george_bell_armstrong

GEORGE BELL ARMSTRONG


"G. ARMSTRONG HONORED AT 98TH BIRTHDAY PARTY"


From the "News Journal," Drumright, Oklahoma, July 10, 1985

On July 7th family members of George Bell Armstrong of Ada, Oklahoma came from coast to coast to help celebrate his 98th birthday in the home of L.B. and Billie Armstrong, east of Drumright. After church services a buffet luncheon was enjoyed with 36 family members in attendance, followed by a family portrait session with Mike Dawes of Mikes Photo Factory, at which one might have thought mass confusion was taking place. Eleven different families with children ranging from 15 months to 18 years in age, patiently tried to sit still and smile simultaneously.

Later a cool dip in the pool of neighbors Hazel and Earl Hart, aided in relieving the heated children and daring adults.

Happy Birthday was sung later in the evening for Monica Armstrong who turned four years of age. She is the great granddaughter of G. B. Armstrong and daughter of Larry and Donna Armstrong, southwest of Drumright.

Family members in attendance were: L.B. and Billie Armstrong; Larry, Donna Sue, Leslie, Crystal and Monica Armstrong; Ted, Deborah, Sheila, Tommy, Angelea, Dinah Wilson; Loretta, Toni and Terry Niccum; Julie and Jeff Matherly all of Drumright.

Family members also attending were: Francine Kinyon of Ventura, California; Diana, Jennifer, Rebecca Fitzgerald of Tuscon, Arizona; Jim and Zetta Lowry of Duncan, Oklahoma; Jimmy Don Lowry of Beaumont, Texas; Zelpha Cox of Houston, Texas; Rudy and Zelmarean Bartlett of Oklahoma City; Virginia Bartlett of Oklahoma City; Gary, Audrey, Jamie and Stacey Saunders of Denver, Colorado; George Bell Armstrong of Ada, Oklahoma and Estelle and Bud Goldsby of Orlando, Florida.

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"100TH CELEBRATION GIVEN IN HONOR OF ARMSTRONG"


From the "News Journal," Mannford, Oklahoma, July 15, 1987

One hundred years produces many vast changes in history. Few have lived through a period when we as a nation struggle to grow and fought to remain the "land of the free." L. B. Armstrong's father lived through and watched these many changes take place.

Mr. Bell Armstrong of Ada, Ok. was born in Montaque County, Texas to humble farmers, one of six children, on July 11, 1887; the year Congress passed the Interstate Commerce Act and during Grover Cleveland's term as the U.S. 22nd President. This was also before the Oklahoma Land Run and the discovery of Spindletop Oil Well in Texas. Before television, radios and gasoline operated automobiles.

L. B.'s father, Bell, witnessed the U. S. involvement in World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. He has lived through and during the Great Depression, raising five children and during the Stock Market Crash. Since then, men have walked on the moon and traveled to ocean bottoms.

One might wonder how all these changes might affect an individual. Ask Armstrong and he'll tell you it has afforded him the opportunity to live in three different states; work as high as the top of an oil derrick and as low as the holes of a coal mine. He has moved cattle as well as casing. He even owned his own team of horses.

A man educated by honesty, integrity, loyalty and a strong will, he didn't strike it 'rich' in this land of the free, but his wealth is great in family and friends.

Widowed in 1965, Armstrong has lived alone in the home he built in Ada and has managed with no outside help until this year. He has been blessed with good health and remains active. Each year, present, he has cultivated, planted and harvested his own garden; producing enough to be canned for the winter months. His mind is sharp; sparkling blue eyes have dimmed over the years, but his sense of humor has remained.

As a tribute to Mr. Bell Armstrong, his family hosted a 100th Birthday Celebration at his residence on Saturday, July 11th. The family enjoyed a BBQ dinner catered by our local Joseph's Restaurant. Friends were invited to a 'Come and Go' reception in the afternoon. A distinguished guest to attend was Senator Billie Jean Floyd of Ada Dist. 13. Senator Floyd presented Mr. Armstrong a gift of bandana kerchiefs; a gift she knew her grandfather would enjoy and which Bell proudly tied on his neck. Bell also received 2 cards from President Reagan and a Citation from Governor Bellmon.

Forty-five members traveled from coast to coast: New York, West Virginia, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and California. Mr. Armstrong is blessed with 5 living children, 12 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren.

L.B. and Billie were proud that all 5 of their children attended with 14 of their 18 grandchildren present: Francine Kinyon of Ventura, Ca.; Jim and Diana Fitzgerald and children, Jennifer, Rebecca and 2 week old Jonathon (who was the youngest member attending) of Tuscon, Az.; Wayne and Loretta Niccum and children, Jeff & Julie Matherly, Toni and Teri Niccum; Larry and Donna Armstrong and children, Leslie, Crystal and Monica; Ted and Deborah Wilson and children, Sheila, Tom, Angelia and Dinah Lea all of Drumright, Ok.

Bell's views on what he considers proper attire, foul language and liquor are extremely strong. He attributed his longivity to drinking only one cup of coffee per day, abstaining from liquor and spending free time with his family.

By Deborah Armstrong Wilson



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