Emil Pecha

Mass of Christian Burial for Emil “Shorty” Pecha, 91, of Goltry, will be Thursday, April 25, 2013, 10:00 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Goltry, OK with The Rev. Rajesh Mankena as celebrant. Interment will follow in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church Cemetery. Recitation of the Rosary will be Wednesday, 6:00 PM at the Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home followed by a time of visitation.

Shorty was born March 15, 1922 in Goltry, OK the son of Gus and Mary Chuda Pecha. He attended rural Goltry schools.

He was a decorated veteran of the United States Army serving in Okinawa and the Philippines during WWII. His awards included the Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one star, Good Conduct Medal, and the Bronze Arrowhead. He was united in marriage to Betty Pekrul Sept. 25, 1953 and she preceded him in death July 30, 2009. Shorty farmed and ranched all his life and did custom combining for 32 years throughout many parts of the United States. He lived life to the fullest: he was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a past member of the American Legion and a member of the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Goltry.

Survivors include one daughter, Patty Pecha-Weber and husband Butch of Goltry, two sons, Harry “Bill” Pecha of Horton, KS and Randy Pecha of Enid, 18 grandchildren, numerous great and great-great grandchildren, one brother, Alfred Pecha of Goltry, three sisters, Lillian Steele of Oregon, Marie Zollar of Pennsylvania and Tillie Pecha of New Mexico. Shorty was also preceded in death by his parents, one son, Butch Pecha, two step-sons, John and DeLayne Atherton, and three brothers, Joe, Pete and George.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Church with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home acting as custodian of the fund. Online condolences may be left at ladusauevans.com.