MICHAEL FLETCHER
Like many new high school graduates; I was unsure what direction to go. I had a serious girl friend and worked in my father’ s glass business in Enid and attended Phillips University for a short time.
I did finally find a direction. Got married in December of 1964 to Cheryl Suttles (class of 64), joined the Army Reserve, attended EBC and received an associates degree. We moved to Ponca City in 1967 when I started work for Conoco in the refinery accounting department. It was a low level job, but we were happy to have it.
in 1980 Cheryl wa asked to join the staff of newly elected U.S. enator Don Nickles. She had worked on his campaign the previous year. She served as his State Director and held that position for 20 year until her retirement in 2001.
Meanwhile, I was progressing to various positions with Conoco; Clerical Supervisor, Accounting Supervisor and Maintenance Planing and Control system Administrator.
I retired in 1999 as Senior Financial Analyst reporting to the Refinery Manager and Director of Finance jointly.
Cheryl and I had both looked forward to retirement. Soon afterward we rented a motorhome and took a memorable vacation We had bought a 50′ house boat shortly before retirement and enjoyed it for several years on Grand Lake in eastern Oklahoma. We decided a house at the lake would be less of a headache. Our house is on the shore of the lake with a wonderful view of sunsets. It seems it is under constant remodeling, but we do enjoy projects. We spend as much time there as possible.
Aside from getting older and some health challenges we are enjoying retirement very much.