2 minute read
In Memoriam
Charlie Brice, Midwest City FD
The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Retired Midwest City Fire Chief Charlie
Brice on July 5. He was 93. Shortly after graduating from Coalgate HS (the first of his siblings to do so), Charlie moved to the bustling town of Midwest City seeking employment. He was directed to the local fire house where he was granted a bed in exchange for responding to emergencies. A few months later, he joined MWC FD as a full-time paid firefighter. Charlie worked his way through the ranks, holding almost every position within the fire department, and he retired as Fire in 1968. But his civil duty was not yet finished, as he then joined the Tinker Air Force Base Fire Department as a firefighter. He again worked his way through the ranks to become a Fire Investigator with the Tinker Fire Department. After being medically retired from Tinker due to hearing loss, Charlie became the Oklahoma County Civil Defense Director, retiring in 1995.
Byron Keely, Dibble FD
Byron Keely on June 2. He was 45. Byron owned and operated B&T Automotive for many years and was an ASE Certified Technician. He attended Dibble Free Will Baptist Church. Byron was a Captain on the Dibble Volunteer Fire Department and served for 10 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed hotrods, racing cars, and fishing.
Eddie Ellis, Midwest City FD
The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Midwest City firefighter Eddie Ellis on
June 12. He was 42. Eddie (a.k.a. Cousin Eddie) began his career with MWC FD in September 2003. He was promoted to the position of Apparatus Operator and worked most of his career on red shift. In October 2014, he was promoted to Lieutenant. When Eddie was away from the fire department, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, girls, family and friends. His skills for carpentry and home-building were the genesis of his company, Redstone Construction. His eye for design could be seen in the highlight of a project as large as someone’s home or in ta personal project for a loved one. Eddie had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand even at a moment’s notice; he continued that in death through the gift of organ donation.
Larry Benson, Wann FD
fighter Larry Benson on May 21. He was 62. Larry lived his whole life in rural Wann where he made his way in life as a rancher. He also spent numerous years serving on the Wann Volunteer Fire Department. Larry was a man of strong Christian faith. He worked at Watco for 20+ years. He enjoyed fishing and having a yearly hunting trip in Colorado, talking with family and friends and loved being surrounded by his grandchildren.
