Obituary: Nedford Thomas Ager

Nedford Thomas Ager, 89, went to be with our Heavenly Father on May 29th, 2018.  He was born on September 2nd, 1928 to William and Cora (Lobaugh) Ager in Oilton, OK.  Nedford graduated Oilton High School in 1946 and opened a photography studio until he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950.  He was deployed to Korea, serving in the Korean War.

On Nov. 27th, 1950, Nedford was part of the Marine’s 1st Battalion that, along with other military troops, were ambushed by 120,000 Chinese troops. They were outnumbered 8 to 1, eventually having to engage in hand-to-hand combat for 17 days, during the coldest winter North Korea had seen in 100 years, with temperatures dropping to -40°.  Even so, the “Chosin Few”, (as they would become known as), nearly froze to death, overcame the odds and fought their way back to sea where their support troops were.  Nedford was wounded during this period for which he received a Purple Heart and two Korean War Commemorative Medals from France for his service.

Ned honorably discharged in 1952, where he returned to Oilton and opened his photography business again. He also met the love of his life, Delores Curtis, during this time and they married on Nov. 25th, 1954. They celebrated 59 years of marriage.  He was preceded in death by his wife Delores as well as his parents, one brother, one sister and a granddaughter.

Nedford is survived by one daughter, Ramona Ager of Oklahoma City, one son, William Ager, of Afton, OK, three grandchildren, Matthew McNutt of Choctaw, OK, Shayna Alston of Duncan, OK and Briana Goodman, of Oklahoma City.  He is also survived by five great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter.

Graveside services will be held Monday, June 4th, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Cemetery, Oilton, OK with Pastor Michael Parks of The Secret Place Community Church, OKC, officiating services.