Henry David Gomes was born Nov. 7, 1921, in Oakland, Calif., to John and Mary (Nunns) Gomes. He died Wednesday.

Gomes grew up and attended schools in the Oakland and Dos Pablos, Calif. areas. He served his country in the Unites States Marine Corps during World War II from Aug. 12, 1942 to Oct. 12, 1945. His service led him to receive a Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross while seeing action at Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville, and Iwo Jima.

On Feb. 23, 2002, in Los Banos, Calif., the former Marguerite “Peg” Heilbronn and Henry David Gomes were united in marriage. The couple moved to Locust Grove over 6 years ago. Gomes was a member of the Iron Post Free Holiness Church near Locust Grove. He was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion, Purple Heart Association, and the D.A.V.

Gomes retired from Merced, Calif. Fire Department where he was a truck engineer. He enjoyed gardening and fishing. He had a passion and love for birds, from watching and listening to them, to taking care of them. Henry enjoyed doing woodwork and making ceramics.

Henry is survived by: his wife, Peg, of the home; four children; Ronald Lee Gomes and wife Ruby of Locust Grove, Ricky Lee Gomes of Pryor, Tracy Allan Gomes and wife Tonya of Dos Palos, Calif., Karen Lynette Moore and husband Dean of Los Banos, Calif.; Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, other relatives, and a host of friends also survive him.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; wives; Pearl, Glynne, and Joni; infant triplet daughters that died at birth; two sons; Randy Lee Gomes and Robert Layne Gomes; and one grandson; Joshua Bryan Matlock.

Graveside services are 10 a.m., Tuesday, with inurnment to follow at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery in Ft. Gibson. Reverend Travis Martin will officiate with Military Rites being provided by American Legion Post #147 Veteran Funeral Detail from Miami, Oklahoma. Services have been entrusted to the Locust Grove Funeral Home. To leave thoughts, memories, or condolences visit www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com.