Stephen Edward Reel

Stephen Edward Reel passed away on October 20, 2026. Stephen lived in Oklahoma City, OK. He leaves his wife, Sue, and three children, Michael, Stephanie, and Sarah, and their spouses, Leah, Numair, and Cole. His greatest joys were his grandchildren Adelaide, Emily, James, Annie, Harris, Teddy, and Nora. He was the youngest son of James and Helen Reel. Stephen had two older brothers, Mike and Tony, who were the best brothers possible.

Stephen attended Oklahoma State University from 1966-72. He earned a Bachelor's and Master of Arts degrees in Political Science. While at OSU, he became a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He served as president of the Chapter and House Corporation. In 2018-2022, he served as Chairman for the Capital Campaign, which successfully built the current DTD house. He was awarded the highest honor issued by the Fraternity, the Distinguished Service Chapter. The fraternity provided him with numerous lifelong friends, for which he was forever grateful. During the Vietnam War, he was commissioned as an officer in 1972 and achieved the rank of captain in the Oklahoma Reserves. He was trained as a tank commander.

In 1977, he earned a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law. He practiced law in Oklahoma. He served as city manager of the Village from 1976 through 1980 and as city attorney for The Village from 1981 through 2013. He served as General Counsel for the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance group from 1977 to 2016, when he retired. He was elected to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City and Town Officials in 2013.

He was a devout Catholic and devoted member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma. He served twice on the Parish Council and was a lecturer for Adult Education, teaching numerous classes on Scripture and church history.

After retiring, he served as interim Director for the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma as well as Director of the Catholic Radio of Oklahoma. This radio brings the Good News to listeners from 13 FM radio stations, across the state, with 3 new stations on the horizon. All are funded solely with donations from loyal listeners.

Another retirement project was writing a manuscript to guide men into retirement. He wanted to help men achieve success as they charted their course in unknown waters. Stephen worked with over 20 men as they set sail into a new chapter of their lives.

From 2021- 2025, he served as a member and chairman of the Carlton Landing Homeowners Association in Carlton Landing, Oklahoma. At Carlton Landing, he made many great friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma on behalf of Oklahoma Catholic Radio, P. 0. Box 30784, Edmond. OK 73003.