café, Jerald, with his sense of humor and ready smile, will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  We are thankful that he left us with a witness of peace with God.

Left with a lifetime of memories are his wife Evelyn; two daughters, Kathy of Fairview, and Stacey and Kent Wadel of Greensburg, KS; four grandchildren, Tonya, Sharla, Jamen, and Mindi Wadel of Greensburg, KS; sister Linda Meister of Ringwood, OK; brother Maynard and Janice of Isabella, OK; brother-in-law Loyd and Janet Nightingale of Plai ns, KS, sisters-in-law Kathy Nightingale of Fairview, Ruthie Nightingale of Montezuma KS, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law, Doug Meister and Roy Nightingale; and two nephews, Matthew Meister and James Nightingale.

Memorial contributions may be made. to Bible School with Fairview Funeral Home, Inc acting as custodian.

Condolences may be made online at www.fairviewfuneralhomeinc.com.