James Howard "Hank" Lieber, Jr., retired pipeline engineer, passed away peacefully August 16, 2023, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born March 2, 1925, in Checotah, Oklahoma to James Howard and Elizabeth Ann (Bartholet) Lieber. He grew up and attended school in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School there in 1942. He was a three-year veteran of World War II, becoming a Navigator in the Army Air Corps serving in the Western Pacific and attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma A & M University in 1951. He was employed as an engineer for Mobil Oil Company until 1960 when he joined Mid-America Pipeline Company (MAPCO). He retired from MAPCO as Assistant Manager-Pipeline Design in 1993. Beginning in 1996 he worked from time to time for Willbros Engineering and PACE Engineering as a consultant, finally retiring in 2012. He married Maxine Helen Glotzbach in 1950 with whom he had three children, Mary Ann, John and Jim. He was a member of St. Pius X church, American Legion, American Society of Civil Engineers and Pipe Liners Club of Tulsa who named him Pipe Liner of the Year in 2000. He was formerly a Registered Professional Engineer and a Registered Public Surveyor in the states of Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana. He served on many pipeline industry technical committees during his career. He was devoted to God, proud of his family and his work and loyal to his country.
He enjoyed woodworking on his Shop-Smith and made many functional items around the house including our desks, bunk beds, and coffee/end tables. He added a den to the house with a fireplace and he enjoyed the warmth for many years. And putting on the lederhosen every Tulsa Oktoberfest to dance with whoever wanted to dance was the highlight of his year. When asked what his favorite beer was, he always replied "FREE". Each Saturday and Sunday he watched re-runs of Lawrence Welk.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his son James Richard Lieber, son-in-law Harold VanCuren, grandson Adam VanCuren, brother Joseph Lieber and sisters Dora Marie Grevett, Cecilia Werner, and Martha Waldschmidt. He is survived by his sister Betty Seitz, daughter Mary Ann VanCuren (Robert Morris), son John Howard Lieber (Pam) and daughter-in-law Brenda Lieber, grandchildren Katie Grinberg (Ilan), Alex VanCuren (Sarah), Bryan Lieber (Caroline), Kevin Lieber (Dan Zeehandelaar), Dory Lieber and great-grandchildren Ethan, Levi, Sophie, Emma, Marisa, Xander and one on the way!
Deepest appreciation for all the staff at Zarrow Pointe for the past six years. Hank and Maxine were well taken care of and enjoyed the various activities and friendships. Thank you to Miller Hospice for all your help.
Memorial Rosary: 6:00 PM Friday, December 1, 2023 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1727 South 75th East Ave. Tulsa, OK 74112, 918-622-4488.
Memorial Mass: 10:00 AM Saturday, December 2, 2023 at St. Pius X Catholic Church.
Private interment services will be held at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery in Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, his favorite charity was Catholic Charities.