NORMAN — Martha “Martie” Meacham Lunger, 86, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, at her home in Norman after a long illness.
A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Friday at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Norman.
Martie was known for her compassion and commitment to the betterment of others through service and she exemplified that belief throughout her life, giving her time to her church, her country and her community. Her quick smile, bright eyes and helpful hands gave everyone who met her a sense of belonging.
Born Martha Rae Meacham, Feb. 7, 1927, Martie graduated in 1949 as Outstanding Female Student of the Year from OU, where her father, Edgar D. Meacham, was the dean of Arts & Sciences, and after whom Meacham Auditorium is named. After graduation, she worked as a flight attendant with American Airlines, leaving there to join the Women’s Army Corp. (WAC). While in the military, Martie reached a height unparalleled by any female in the Army, serving as an aide for two three-star generals. She left her military career to become a full-time wife and mother of two sons. When she and Dick settled back in Norman in 1972, she served as a volunteer for St. John’s Episcopal Church, as the director of volunteers for the Red Cross and as advisor to the Delta Gamma Sorority, which her mother, Ray Meacham, established at OU. She was also an active member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization for 50 years.
The PEO’s goal is advancement of women through scholarships, grants and awards. In recognition for her service to the community, Martiewas awarded Norman’s Volunteer of the Year. The Red Cross presented her with the its highest award, the Clara Barton Volunteer Medal, which recognizes meritorious service in a volunteer leadership position. She received the Order of the Rose from Delta Gamma Sorority, which is given to alumnae who excelled on the national and international level. And St. John’s Episcopal Church commissioned a plaque which hangs in the church Sacristy in recognition of Martie’s 30 years as directress of the Alter Guild and her long-standing commitment and service to the church.
Martie was in and of herself “… a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.”
Martie leaves behind her husband of 58 years, Col. Raymond R. Lunger; their sons Ray (JoLynn) and Jay (Pamela); four grandchildren, Kristin (Justin), Kyle, Jason and Adam (Jacquelyn); and a great-granddaughter, Ava. In addition to her immediate family, Martie leaves behind many other family members and friends who were truly blessed by her love and support.
Arrangements for Martie and her family were placed in the care of the Vice family at the Havenbrook Funeral Home in Norman.
Online condolences may be shared at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Though she will be missed here on Earth,
in Heaven
Their Angel has been welcomed home.
Norman Transcript, Thursday, March 7, 2013
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