If stories about E.Z. Million's life could fill a book, chapter one was published at his recent funeral at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church.
The longtime Norman resident and conservative political activist died Oct. 24 at his home on Hawthorne Court where he had lived for the past 42 years.
Friends, fraternity brothers and fellow Republicans recalled Million's passion for music, politics, family and his ability to overcome the odds of childhood polio, the loss of an arm, and play the hand life dealt him.
"To us, he was never handicapped," said Million's son, Scott Million. "He could do anything but tie his shoes and we had to help him with that."
He recalled their family's brass band serenading the neighborhood on the Fourth of July. E.Z., who played the baritone in the OU band while in college, got to pick the music which always featured the baritone.
A son, Tedder Million, said his father had a great sense of humor and could needle friends and family with his wit. He was once voted by an Oklahoma City newspaper as one of the people Norman residents wanted most to see move to Oklahoma City.
"He was very proud of being a pain in the rump," Tedder Million said.
His father came to OU at age 16 from Weatherford High School and was "a math nerd." He later taught math and computer classes at OU and elsewhere.
One Alpha Tau Omega fraternity brother said the house's bridge game improved when E.Z. pledged.
"Our grade point average went up, too, after E.Z. joined our fraternity," he said.
Joe Windes, a fellow conservative and former political candidate, played in the OU band with E.Z. He recalled Million's passion for politics. "He would get hold of an issue and he wouldn't let go," Windes said.
Million was a constant recruiter of Republican candidates. Mina Hibdon, a former state House member, said he gave wise counsel to her and others.
"E.Z. was a remarkable man in so many ways," she said.
Speakers recalled Million's ability to play sports with a passion. He played tennis, basketball and softball. Former neighbor Bob Rice recalled being invited to play tennis and being summarily schooled by Million.
"He was so competitive. He was just a tremendous athlete and was a legend at Lions Park."
Steve Byas, another former GOP candidate, credited Million with spurring the City of Dallas to improve the Cotton Bowl. Some folks who now have seats ought to thank E.Z.
Million, Byas said, wanted a home and home series for the OU-Texas game to help the economy of his friends and neighbors in central Oklahoma.
Byas said Million was often the one who stated the obvious.
"E.Z. was like the little kid who said the emperor has no clothes," Byas said.
Andy Rieger 366-3543 editor@normantranscript.com
