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June 11, 2025Father’s Day is June 15
Bill Glass is a retired NFL player who has spent the past 50 years working in prison ministry.
He said almost every inmate he encounters in prison either hates their dad or doesn’t know their dad. In his book, “Champions for Life,” Glass wrote, “Children need a parent, especially a father, who speaks the words of love, hope and belonging in their lives.”
The stories below are different, yet each stands as an example Glass referred to, and an example to each father’s children, grandchildren, communities and Catholic parishes.
Anthony Mutchler
Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Altus
Anthony Mutchler and Linda have four children – Shannon, Jimmy, Richard and Daelin. Their children have followed them into the Catholic faith. In addition to that blessing, they also have eight grandchildren and a great granddaughter.
“I always try to think that I'm a lot like my dad,” Mutchler said. “My dad was a faithful loving husband to my mom and the two were truly one. My wife and I have that same love for each other, always wanting to be together, never apart.
“Our Catholic faith is what brings the love and peace we have in our life. Our wonderful priest, Father Joseph David, is always there for us, praying for us and reminding us to pray for miracles through the Infant Jesus. Our children and grandchildren are also what brings my wife and I the absolute most joy and happiness in our lives.”
The Mutchler family’s Catholic faith has been tested during the past eight years. Linda began showing signs of slurred speech in 2017 and eventually was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Mutchler retired and became a full-time caregiver. In addition, Mutchler’s son Jimmy has kidney failure and requires dialysis multiple times per week.
“Our Catholic faith has been our rock,” Mutchler said, “my wife and I always remind our children to trust in our Lord Jesus.”
Judy Cosway, the parish secretary at Prince of Peace, said, “Father David and I are inspired by Anthony’s faith, devotion to his wife, wonderful family and his willingness to help our parish.”
Linda praises her husband.
“My spouse is an exemplary father, who consistently prioritizes our children. He has served as a religious education teacher for many years and has had the privilege of instructing four of our grandchildren in our faith. His presence improves me each day.”
His daughter, Shannon Antonellis said about her dad, “In our family, he’s also been a spiritual rock – someone who not only talks about faith and trusting in God but lives it every day. When my mom became ill, he devoted himself to helping her heal. Now, he’s her full-time caregiver, never complaining, always making sure she has everything she needs. And doing it all with love and grace.”
John Garber
Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Ada
Bill Glass’ description of a father fits John Garber to many youths, not just his three sons, Gabriel, Lance and John Luke. Garber has been a “dad” to the Boy Scouts in Ada, among many other roles.
“I was a youth leader for Saint Joseph and took them to hike the Grand Canyon twice,” Garber said. “We also went on a mission trip to San Lucas Toliman.”
Garber has six grandchildren and is married to Mary, a frequent sidekick in his adventures. Garber said his passion for hard work, family and helping the needy came from his dad.
“My Dad was from a family with small income and education,” he said. “With hard work, he obtained a great education and a great quality of life.”
Garber’s Catholic faith has been tested several times including when his first wife, Alice, passed away. Alice was a junior high science teacher in Ada.
“After she passed,” he said, “I established a scholarship in her name and if her final class received all As through high school, they would be rewarded with a trip to London. More than 20 students completed the trip.”
Garber, who was an optometrist in Indian Health Services, provided eye care to needy populations in Guatemala, Alaska, Fiji and Honduras. Father Anthony Taylor, currently Bishop of Little Rock and a former pastor at Saint Joseph, encouraged him to do some mission work in Guatemala.
To honor Blessed Stanley Rother, he established an eye clinic in Santiago Atitlan. Garber made several trips a year, at his own expense, offering free eyecare, free prescriptions and personalized eyeglasses for thousands of residents.
Gabriel Garber said about his dad, “He was our scout leader, church youth group leader, Sunday school teacher. He was always focused on our family. I have tried to follow his example, stressing that time spent is better than money spent.”
“We've had countless adventures over the years, including hiking, rafting and ghost story telling,” John Luke Garber said. “He's always the first to offer us help when we need it, and now he gets to do it all again as ‘pop’ to his new granddaughter. Happy Father's Day!"
Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Photo: (Above) Anthony and Linda Mutchler with Fr. Joseph David. Photo provided.
John and Mary Garber. Photo provided.