Harris "Junior" Troglin

Harris Troglin, Jr., born August 24, 1945, in Seminole, Oklahoma, passed away Monday, September 21st at the age of 81. The son of Harry and Delora Troglin, Harris entered the world weighing only three pounds, and—as his brother Charles liked to joke—didn’t start growing until they gave him snuff and tobacco. It was the first of many stories that revealed his grit, humor, and the stubborn determination that shaped his life.

Harris attended school in Burtton, Kansas, and later in Bowlegs, Oklahoma, graduating in 1964. Soon after, he began working for an electrical contractor, starting a lifetime of hard work that would define him. On February 25, 1968, he married Gloria Dinwiddie. They lived briefly in Seminole before Harris decided that “the country is the only real place to live.” After promising Gloria an indoor bathroom in the small three‑room house he purchased from his father, they moved to Bowlegs and began building their life together.

As their family grew, Harris found better-paying work in the oil field, with Gulf, Chevron, and several smaller companies, eventually retiring from Chaparral Energy in Shawnee in 2014. With that came better housing and more land—enough for him to become a cattle rancher, hay producer, and wood cutter, all while working a steady five‑ to seven‑day‑a‑week job.

The simplest things in life brought him the greatest joy. He was happiest when he was fishing, tending to his farm, or just spending quiet time with his dogs. More than anything, he treasured his family. He loved nothing more than gathering his grandchildren to read stories, tell his own stories, and give them rides on his tractor.

Harris survived leukemia, but later faced dementia, which limited the years he was able to enjoy the retirement he had worked so hard to earn. In 2025, after living in the country he loved for 58 years, Harris and Gloria moved to Shawnee.

Harris is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gloria; daughters and sons‑in‑law Donna and Stan Quinalty, Lisa and Bailey Vaughn, Nikki and Adam Hester; and son Eli Troglin. He leaves behind grandchildren Whitney Curtis (and husband John), Kaitlyn Hester, Mikaila Vaughn, Austin Troglin (and wife Lauren), Aaron Troglin, Wyatt Hester, and Kendell Vaughn; and great‑granddaughters Harper and Hannah Curtis, also many nieces and nephews that were very close to him.

He is also survived by siblings Charles Troglin (and wife Fran), Sonja Batesel, and Ruby Meek. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul and Levi, and sister Pauline Crews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the hospice team who cared for Harris with compassion and respect—nurse Lisa, and aides Katie and Erica—whose kindness brought comfort during his final days.

Harris lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a deep love for the land he called home. His legacy endures in the stories he told, the land he tended, and the family he cherished. Services will be held Friday, October 2nd, 2026, at 11am at Bowlegs First Baptist Church. Graveside services will follow at Wolf Cemetery, where he will return to the Oklahoma land he loved so much.

Services are under the direction of OK Cremation & Funeral Home of Oklahoma City, OK.