Edward (Ed) Marion Kretchmar, Jr., 68, passed away at his home surrounded by his children on Feb. 7, 2019.

He was born in 1950 to EdwardandAlice(Hoskins) Kretchmar in Okarche. ›Ed married Joanie Schoelen in 1972 and they had two children: Candace and Mark Kretchmar.

The couple divorced in 1985 and Ed later lived, worked and remarried (Brenda, deceased) in Alabama, before returning to Oklahoma where he worked alongside his son for two years before retiring from Diversified Services, Inc. in 2015.

Ed was an experienced and accomplished power lineman whose knowledge and hard work earned him high regard far and wide. Ed loved his work and proudly served those in need by working storm restorations across the nation.

He was well-known for his love of fast motors, OU football, music that tells a story and smoked meat.

Ed enjoyed being  outside, tinkering with his toys, gardening, building with his hands and spending time with his family. Most of all, he will be remembered for the kind and generous heart that lay beneath his tough and pragmatic exterior...and all the many ways he made us laugh over the years. ›

Ed is survived by his siblings, David Kretchmar and Carol Rayburn; his former wife, Joanie Schoelen; his children,  Candace Kretchmar and Mark (Nikole) Kretchmar; seven grandchildren, Jessica, Caleb, Bailey, Kelsey, Haley, Josie and Bergen; and two great-grandchildren, William and Wade.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Memorials may be made at Community Funeral Home of Guthrie, 1624 N. Pine St., Guthrie, OK 73044.