Junior DeGruy

Funeral service for Jules Verlin "Junior" DeGruy, Jr. will be 11 a.m., Fri., Dec. 21, at the Musgrove-Merriott-Smith Chapel with Rev. John Lay officiating. Burial will follow at Oowala Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Fri. 8-11 a.m.

Junior passed away Tues., Dec. 18, 2012, at Wood Manor Nursing Home at the age of 86.

The son of Jules V. DeGruy, Sr. and Sally May (Munday) DeGruy was born Oct. 25, 1926, in Columbia, MS. Junior lived in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana before moving to Oklahoma City by Greyhound bus in 1935. It was his home for more than 40 years. As a child, Junior was the March of Dimes Poster Boy for the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and was named Honorary Mayor of the city. He went to the William Jennings Bryant School and then to public schools, graduating from Central High School in 1946. As a youngster, he made his home with his aunt and uncle and helped realtives who were in the restaurant business. He later worked at the state capitol, manning the elevators and assuming clerking duties at the library. Junior met his share of celebrities in and around the capitol, including then Senator John F. Kennedy and Evangelist Billy Graham. He was also acquainted with several Oklahoma governors. In August of 1977, Junior moved to Claremore. He went to work at the old Will Rogers Hotel running the elevator, and helping set up and clean up for banquets. He later helped at Mrs. Carey's hotel and Ward Rooms Emporium. Junior was dedicated to prayer. He always prayed for Claremore, its citizens and officials. Junior walked through his usual rounds in downtown Claremore every day while he was able. Junior became known as "Mr. Information" and was a longtime Claremore goodwill ambassador. He enjoyed visiting with old friends around Claremore, and never knew a stranger.

Junior is survived by his half brother, Ronald DeGruy and wife, Gwen of Oklahoma City; and nephews: Clark, Vincent, and Jason.