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Gerald's greatest calling was caring for his family.

Gerald Francis Felber, a devoted husband, gifted craftsman, proud veteran, and faithful servant of God, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Military honors will be presented by the United States Army immediately following the Mass. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, at Bison Cemetery in Bison, Oklahoma. Viewing will be held from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m.

He was born on September 7, 1943, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Garrett Andrew Felber and Nellie Louise (Wehling) Felber. Gerald was raised on the family farm located about two and a half miles outside of Bison, Oklahoma, where he learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and caring for others—qualities that would define his entire life.

Gerald attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Bison before graduating from Waukomis High School with the Class of 1961. He enjoyed playing baseball during his school years and treasured the friendships he made growing up. After graduation, he attended Panhandle A & M College now Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma. For two years, he continued his education where fate introduced him to the love of his life.

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His woodworking was never about recognition—it was about bringing joy to others.

One of the greatest blessings of Gerald's life began with a dare. His cousin challenged him to invite a young lady named Betty Jean Wilson to a homecoming dance at the college. Gerald accepted the challenge, and on their first date, November 11, they both knew they had found the person they would marry. Two and a half years later, just one month after Betty graduated from high school, they exchanged wedding vows on July 11, 1963, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Guymon, Oklahoma. Their marriage became a beautiful partnership built on faith, devotion, and unwavering love for the next 63 years.

Shortly after beginning work with an engineering company, Gerald was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served during the Vietnam War with the 196th Infantry Brigade. While serving as a Specialist, Gerald displayed extraordinary courage under enemy attack and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with a "V" attachment for his heroic actions. During an intense mortar and rocket attack, he remained steadfast at his assigned post guarding prisoners, ensuring they made no attempt to escape. Although others in the immediate area sought cover from the deadly shrapnel, Gerald courageously remained at his position despite increasingly accurate enemy fire. His devotion to duty, selfless courage, and calm determination reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Though he rarely spoke of his service, those who knew Gerald saw that same quiet courage and unwavering commitment in the way he lived every day. Gerald was a member of The American Legion, Mohawk Post 308 for over 40 years. 

Following his military service, Gerald returned to Stillwater while Betty attended Oklahoma State University. During that time, he completed a year of coursework at Oklahoma State before the couple continued the journey that would take them to many places throughout Betty's career. Throughout their marriage, Gerald and Betty made homes in many places as Betty's career in petroleum engineering took them wherever opportunities arose. Their journey included living in Guymon, Stillwater, West Tulsa for eighteen years, New Orleans for three years, Houston, Dallas, Bartlesville, and eventually west of Sand Springs, where they settled and made their permanent home.

Gerald's greatest calling was caring for his family. While he held various jobs throughout his life—including helping on the family farm, working for a civil engineering company, co-owning an insulated glass company, working for another glass company, and spending three years with Superior Cultured Marble Company—his most cherished role was supporting his wife and home. Gerald proudly took care of the cooking, cleaning, and countless daily tasks that allowed Betty to pursue her career. Together they also lovingly cared for their nieces and nephews who held a special place in their hearts.

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Gerald lived a life of faith, generosity, and service.

A true craftsman, Gerald could build almost anything he imagined. His workshop became a place where love was expressed through wood and craftsmanship. He handcrafted rocking horses for neighborhood children, built reindeer for family Christmas celebrations, created nearly every piece of furniture found in Betty's office and throughout their home, and even built both a beautiful grandfather clock and a mantel clock. His hands created lasting treasures, but the love behind each project made them priceless. His woodworking was never about recognition—it was about bringing joy to others.

Faith was the cornerstone of Gerald's life. Over the years, he and Betty were faithful members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tulsa and later St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where they found a welcoming church family.

Family stories often brought smiles, including one cherished memory from Betty's mother, who always said Betty first fell in love with Gerald because of his handsome auburn hair. While his hair may have first caught Betty's attention, it was his gentle heart, steadfast character, quiet strength, and selfless love that kept them together for more than six decades.

Gerald is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Betty Jean Felber; his sister, Linda Hodges and her husband, Larry; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Garrett Andrew Felber and Nellie Louise (Wehling) Felber; his siblings: Melvin Felber, Hugh Felber, Richard Felber, Rita (Felber) Mannion, Mitchell Felber, Kenneth Felber, Mary Felber, and Lawrence Felber.

Gerald will be remembered as a humble man whose greatest joy was caring for the people he loved. Whether serving his country with extraordinary courage, supporting his wife with unwavering devotion, building something beautiful with his hands, or quietly helping a neighbor, Gerald lived a life of faith, generosity, and service. His legacy is found not only in the things he built, but in the love he poured into his family, the sacrifices he made for others, and the example of humility and steadfastness he left behind.

His memory will forever be treasured by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Legion, Mohawk Post 308, 11328 E. Admiral Place, Tulsa, OK 74116.