Speedy Maner

Ray Lee “Speedy” Maner, age 85, of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was born on December 9, 1940, in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, the son of Jesse Austin Maner and Lucille Leola (Blackwell) Maner.

Speedy was a lifelong resident of the Locust Grove area, including Iron Post, and graduated from Locust Grove High School with the Class of 1958. On June 14, 1961, in Pryor, Oklahoma, he was united in marriage to Earlene Sue Cooper. They shared 50 years of marriage until her passing on November 12, 2011.

A hardworking man his entire life, Speedy proudly served on the Locust Grove Fire Department for over 20 years before retiring. He spent more than 55 years working for Downing Propane, where he was known as a trusted right-hand man. His skills were many—he was truly a jack of all trades—handling service work, plumbing, driving semi-trucks hauling fertilizer and propane, and performing heat and air installations and repairs after completing Vo-Tech certification. Speedy was always willing to step up, cover shifts, and help wherever he was needed, never hesitating to ensure his family was taken care of.

He was deeply involved in his community, serving on the Locust Grove City Council and being a member of the Outlaw Cruisers Car Club. Speedy loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed deer and turkey hunting. He took great pride in attending car shows and earned many trophies over the years. He managed Wolf Creek Recreational RV Park in Salina, Oklahoma, painted cars as a hobby for friends and others, and spent time driving the wrecker—and even racing—at Salina High Banks, something he truly loved.

Above all else, Speedy cherished time spent with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed relaxing at home watching classic westerns, especially Gunsmoke, along with The Andy Griffith Show and MASH*.

Speedy was a great man—loyal, dependable, and true to his word. He never met a stranger and was known for his giving heart, always willing to help anyone in need, even if it meant giving the shirt off his back.

Speedy is survived by: 1 daughter: Karen Blackwell of Claremore, Oklahoma; 3 sons: Terry Maner and wife Star, Scotty Maner and wife Michele, and Danny Maner, all of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; 20 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; 2 brothers: Jack Maner and wife Pat, and Jesse Maner; and 1 sister: Shirley Cowan and husband Carl, all of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Speedy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Earlene; 7 brothers: Walter Maner, Clifford Maner, Charlie Maner, Virgil Maner, Gene Maner, David Maner and Ronald “Wayne” Maner; 5 sisters: Louise Squires, Florence Christie, Delma Mae Maner, Virginia Maner, and Bobbie Smith; and 3 brother-in-laws: Jimmy Ray Cooper, Don Cooper and Blaine Smith.

The family expressed their sincere gratitude to Millennium Hospice and the staff of Memory Care Center Emerald in Claremore for the loving care shown to Speedy. Funeral services were held Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Locust Grove Free Will Baptist Church, with Reverend Jeff Blair officiating. Interment followed at McClain Cemetery in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Services were entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home.

Several members drove their classic cars and Ray Farquharson spoke at the service.

Cruise to Mid-America Grill

Twenty-nine members and guests attended the Annual February cruise to Mid-America Grill. Those attending were Drew & Sherry Stott, Ron & Diana Barfield, Robert Thompson and four guests, Wayne & Jeanette Cole, Billy & Sandra Simpson, Jim & Rhonda Cole, Doyle & Deb Cole, Mike & Sharon Walters, Heather Early, Hailee Clark, John Clark, Terry & Peggy Woolman and five guests. Photos submitted by Doyle Cole.

February Meeting

Twenty members attended. Wayne opened the meeting with a moment of silence for Speedy. He welcomed new members Mark Hayes & Catrina Robinson and Buck Brown & Brenda Blue. He mentioned that most members have paid their 2026 dues. He then introduced Jake Wilkinson, who has started a new body/paint/detail/ business. For detailing he can come to your house/shop. See his Facebook page HERE. Members voted on the Founders Day T-shirt design. Wayne has started gathering Sponsor’s donations, door prizes, ordering t-shirts and plaques. Members will have their next Cruise on April 11 (more info will be provided in the April Newsletter). Next was a long discussion about the May 30 Five-Mile Cruise/Car Show in conjunction with Route 66 100^th anniversary celebrations. See more info HERE, Event Details/Registration info HERE or the Facebook page HERE. Early registration is $15 before April 1, then $25 after. Online Registration is available and quite restrictive; requiring copies of your driver’s license, insurance verification, vehicle info plus credit card. Other future car shows in April and May were discussed; info will be provided later. Jim Cole won the door prize.

Reminder: If you attend any car shows and your car seat is full of all those car show flyers, please save them for Wayne or Susan.

Starbird’s Rod & Custom Show

Jerry Ingram and Tony & Sherry Hibbard were the only members entered in the 2026 Starbird show. Jerry Ingram won with his 1957 Chevy. Tony & Sherry Hibbard, daughter Anna and granddaughter Abagail had six entries. All six were winners. CONGRATS! Jerry said the only member he saw was Drew Stott.