William Edward Claflin

William Edward Claflin

Dec 30, 1939 – Apr 28, 2015

Born to Mr. & Mrs William Charles Claflin in Columbia, Wisconsin

Most of you know that our Dad was a genuinely nice guy.  He was kind and forgiving, thoughtful and courteous, intelligent and witty, loving and dedicated.  These characteristics made him very comfortable to be around.  At times his opinions were strong, but never forceful – if someone had a different one, he would never force his upon them and it never seemed to impact their friendship.

To his family and close friends we saw him in good times and in bad, struggle and strife, victory and joy.  We can honestly tell you, that regardless of the circumstances, he saw through the struggle to a brighter future.  Dad never, ever allowed trouble and despair to dominate his world or crush his positive attitude.  From the outside looking in, others may say he had good reason to allow that, but Dad’s indomitable spirit would not allow it.

Dad’s service to others should serve as an inspiration to us all, confirming the roles we each have in our neighborhoods, communities, and cities we live in to make it a better place to live.  His service can be found in establishing the Windsor Forrest Neighborhood Watch program, working with the neighborhood association, to his work as an Oklahoma City Ambassador.  These programs kept him in touch with his community, gave him additional purpose, and filled him with a great sense of pride.  We’re sure he would encourage us all to do what we can to make the community a better place to be.

William Claflin is one of the most resilient, courageous men we have ever met.  As many of you know, he lost the love of his life to cancer a short while ago.  What some of you may not know is that Joyce was the second wife he cared for suffering from this horrific disease.  The love, dedication, strength and resilience it takes to do this once is nothing short of incredible, but to do it twice is extraordinary.

Dad was never about self promotion, or justification he just did what was right by his fellow man, his moral compass, and as an example to others.  For him it was easy, life was not complicated with cover-ups, ambiguities, or disguises.  He lived true to himself and in such a manner as not to impose upon others.  He stood up for others, when they could not stand for themselves, and he served his neighbor has he would have hoped to be served himself.  No demands, no impositions, simple and true.

William Edward Claflin – December 30, 1939 to April 28, 2015 – 75 years, a few tough ones, but all good ones.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, May 4, 2015 at 11:00 AM at OK Cremation and Funeral Home Chapel in Oklahoma City with TIm Sturgis officiating.

Services are under the direction of OK Cremation and Funeral Home.