Celo Jackson ‘Jack’ Harrel

Celo Jackson Harrel – “Jack” to nearly everyone who knew him – passed away peacefully on Aug. 30, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of impact on his family, who adored him, Oklahoma’s schools and countless friends and colleagues.

He was 82. Born on March 16, 1943, Jack grew up in Leedey, where he graduated high school before setting off on a journey in education that would span more than four decades. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, a master’s in mathematics from the University of Arkansas and completed all but residency for his doctorate in education at OSU.

Jack’s career included 43 years in Oklahoma’s schools – 30 as a teacher, principal and superintendent and 13 as executive secretary of the Oklahoma Association of School Business Officials.

He was superintendent in several towns, including Fargo, Okeene, Mooreland and Kingfisher and also served as Oklahoma’s deputy state superintendent.

By the time he retired from Oklahoma ASBO in 2011, he had grown membership tenfold and earned a reputation as the “gold standard” for superintendents.

Over his career, Jack faced both triumphs and trials. He guided districts through tough financial times, championed reforms and even spearheaded the creation of two CareerTech centers to give kids broader opportunities.

He was instrumental in early efforts at school self-insurance, leaving programs still standing today.

His leadership earned him awards too numerous to list – Superintendent of the Year, lifetime achievement honors and induction into the Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame in 2015.

But if you asked Jack, he’d probably tell you his favorite recognition came from the countless educators he mentored, who leaned on him for his candor, humor, and steady presence.

Jack wasn’t all business – he was known for his folksy wit, quick stories, one-liners, and long poems.

One of his favorite sayings was: “Be yourself, because everyone else is taken.”

It was the way he lived – authentic, grounded and true to who he was.

Jack loved his community. He served on hospital boards, museum boards, library boards and civic clubs.

He wrote newspaper columns under the banner “Let’s Stay in Touch” for more than two decades. He enjoyed Rotary meetings, small-town ballgames and a good conversation with anyone who crossed his path.

Jack’s faith grew over the years and he greatly enjoyed his Sunday school class at Sunnybrook Christian Church in Stillwater in recent years.

His hobbies over the years included rebuilding cars, remodeling houses, going to auctions, gardening, raising cattle and spending time at the farm.

He was an avid supporter of whatever events the grandkids took part in. He loved keeping up with his extended family of Harrels and Jo’s family as well and maintained a lifelong love of his hometown Leedey.

He was very proud of the history and continuity of the annual Harrel reunion.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darla Jo Harrel; his parents, Lance Elvan and Clara Lillian; and his siblings, Myrtle Paulene, Elvin Lawrence, Lance Orville “Jr.,” Donald Roy and Clara Oleta.

He is survived by his children: Rona and her husband, Dan; Russ and his wife, Suzi; and Monte and his wife, Brooke. He was a supportive grandpa to Reece, Cal, Tess, Raegan, Rio, Willa and Celo.

In honor of Jack’s lifelong commitment to education and leadership, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the newly established Jack Harrel Leadership Scholarship Endowment at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, ensuring his passion for guiding and inspiring future leaders lives on.

Those contributions may be made to the Jack Harrel Leadership Scholarship, c/o Shaw Funeral Home, P.O. Box 276, Vici, OK 73859. Services for Jack are 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Harvest Fellowship Church in Leedey.