Mr. Jerry Wayne Canida
Mr. Jerry Wayne Canida passed from this life on February 21, 2019, at the age of 72 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Wayne was born on December 31, 1946, in Tupelo, Oklahoma, to his parents Burl and Lorene Canida.
Wayne grew up and attended school in Tupelo, where he had perfect attendance for all twelve years of school. Shortly after graduating high school in 1965, Wayne served in the U.S. Army obtaining the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1968. Stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Wayne was awarded a National Defense Service Metal, Good Conduct Metal, and a Sharpshooter Badge. Following his military service, Wayne attended East Central University where he graduated with a master’s degree in business economics and accounting. Wayne was instrumental in leading efforts at the Oklahoma Insurance Commission and helped establish Oklahoma State Insurance, which is still covering state employees and their families today. Upon retirement, he devoted the next five years of his life to be the caretaker of his father after his mother’s death. Over the past two decades, Wayne enjoyed traveling the United States in his RV. Some of his favorite places to visit were Alaska, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Colorado, and the beaches of Corpus Christi, Texas. He loved listening to country music and spending time with his nieces Lori, Krista, and Rachel.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Burl and Lorene Canida; sister Betty and her husband Donnie Sweat; niece Anita Kay Sweat and a favorite uncle, C.B. Anderson. He is survived by his sisters Shirley and husband Cecil Maxey, Charlotte Canida, Sue and husband Ben Roan, Earlene and husband Mickey Cooper, Marcine and husband Wayne Townsend; brothers Charles and wife Kim Canida, H.B. and wife Gayle Canida; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Family visitation was held from 5 to 7 PM on Tuesday, February 26th at Smith-Phillips Funeral Home located in Ada, OK. Family members conducted the graveside service on Wednesday, February 27th at the Centrahoma Cemetery at 10 AM. Nephews were-pall bearers, and honorary pall bearers included Charles Canida, H.B. Canida, Cecil Maxey, and Terry Canida.