Brother-In-Law Arrested In Glenpool Teacher's Death

NewsOn6.com & Craig Day, News On 6

GLENPOOL, Oklahoma -- A teacher at Glenpool Schools is being remembered after she was hit by a pickup and killed Sunday afternoon in Okmulgee County.

Mary Beth Kafer, who everyone knows as Penny, spent 26 years impacting young lives as a teacher.

Co-workers, friends and students at Glenpool elementary are struggling to come to terms with her unexpected death.

"Such a shock to us all. It's hard to believe," said Kathy Coley, Glenpool School Superintendent.

Investigators in Okmulgee County say Kafer was hit and killed by a pickup Sunday afternoon at a home southwest of Henryetta. Sheriff Eddy Rice won't give many specifics because of the ongoing investigation, other than to say an argument occurred between family members.

Craig Day, News On 6: "Any idea what they were arguing over?"

Sheriff Eddy Rice, Okmulgee County: "At the moment, that's one of the things under investigation."

The sheriff said Kafer's brother-in-law, Michael Frank Kafer, who was behind the wheel of the truck, was arrested and booked into the Okmulgee County jail on manslaughter and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon complaints.

Kathy Coley, Glenpool School Superintendent, said Kafer worked her entire teaching career in Glenpool, most recently at helping elementary students who needed extra attention.

She was wonderful," Coley said. "To know her is to love her, she was just a gift to everyone that knew her. So it's going to be hard to adjust."

Coley said Kafer made a difference for countless children over the years.

The district notified parents of Kafer's students about her death over the weekend and is working with the mental health association and area church pastors to make counseling available to students and coworkers who might need it.

Read the statement from Glenpool Public Schools.

"She has lots of support and friends and this community will surround that family and take care of them," Coley said.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by a Henryetta funeral home.