Graveside funeral services for Virgil William Tague, 95, of Washington were held Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at the Washington Cemetery. Services were under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.
Mr. Tague passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Virgil was born October 23, 1927 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Virgil Tague Sr. and Mary (Ryan) Tague. He spent his early years in Altus, before moving to Tonkawa to live with Uncle Russel and Aunt Jack, after his mother’s sudden passing. While living in Tonkawa, his female relatives gave him the nickname “Big Boy.” He returned to Altus, joining his family, to attend high school.
Only a sophomore, he answered the call of service to his country, and urged his parents to sign for him. He entered the United States Army on February 28, 1946, and served his country proudly during the remainder of World War II.
Back home in Oklahoma, Virgil kept a promise to his mother, and went back to high school and enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard. He graduated high school in 1948, and then attended Oklahoma Baptist University on the GI Bill.
He graduated from OBU with a Finance and Accounting Degree, and began working as a Bank Examiner for the State Banking Commission. His work took him all over the state, checking the banks’ books and making sure they operated within the state’s banking regulations.
After 3-1/2 years, Virgil left his examiner job and went to work for Del State Bank in Del City. At the time, he was living in a brand-new complex on North Pennsylvania in Oklahoma City when he met Sally Turner, a young lady from Washington. They met at a pool party, and the rest as they say is history.
Virgil and Sally were married on February 11, 1966 in Oklahoma City. Together they raised two sons, Mark and David. In 1977, Virgil was named Del State Bank president, and served in that capacity until 1980. He retired from Del State Bank in 1982, but because his family was too young, he went back to work at First National Bank in Midwest City, where he was an officer and director until his retirement.
Away from the bank, Virgil enjoyed life on the ranch, working cattle and tractor time. He was partners with his father-in-law in the family cattle business, and moving to Washington brought him closer to his sons and his grandchildren.
He was honest, and enjoyed his work and the many friendships he developed throughout the years. He would tell you he was a blessed man, and he cherished his family. He will be dearly missed!
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Tague; his parents, Virgil Sr. and Roxie Tague and a sister, Clara June Orr.
Virgil is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sally Tague; his boys, Mark Tague and wife, Scarlett, of Washington and David Tague and wife, Melinda, of Washington; brother, Larry Tague and wife Harlene of Germantown, Tenn.; six grandchildren, Zach Tague, Seth Tague, Turner Tague, Lily Tague, Taos Tague and Ashton Upshaw and husband, Chance; his great-granddaughter, Eleanor Mae Upshaw and a host of other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the First Baptist Church of Washington’s Before and After School Program. Donations can be sent to 100 S. Main Street,Washington, OK 73093.
Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonlittle.com.
