Stephen Clyde Zachary

Stephen Clyde Zachary, 64, of Shawnee, Oklahoma (formerly of Hartshorne, Oklahoma), passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, after a short six-week battle with “soft tissue sarcoma” cancer.  He was born in Comanche, Oklahoma, on September 25, 1959, to Ruth Roberts Zachary.

While attending Hartshorne High School, Stephen worked for OAI in Hartshorne, Oklahoma.  After graduating from high school in 1977, he entered active duty in the United States Air Force in September of 1977.   He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1979, but he continued his military career in the Air Force Reserves until April of 1984.  He worked at OAI until 1981 when he was hired as a machinist at Rockwell International.   The company he worked for changed their name to Boeing and eventually to Spirit AeroSystems.  He enjoyed his job and loved his fellow coworkers.  He retired in October 2017 after 36 years of working as an aircraft mechanic and air parts inspector.  

In 1989, Stephen met Paula Morrow and they wed on December 16, 1989.  Paula was the love of his life, and they had a beautiful 34 years together.  They were blessed with five children, and he adored all five of them—Kendra Marie, Jessica Brook, Krista Juliene, Kobey Stephen and Jordyn Michele.  He was so proud of all their achievements.  After retiring in 2017, he spent his time gardening, enjoying time with the family, traveling with his wife, and watching grandbabies on a daily basis.  He adored all nine of his grandkids and was very proud of them.

Stephen was a Christian and knew that he had a heavenly mansion waiting for him.  He was a member of Sharon Baptist Church in Tecumseh, Oklahoma.   He was an avid OU Sooner fan and loved watching any sport that the Sooners were playing.  He was so proud that his son was going to be a graduate of the University of Oklahoma.

Stephen was predeceased by his mother, Ruth Roberts Zachary; father, Charles Lewis; grandparents, Clyde and Velma Roberts; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Paula Zachary, of the home; son, Kobey Zachary, of the home; daughters and sons-in-law—Kendra Dunagan of Durant, OK, Jessica (Mike) Koontz of Noble, OK, Krista (Eric) George of Bethel Acres, OK, Jordyn Zachary of Ada, OK; father and mother-in-law, Kenny and Romarie Morrow; brothers—Larry and Jerri of Durant, OK, Scott Zachary; sister and brother-in-law, Ronda (Jerry) Morrow; brothers-in-law, Joey and Bobby Morrow; grandbabies—Brooklyn and Cash Beaver, Brylon Dunagan, Averi, Oaklee and Indy George, Kamile, Kevin and Kenny Koontz, 2 granddaughters due this summer; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins; and a host of friends.

 A memorial service will be held Friday, March 1, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Pittsburg First Baptist Church in Pittsburg, Oklahoma 74560.  Brother Clint Dawkins and Kenny Morrow will officiate.