Obituary of Haskell Citty

Henry Haskell Citty, March 11, 1932 – October 2, 2013, resident of the Redland Community passed away peacefully at Memorial Heights Nursing Home in Idabel, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born and raised in McCurtain County and graduated from Idabel High School. After service in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict, he earned college degrees from Southeastern State College and East Central University. He was a career educator teaching English, Speech, Yearbook, Journalism and Driver’s Education in Broken Bow, Bowlegs, Clayton and Haworth for a total of 32 years. He was the youngest of ten children born to the late Joel Spriggs Citty and Mary Leora Tidwell Citty and was the beloved husband of Joyce Napier Citty for over fifty-four years. Many of those same family and friends simply knew him as “Hack”. Haskell loved painting, singing gospel music, genealogy, playing a wide variety of games, laughing, being with his family, travel, having fun with friends and teaching his students. He was also privileged to serve as Deacon at the Haworth Baptist Church and Deacon Emeritus at the Calvary Baptist Church in Idabel, OK. Haskell touched the lives of many people with his character and integrity. He maintained his wry sense of humour and personality despite the ravages of Alzheimer’s. He was preceded in death by his cherished son, Brian Citty; brothers and sisters, Kenneth Citty, Curtis Citty, Quentin Citty, Todd Citty, Derrel Citty, Leon Citty, Irene Grinage, Naomi Carter and Estelle Webb. Haskell leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 54 years, Joyce Citty of the home; sons, Darren Citty of Idabel, OK, Derek Citty and wife, Marla of Aledo, TX; his grandchildren, Jocelyn Citty of The Colony, Texas and Zachary Citty of Aledo, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, former students and friends who were blessed to know him. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2013 at the funeral home. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Calvary Baptist Church, 200 Calvary Lane, Idabel, OK. The family acknowledges the option of donations in lieu of flowers to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or online at www.alz.org or by calling (800) 272-3900.