Melbourne F. Christerson's Obituary
Melbourne Fenton Christerson, 85, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Tulsa, OK. He was born November 1, 1931, in Tulsa, OK to Ralph L. Christerson and Louraine Forbes Christerson. Mel graduated from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa and earned a B.A. degree from the University of Tulsa (TU). After serving two years in the Army, including overseas in Germany, Mel returned to TU for his M.A. in Radio & Television Journalism. At TU, he was very active in theater, a love he shared with his wife of 57 years, Sue M. Christerson (deceased). Mel also served as on-air talent for KWGS, announced various sporting events and was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. After college, Mel worked at Amerada Hess and other jobs until starting at Oklahoma State University – Okmulgee, where he worked in various roles for almost 25 years including Director of Learning Resources. While at OSU-Okmulgee, Mel was the long-time commencement announcer and was a principle producer of the first recruiting videos filmed for the school. Mel also provided voice talent for educational teaching tapes and on-air advertising, and hosted a weekly sports segment on KOKL radio in the 1970’s called “Fearless Freddie Fumbles Football Forecast”. He was also involved in various charities, including the American Red Cross. Mel was preceded in death by his wife, Sue McGill Christerson, and is survived by son Robert L. Christerson of Maine; son and daughter-in-law Eric and Lori Christerson of New Hampshire; grandchildren Sierra, Ashley and Ethan Christerson; niece, Lindly and Wayne Otte of Elizabeth, CO; and nephew, Bradley and Carin Christerson of Whittier, CA. A funeral service celebrating Mel’s life will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 10:30AM at Grace United Methodist Church, 519 S. 49th West Ave, Tulsa, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s or dementia charity of your choice..
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