Gaylord Chandler "Pete" Sheneman Jr.

On February 1, 2023, Gaylord Chandler “Pete” Sheneman Jr. ran his final race at home with his family near.  Pete was born on January 11, 1939 in Sawyer, PA to Gaylord Sr. and Marian Sheneman.  He attended Limestone High School in Pennsylvania and later enlisted in the Air Force in Buffalo, NY in July of 1956 where he started his career as a mechanic.  He was later discharged in 1958 at the Elsworth base in South Dakota as an Airman 3rd class.  Later in 1959, he and his family followed his brother Gary Sheneman to Oklahoma where he continued his auto mechanic skills and his love for cars and racing.  In between drag racing on country roads and running from police cars with his brother Johnnie he met the love of his life, Mary Ernestyne “Ernie” Pearce.  They later married on June 4, 1965.  During that time Pete began racing stock cars at the Tulsa Speedway and then became interested in Drag racing where he raced a 1939 Studebaker at numerous drag strips across Oklahoma.  Pete gave up his racing days in 1970 to raise his kids, Mary Ellen Sheneman and Michael “Mike” Ernest Sheneman of Broken Arrow.  In 1975, Pete joined the Classic Chevrolet Car Club of Tulsa, OK the first of many car clubs and bought his 1955 Chevy pickup that he restored, which is known as Double Nickels.  This was just the beginning of many vehicle restorations and car shows for Pete.  His love for being an auto mechanic grew so he decided to open his own automotive shop, Pete’s Automotive where he not only worked and served people around Broken Arrow but where he also helped his children build and restore their own vehicles.  After the love of his life passed and he later retired, he continued his passion of classic cars and many car shows while giving advice and helping his children and now grandchildren with their hot rods.  Pete was quick to call Michael “Mikey” or Cassandra “Babe” to bring him a Pepsi to drink.  He enjoyed looking out his front window to watch his grandsons drive by and rev up their engines as they passed by.  Over the last couple of years Pete’s health was declining so Mike and his family moved him in to their house where they could be close by.  In the last year, his grandson Seth was there every day to help care for him and be his right-hand man.  Pete was a wonderful father, grandfather, and mentor.  He was stubborn and ornery, but he never gave up his faith.  He had a special place in his heart for his children and grandchildren.  Pete never missed a step, and he was always full of laughter, stories, and jokes.  He never met anyone he didn’t like and always had a smile on his face.  He will be missed, but his passion for cars and racing will forever live on throughout his kids and grandkids.

Pete is survived by his daughter, Ellen Lewis of Broken Arrow, OK; his son, Mike Sheneman (Angela) of Broken Arrow, OK; his brother, Gary Sheneman (Barbara) of Weleetka, OK; six grandsons, Tate Lewis, Drew Lewis (Hailey), Kurt Lewis (Mallory Bevens), Chase Sheneman (Erica Branson), Michael Sheneman (Cassandra), and Seth Sheneman; two great grandchildren, Italy Branson and Romen Sheneman; one great grandson on the way; his sister-in-law, Marsha Sheneman; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Pete was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ernestyne Sheneman, his parents, Gaylord Chandler Sheneman, Sr. and Marian H. Sheneman, three brothers, and one sister.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at Brown Funeral Home in Broken Arrow, OK.  Services celebrating Pete’s life will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 10, 2023 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broken Arrow, OK.  Pete will be laid to rest at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in Broken Arrow, OK.

Family and friends may share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com.  The family of Gaylord Chandler “Pete” Sheneman Jr. entrusted his care and services to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 231 E. Commercial St., Broken Arrow, OK 74012, 918-251-5331.