My father asked me one day if I knew how I write an obituary. This will act as my veil attempt to write an abbreviated version of a man who was well respected, well loved, and generous to a fault.

My father Joe Degen was born on June 24th 1923 to Rose and Harry Degen in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He was the youngest of four children and the only son. He spent his formative years in Bartlesville before moving to Tulsa with his family to go to junior high. A graduate of Central High School dad shared a room with his best friend-his grandfather Isadore Bergman (who died in 1941). He attended the University of Oklahoma and then joined the Air Force, contributing to the war efforts as a bombardier in a B-24 stationed in Italy, flying 48 missions before returning state side.

Dad and his father Harry opened Degen Pipe & Supply in 1947, which operated for over 60 years before its 2005 liquidation. That same year, he met the love of his life, his future wife Sylvia Wolfson, at a friend's wedding. On September 5th, 1948 they were married. Their marriage lasted 52 years until Sylvia died in December of 2000. They had two daughters Mallory and Jan. In 2006, his world came crashing down when his daughter Jan was diagnosed with malignant brain cancer. She died in July of 2007. Dad was blessed to find companionship in Toby Fell. They were together thirteen years traveling to Europe and Canada, and enjoying the ballet, symphony and opera.

Dad was predeceased by his parents; three sisters, Florence, Maxine and Evelyn; wife Sylvia; and daughter Jan. He is survived by daughter Mallory (Lea Ann); granddaughter Wendy (Kevin) Frankenburger; grandson Aaron Degen Brown; two great-grandchildren, Ameera and Charlie; Sheba (his little dog); brother-in-law Nate Wolfson; and his many nieces and nephews. Those of you who were honored enough to know him knew he was a wonderful friend.


A private graveside service will be Wednesday, April 14th. Please remember Joe Degen with memorial donations to the charity of your choice.

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151