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Some retirees are simply content to relax with a fishing pole or a new set of golf clubs after putting in years on the job. And then there are those people like former Carter County Treasurer Mike McComber, who are as busy in retirement as they were when they were pulling down a steady paycheck.
The Plainview High School graduate served as county treasurer from 1963 until he retired in 1989. He was working as a traveling salesman for Sunshine Biscuit Company when one his customers suggested he run for the post after the man serving as treasurer announced his retirement.
“You know my personality,” he said. “A lot of people know me. It was kind of tailor-made for me.”
McComber said he was very fortunate to have an exceptional group of employees during his nearly 27 years in office. He was so popular only one person ever filed to run against him during all his years as county treasurer and that person never actively campaigned.
He said his wife Velda has been beside him all these years providing support for all he’s been able to accomplish. The couple married in Little Rock, Ark., in 1948 and have five children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
“She’s been my partner all the way through,” he said.
“Sometimes when he’s talking, I have to give him the timeout sign,” she said of the man who also doubles as her dishwasher.
McComber’s smiling face pops up all over town at everything from a Plainvew School fundraiser to a ground-breaking ceremony for a latest Big Five project. Among the organizations he supports are the Salvation Army, Big Five Community Services, the Carter County chapter of the AARP, RSVP, the Ardmore Commission on Aging, the Carter County Democratic Party, the American Legion, the Veterans for Foreign Wars and the American Cancer Society. He is an active member of Ardmore’s First Baptist Church and sings with the musical group, Country Gospel.
The U.S. Army veteran who served in Korea has been so involved in services to area youth he was selected as one of the grand marshals for the 2000 Southern Oklahoma Children’s Christmas Parade. He served as treasurer for the Boy Scouts for a number of years and was one of the people responsible for organizing what is now known as Sunshine Industries.
Back in 1962, McComber was invited to join a non-profit fraternal organization known as the United Commercial Travelers of America, which is still an important part of his life. He was elected as UCT international president in 1983.
Some retirees are simply content to relax with a fishing pole or a new set of golf clubs after putting in years on the job. And then there are those people like former Carter County Treasurer Mike McComber, who are as busy in retirement as they were when they were pulling down a steady paycheck.
The Plainview High School graduate served as county treasurer from 1963 until he retired in 1989. He was working as a traveling salesman for Sunshine Biscuit Company when one his customers suggested he run for the post after the man serving as treasurer announced his retirement.
“You know my personality,” he said. “A lot of people know me. It was kind of tailor-made for me.”
McComber said he was very fortunate to have an exceptional group of employees during his nearly 27 years in office. He was so popular only one person ever filed to run against him during all his years as county treasurer and that person never actively campaigned.
He said his wife Velda has been beside him all these years providing support for all he’s been able to accomplish. The couple married in Little Rock, Ark., in 1948 and have five children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
“She’s been my partner all the way through,” he said.
“Sometimes when he’s talking, I have to give him the timeout sign,” she said of the man who also doubles as her dishwasher.
McComber’s smiling face pops up all over town at everything from a Plainvew School fundraiser to a ground-breaking ceremony for a latest Big Five project. Among the organizations he supports are the Salvation Army, Big Five Community Services, the Carter County chapter of the AARP, RSVP, the Ardmore Commission on Aging, the Carter County Democratic Party, the American Legion, the Veterans for Foreign Wars and the American Cancer Society. He is an active member of Ardmore’s First Baptist Church and sings with the musical group, Country Gospel.
The U.S. Army veteran who served in Korea has been so involved in services to area youth he was selected as one of the grand marshals for the 2000 Southern Oklahoma Children’s Christmas Parade. He served as treasurer for the Boy Scouts for a number of years and was one of the people responsible for organizing what is now known as Sunshine Industries.
Back in 1962, McComber was invited to join a non-profit fraternal organization known as the United Commercial Travelers of America, which is still an important part of his life. He was elected as UCT international president in 1983.
“We offer scholarships to teachers who teach special education,” he said. “Our main thrust is to support special needs children and adults.”
So what motivates an 82-year-old to give so much to his community?
“I guess it’s my love for people,” he said. “When you see people in need and you can assist them, that’s the reward you receive. My mother was involved in the (Deese) community through her home demonstration club, and part of my life has been molded by my mother.”
McComber admitted “our schedule is pretty well full,” but no one is complaining because there are still people in need.
“All of the things I do are fun. We enjoy what we do; otherwise we wouldn’t do it,” he said.
Steve Biehn, 221-6546
