Greathouse Planned Gift Announced

Nov. 22, 2001

A gift from the estate of University of Oklahoma football great Myrle Greathouse is expected to be the largest planned gift in Sooner sports history, OU Athletics Director Joe Castiglione announced today. Recognition ceremonies honoring Greathouse's family, including his widow, Marcella, will take place at the OU-OSU football game, Saturday.

Greathouse, who died in December 2000, was a standout as both a running back and defensive lineman for former OU head coach Bud Wilkinson. Known as a fierce competitor, Greathouse played in the 1942 season and then joined the Marines, earning the Purple Heart for his service in World War II. He returned to OU in 1946 and played until 1949.

His football career included being named MVP of the 1949 Sugar Bowl, where his interception and 70-yard return led to a touchdown in the 14-6 win over North Carolina.

Greathouse earned a degree in business from OU in 1949 and went on to become president of Wes-Tex Drilling, a successful oil company in Abilene, Texas.

"Myrle Greathouse has always been an outstanding example of a dedicated Sooner," said Castiglione. "His toughness and competitiveness inspired his college teammates. His success in the business world was a model for generations of OU student-athletes. As an athletics donor, he led by example during his lifetime and through this estate gift."

While the final amount of the gift will not be determined until the estate is completely settled, Castiglione said it is expected to exceed $1 million.

Castiglione pointed out that although the OU Athletics Department has raised $79 million to date in its $100 million Great Expectations Campaign, planned giving is a developing program. Planned gifts include bequests made as part of wills, life insurance policies taken in the name of the University of Oklahoma, and vehicles like Charitable Remainder Trusts that provide income during the donor's lifetime.

"We are experiencing such incredible success in our athletics programs and athletic fundraising right now," said Castiglione, "but individuals like Myrle Greathouse whose planned gifts benefit OU Athletics are ensuring that this success will continue for generations of our student-athletes and fans."

University Development and OU Foundation professionals involved in planned giving for OU Athletics are Kirby Hocutt, Assistant Athletic Director, Paul D. Massad, senior associate vice president for Development, Ron D. Burton, executive director of the OU Foundation, and John R. Hillis, director of deferred and planned giving.

OU's George Lynn Cross Heritage Society recognizes donors who make planned gifts, and the Super Sooners Program honors individuals who designate life insurance policies of $50,000 or more to benefit OU Athletics.

For more information about OU Athletics planned giving opportunities, call Kirby Hocutt at (405) 325-8000.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors