Gerald Dee Tackett was born December 29, 1927 in Vian, OK to Sherman and Lottie May (Elam) Tackett. After graduation from Porter High School Gerald earned a Bachelor of Education degree from NEO. He married the former Cona Mae Kilpatrick, and they enjoyed a long and happy life together in Muskogee, OK where they made their home. On May 22 of this year they would have celebrated their seventieth anniversary. Gerald was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and served as Elder for many years. He was retired as an account executive for Blue Cross and Blue Shield where he was employed many years.

Gerald departed this life early Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Sparks Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and Lottie Tackett, and eight siblings, Billy Tackett, J.C. Tackett, Edward Tackett, Mickey Tackett, Dan Tackett, Jack Tackett, Mayble Tackett and a baby boy Tackett; and a daughter-in-law, Lisa Tackett.

Survivors include his wife, Cona Mae Tackett of the home in Sallisaw, Oklahoma; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and David Ellis of Waco, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Dana Tackett of Sallisaw, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Kami Yasko, Aaron Ellis, Jared Ellis, Kolby Tackett, Kenna Tackett, Lauren Rice, Jordan Walker, Kathrine Sizemore and Britty Gist; eight great-grandchildren; two siblings, Robert Tackett and June Lang; extended family, church family and friends.

The Funeral service will be at Chandler Road Church of Christ in Muskogee. Ken Tackett and David Ellis will officiate.

Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Porter, Oklahoma. Pallbearers will be Aaron Ellis, Jared Ellis, Kolby Tackett, Jeff Tackett, David White and Ron Lashley. Honorary pallbearers will be Noah Ellis, Cohen Ellis, Henry Ellis, Richard Brannum, Ira Boss and Paul Day.