Virgil Lee Mangus passed July 26, 2026. Virgil was born on Sept. 18, 1947, in Shawnee, OK, to Lloyd and Martha (Ketner) Mangus. He graduated from Tecumseh High School with the Class of 1965 and remained a proud member of the THS Alumni Association throughout his life.
Following high school, Virgil answered the call to serve his country by joining the US Air Force. During the Vietnam era, he served in Thailand as a boiler operator. It was during his military years that a special introduction by his sister led him to the love of his life, Jimmee. The two met while still in high school and were married on Sept. 15, 1967, during one of Virgil’s military leaves. A dedicated worker throughout his life, Virgil continued his career as a boiler operator after leaving the military, working at the El Reno prison and later, retiring from Celanese Corporation.
Virgil was preceded in death by his wife; parents; eight siblings; and great-grandson, Bowen McElroy.
He leaves behind three daughters: LeeAnne and Jody Miller of Nocona, TX; Cindy McElroy of Wellston, OK; and April Stapleton of Pittsburg, KS; sister, Nancy Tegtmeier of Shawnee, OK; grandchildren, Justin Miller and special friend Bao Ngyuen, Colby McElroy, Sophia Stapleton, Jason and Anastasia McElroy, Rosemary Staple- ton, Seth and Alyssa McElroy, Katiana McElroy and Hope McElroy; great-grandchildren, Asher, Emilyn, Eliana and Benjamin McElroy; along with countless other relatives and friends.
A memorial service honoring Virgil’s life will be held at 11 am, Aug. 11, 2026, at Mammoth Baptist Church, Meeker, OK, with Pastor Mike Hazelwood officiating, under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.
