Lewis Albert McCord Obituary
Lewis Albert "Al" McCord, husband, father, grandfather, geologist, and Christian disciple, of Norman, Oklahoma, died on January 10, 2021. Mr. McCord was born in Pawhuska, OK on August 12, 1927, to Lewis and Clara McCord. His father was a United States postal carrier from Illinois and his mother was a homemaker and nurse from Ohio. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 72 years and 7 months, Rosemary Redford McCord, who passed away in December 2019. He is survived by three daughters, Carole Craig and her husband Jeff, of Norman, OK, Dr. Rebecca McCord of Lynchburg, VA, and Dr. Mary McCord and her husband, Henry Croes, of Warrensburg, MO, as well as a sister, JoAnn Yeargan of Ada, Oklahoma, ten grandchildren, David Craig, Saura Craig, Stephen Craig, Jennilee Craig, Jecole Craig Gray, Kierna Craig, Kelly Cousins, Catherine McCord, April Skaggs, and Anastasia Croes, and eight great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. McCord was predeceased by one son, David, two sisters, Clara Standifer and Eunice Dunlap, one grandson, Micah Craig, and one great-granddaughter, Audrey Gray.
Mr. McCord attended public schools, graduating from Pawhuska High School in 1944 and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Oklahoma in 1950. He was employed as a geologist by Cities Service, British American, Superior Oil, Arnold Petroleum, and Tenneco Oil Companies, before going independent in 1970 with the formation of Royal Operating Company. Over the next 35 years, Mr. McCord was self-employed, forming two more companies, Alroy and Al McCord, Inc., and drilling over 1000 oil wells in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. He was a member of the Oklahoma Geological Society for over 50 years.
Mr. McCord met his wife, Rosemary, while they were students at Oklahoma Baptist University in 1946 and married on May 31, 1947, by her father, Dr. Courts Redford. They moved often, living in Oklahoma and Texas, before settling in Norman in 1966. In 2012, on the occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin presented the couple with a Governor's Commendation as "a tribute to your love and (for being) an inspiration to others." The McCords enjoyed entertaining family and friends in their home and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Mr. McCord proudly served in the Marine Corps, 20th Infantry Battalion, 1st Marine Division, from 1945-46, earning a Military Specialty as a rifleman and Browning automatic rifle operator, and playing bass in the Marine Dance Band. He reentered the Marines to serve in the Korean War.
Mr. McCord was a member of First Baptist Church in Norman, and enjoyed the preaching and fellowship at Bethel Baptist Church in Norman, as well. Wherever he and his family lived, they were active, faithful members of a local Southern Baptist Church; he served as deacon, choir member, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, and College Department leader. He will be fondly remembered and respected as a well-read Bible scholar who taught the Aquila and Priscilla Class at First Baptist Church for many years. With tenderness and boldness, he led many to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The McCords were donors to Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, and to Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee.
A man of integrity and principle, Al McCord will be well remembered as a loving and loyal husband and father, a devoted friend, and a hard working and talented geologist. He never knew a stranger, but was friendly and outgoing.
A Celebration of Life Service for Mr. McCord will take place at First Baptist Church, Norman, at a future date in 2021.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Norman.
