The late Pete Egan was honored by a proclamation made by the City Council at its meeting on Monday, July 21st.
Pete Danily Egan came from one of Sapulpa’s pioneer families and had been affectionately known as “Sapulpa’s Grandfather” before his passing in June.
Egan’s son-in-law Bill Berry was on hand to accept the proclamation and offered a heartfelt “thank you” to the city for honoring his father-in-law.
Sapulpa Mayor Craig Henderson pointed out that the proclamation was written and submitted by Amy Hoehner, the legal assistant for City Attorney David Widdoes.
Hoenher told Sapulpa Times that she got to know Pete when he came for lunch at James Calley Brewing Company (117 E Hobson) at least once a week or more. “We would just sit and visit,” she said. “Those were some great conversations.”
Egan, who was just two months shy of 90 years old when he passed, was well-known in the community for his years of service, first as a Marine and later as a member of the Sapulpa Parks Board and the Historical Society Museum.
The proclamation was read by Mayor Henderson:
In Honor and Memory of Peter D. “Pete” Egan for his outstanding service to the community of Sapulpa, Oklahoma
WHEREAS, the name Egan has been part of Sapulpa’s story for more than a century, beginning with the Egan brothers, who established general stores in Sapulpa, Kellyville, and Tulsa; and
WHEREAS, Peter Danily “Pete” Egan, grandson of early-day pioneer John F. Egan, embodied that legacy as a proud Marine, land surveyor, historian, model builder, author, and lifelong servant of the Sapulpa community; and
WHEREAS, Pete graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1953, was an Eagle Scout, and served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1954 to 1956; he later founded Egan Surveying Company, through which he contributed to numerous significant infrastructure projects that shaped Sapulpa and the surrounding region; and
WHEREAS, Pete preserved Sapulpa’s past through intricate scale models of the city—most notably, a 1929 replica of downtown Sapulpa with buildings, utility systems, and a trolley, as well as an 1895 model including the original Egan General Store—both proudly displayed at the Sapulpa Historical Museum; and
WHEREAS, Pete was a dedicated volunteer with the Historical Museum, Sapulpa Park Friends Foundation, and the Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce, and played a key role in developing the city’s new walking trail system; and
WHEREAS, his extraordinary civic involvement earned him several recognitions, including Sapulpa Citizen of the Year (2010), Main Street Citizen of the Year (2017), and Layman Leader of the Year by the Kiwanis Club (2024); and
WHEREAS, Pete authored two volumes of “Sapulpa, OK: The Greatest City in the Known World” and was known throughout the community for his deep knowledge of local history, warm personality, and unwavering commitment to preserving the city’s heritage; and
WHEREAS, Pete was a devoted husband to the late Faye Gray Egan, a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and an active and faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sapulpa; he passed peacefully on June 6, 2025, at the age of 89.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Craig Henderson, Mayor of the City of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, do hereby honor the life and legacy of Peter D. “Pete” Egan, recognize his extraordinary contributions to our community, and express deepest sympathy to his family and all who mourn his passing.
