Sixkiller honored for 40 years

Sixkiller Honored for 40 Years of Service

When the sun rose over Blackwell Friday morning, it cast its light on a new name at the Doolin electrical substation: the Sixkiller Substation.

The freshly christened sign stands as a permanent tribute to Greg Sixkiller, who was honored this week for 40 years of dedicated service to the City of Blackwell. Sixkiller, who will retire later this month, was recognized during Thursday night’s Blackwell City Council meeting by City Manager Jerry Wieland and representatives from the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority.

The City Hall Council Chambers were filled to capacity with friends, family, former city leaders, and co-workers, all gathered to celebrate the career of a man who has spent his life keeping Blackwell’s lights on.

“For the past 40 years, Greg Sixkiller has been a pivotal figure in serving and maintaining the City of Blackwell’s electrical grid,” Wieland said. “Greg was born here, graduated from here with the Class of 1981, and for four decades helped to keep the lights on through some of the worst weather conditions we could face.”

Sixkiller joined the city’s electric department in 1985 and went on to lead the department, training new generations of employees while devoting time to youth baseball, Leadership Blackwell, and countless other community causes.

“For Greg, it’s always been about service to his community,” an emotional Wieland said. “Being available for everyone, making time for everyone with a question or a problem. He is not just a leader, but a brother and a friend. He is the definition of what it means to be a Blackwellian.”

Wieland also recognized Sixkiller’s family for the sacrifices they made over the years, especially his wife, Deidra. “The City would be remiss not to mention, and extend thanks as well, to Greg’s wife and family for putting up with him flying out of the house on a moment’s notice—missing dinners, family outings, birthdays—to serve the community in dangerous conditions to get the power back on,” he said.

The Sixkiller family name has become synonymous with public service in Blackwell. Greg’s father served as a State Trooper for 25 years, while Deidra taught in Blackwell schools for 33 years. Greg’s four decades of work for the city add to a legacy nearing a century of combined service.

At the close of Thursday’s ceremony, Wieland presented Sixkiller with the new substation sign—an enduring marker of his service, crafted by the city’s Street and Parks Department.

Sixkiller, and those in attendance, were moved to tears.