Jack Small

Jack Woodfin Small was born December 13, 1915 in Byers, OK, the son of James and Minnie (Woodfin) Small. Following his graduation from high school Jack attended Southeastern State University in Durant where he received a degree in business. While in college Jack played football and met his future wife, Sue. On September 14, 1940 Jack was united in marriage to Sue Bernice Kent in Sevier County, AK. The couple was blessed with two children, SuAnne and John. During World War II Jack served in the United States Army Air Corps. He was stationed at Randolph Field in Texas and also at Liberal, KS as a pilot training others to fly large bombers, including the B-29 Superfortress. After the war Jack took a job with a seismographic company doing oil exploration. In 1950 the family settled back in Durant where Jack operated or partnered in several different businesses. He owned and operated the Dairy Queen for many years. He also owned the Durant Motel and later was a partner in the Budget Inn Motel & Restaurant. Jack continued working well into his 80?s only retiring when his health began to decline. Following the death of his wife Jack moved to Alexandria, MN to be closer to his daughter. In Jack?s younger years he enjoyed boating and water skiing. He worked as a referee for basketball and football games in Oklahoma. Jack also loved flying and flew regularly until the 1970?s. Jack was very active in the Northwest Church of Christ in Durant. He served his church for several years as a deacon. Jack also enjoyed fishing, golfing and going hunting; he especially liked to hunt for quail. On Wednesday, February 18, 2009 Jack died at the age of ninety-three years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue; two brothers, Joe and Art Small, and his sister, Marie Green. Jack is survived by his daughter, SuAnne Anderson and husband, Charlie, of Alexandria; his son, John Small and wife, Tina, of Durant; four grandchildren, Bret Small, Marisa Small, Robert Anderson and Becky Sprenger; and four great grandchildren, Zac Sprenger, Lukas Sprenger, Mia Small and Maddox Robertson. A funeral service was held in Durant at the Northwest Church of Christ. Interment was in the Blackland Cemetery near Forman, AK. Arrangements in Durant were with the Brown Funeral Home. A visitation was held Saturday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.