Gregory Bruce Petkoff

January 25, 1950 - April 18, 2021

Gregory Bruce Petkoff was born January 25, 1950 in Hobart, Oklahoma. He is the first born to Robert and Dorothy Petkoff. He preferred to be called Greg. Greg was very gifted in many areas, certainly in his brilliance. He was a very hard act to follow for his younger siblings in school as he made A’s without effort. He could read something, watch a documentary, etc. and had absorbed the information. He was an avid student of history. He was called by God to be His servant as a young boy, playing church, having his sister, Angela, be the altar boy. He attended seminary in Oklahoma City during high school and then college at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas to continue his studies toward the priesthood. Greg’s life took a very dramatic turn when he was tragically hit by a drunk driver in December of 1969. Greg miraculously survived the traumatic head injury, but the medical issues he incurred forever changed the course of his life. After recovering from the accident, Greg lived in Oklahoma City for a time, where he was with Catholic Charities and at the height of the refugee relocations from Vietnam, often traveled to Fort Chaffee where he assisted the refugees upon their arrival in the United States. He also worked for Social Services, with many juvenile first time offenders. Greg obtained his Master’s degree at Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma. He met fellow students there from Nigeria and was recruited to go to Nigeria, where he lived for 6 years, teaching English and Christian principles. He loved the country and its people and when questioned during the last week of his life, “what was your favorite memory or place in your journey on this planet?” and he replied, immediately “oh, that is easy: Nigeria.” When Greg returned from Nigeria he moved back to Hobart where he faithfully and tirelessly ministered to the inmates at the county jail. He read every week with the elementary students having difficulties in their studies. He also regularly visited the infirmed at the Hobart Hospital and the local nursing homes. Greg also served as associate pastor at the Lincoln Street Church of Christ. Greg truly lived the servant life and asked very little for himself or anyone, including his family. Because of his head injury, Greg could not drive so he walked everywhere he went, thus “wearing his knees out.” He had both knees replaced and kept on going. A very special shout-out to Lynn Chandler who was Greg’s best friend and faithful angel. He helped Greg out in so many, many, many ways and Greg’s family is forever grateful for his friendship to Greg. Many town’s people would see Greg walking and offer rides, especially in the extreme temperatures. Greg is survived by his sisters, Angela DeLong (Konrad) and Phyllis Besenfelder (Lawrence) and younger brother, Anthony Petkoff (Melissa). Greg leaves a legacy of humility to his nieces and nephews: Rochelle DeLong and Austin DeLong, Lauren Besenfelder Coury (Nick) and Jessica Besenfelder Allis (Ryan), Nicholas Petkoff (Erin) and Katelynn Petkoff Chambers (Ben). Greg was truly an inspiration to us and lived a life in service to others, thus to the Lord. Greg left this world to be with his Heavenly Father on April 18, 2021 in Hospice care in Oklahoma City after struggling with health issues and with his sister, Phyllis by his side. Memorial services for Greg are scheduled for Monday, April 26, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at the Lincoln Street Church of Christ with Brother Vernon Traylor officiating. Interment will follow at Hobart Rose Cemetery with Father Swamy officiating. Family will be present to receive friends Sunday, April 25, 2021, from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. at Peoples Cooperative Funeral Home, 1400 West Main, Lone Wolf, Oklahoma. Memorials for Greg can be made to The Lincoln Street Church of Christ in Hobart, Oklahoma and the Hospice House at 13920 Quail Brook Drive, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73039. On-line condolences for Greg can be made by visiting www.peoplescooperativefuneralhome.com.