Arbuary G. Ritter

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A celebration of life funeral service will be held at Union Valley Baptist Church, Cookietown, OK, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., Dr. Walter Wilson officiating. Interment in the Marlow Cemetery, Marlow, OK. Visitation on Monday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home in Walters, OK.

Arbuary Ritter, a lifelong servant of Jesus Christ, family, and community, passed away at home on November 27, 2024. Born in Marlow, Oklahoma, on October 25, 1938, to Arbuary M. Ritter and Willie Lois Ritter, Arbuary embraced his faith at an early age. At 15, he was born again at Eastside Baptist Church, where he soon felt the call to ministry, dedicating his life to serving his Lord and his community.

Arbuary’s ministerial journey included pastoring several congregations, including Denton Baptist Church near Marlow, First Baptist Church in Purnell, First Baptist Church in Geronimo, and Union Valley Baptist Church in Cookietown. For over 60 years, he faithfully served as pastor of the Union Valley Baptist Church, retiring in 2021 — a record within the Southern Baptist Convention.

Beyond his role as a pastor, Arbuary served as a uniformed chaplain for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, offering spiritual support to officers and their families. He was also a proud member of the Oklahoma State Troopers Association.

Arbuary dedicated many years of his life to being an educator. He served in various roles at Burkburnett ISD in Texas. He retired in Texas as Superintendent of Bellevue ISD and later retired in Oklahoma as Superintendent of Big Pasture Schools in Randlett.

Arbuary is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 66 years, Jane Ritter; his three children: Paul Timothy (Karen) Ritter, Robin West, and Jay Ritter; and his three grandchildren: Lauren (Eric) McKinney, Stephanie (Christopher) Smith, and Mark Ritter (Ayush Gupta). He was also a proud great-grandfather to Harvey & Oliver Smith, and Ritter & Esther Jane McKinney. Arbuary is survived by his brother, Alfred Ritter, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers: William, Benny, and Tony Ritter.

Arbuary’s life was a testament to his faith in Jesus Christ, love, and service. His unwavering commitment to his family, congregation, and community left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Union Valley Baptist Church, 191498 N 2560 Rd., Randlett, OK 73562, in honor of Bro. Ritter’s lifelong dedication to ministry and education.