Merle Omiya Sapulpa 74, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma left us to return to his spiritual home with heavenly father on July 30, 2021.

Merle was born March 4, 1947, in Claremore, Oklahoma to Harrison (grandson of Chief Sapulpa) and Helen (Escoe) Sapulpa.  He was a Muscogee Creek Nation citizen, of the Hitchiti tribe, and son of Fox Clan.

Merle grew up in Sapulpa and graduated from Chilocco Indian School in 1966. He served in the U.S. Army with a tour of duty in Germany and eight years in the US Army National Guard.  He was employed in manufacturing and retail early in his career.  He started and ran his own business as a licensed armed private investigator for twenty-one years.  He maintained a strong relationship with his spiritual existence and worked hard in his Christian principles.  He took great pride in being Chief Sapulpa’s great grandson.

Merle married his high school sweetheart, Henrietta M. DuPuis (Chehalis Nation) from Washington State and they were happily married and involved in the local communities.  They were members of Dove Ministry Church, enjoyed retirement life with family and friends and also attended many community events. 

Merle is preceded in death by his parents Harrison Sapulpa and Helen J. (Escoe) Sapulpa, a brother: Douglass H. Sapulpa, and a son Dean Sapulpa.

Merle is survived by his beloved wife Henri, brothers: Fred (wife, Lymona) and Owen (wife, Joy), his three children: Scott Sapulpa, Sean Sapulpa, and Christy Sapulpa-Myers (husband, Troy).  Grandchildren: Cannon Sapulpa, Sidney Sapulpa, Scout Sapulpa, Christian S. Sapulpa, Joshua O. Sapulpa, Caleb I. Sapulpa, Jaiden C. Sapulpa, Yasmine Myers, Aliyah Myers, Shakira Myers, Arianna Myers, many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Wake Services will be Sunday 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Smith Funeral Home, Sapulpa, Oklahoma

Funeral Services will be Monday 2:00 pm at Dove Ministries Church, Jenks, Oklahoma.

Services are under the direction of Smith Funeral Home. 

There will be a virtual service for family and friends who cannot or choose not to attend in person.  This service will be on Facebook Live.  Virtual attendees can search “Merle Sapulpa Going Home Celebration” to watch.

Peace be with you all……..

CIRCLE OF REMEMBERING

(For Merle Sapulpa)

You left before dawn to join your Maker

It’s a love so compelling you cannot turn back.

Your mother embraced you, you saw your father

As you crossed the veil of suffering, of tears

To return to your spiritual home.

We gather here in our earthly story

Left behind to grieve your leaving.

There are no words to speak the mystery

Of how you were here just moments ago–

We held your hands, we loved your stories,

Your laugh, those eyes that shone

With generous love. 

How you embraced this earth, what stories

You gathered as you made your way from birth

To this jumping off place.

You left behind a weave of laughter and tears,

Of heartbreak and joy. 

Your legacy is bright in your children, grandchildren,

Encircles your mate who brought you only happiness, 

And continues in your brothers, and relatives and friends.

In this early hour, we cannot comprehend

How to go on without you –we do not understand the mystery

Of this emptiness–

We gather here to make a circle of remembering.

Because we cannot go on alone.

At sunset we might believe everything is gone.

Yet we rise together at sunrise and give thanks to the Maker

Who gave you to us and took you back —

One day we will follow that shining path

Behind you—

One day we will see you again,

When we make it home.

Joy Harjo-Sapulpa  August 4, 2021