Jeffrey Glen Black

In Memory of Jeffrey Black

Jeffrey Glen Black, 67, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 surrounded by his family at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday. December 20, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Red Oak with Bro. Johnny Montgomery officiating. Burial will follow at Red Oak Cemetery under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Dester, Mikey Hancock, Shane Hancock, Jake James, Chris Loman, and Danny Dixon.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Tim Payne, Charles Burns, Teddy Burns, Richard Dixon, the Breakfast Crew, Deacons of First Baptist Church of Red Oak, Seth Rogers, Danny Dester, and Scott Harris.

Jeff was born on August 8, 1957 in Bakersfield, California to Leo (Jeff) and Emma (Hodge) Black.

Jeff was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord with all his heart. He was a loving husband to Becky for 41 years, an adoring daddy to his Katy girl, the best Papa to Emma and John, and a beloved, ornery brother to Phyllis.

Jeff was a deacon at First Baptist Church of Red Oak. Prior to the last 3 years of battling with his health, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing pool, attending Rise and Shine at his church on Sunday mornings, and riding his motorcycle. He even got Becky to ride with him a few times.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Becky of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Katy and Seth Rogers of Pocola; grandchildren, Emma and John Rogers of Pocola; sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Richard Dixon of Haileyville; mother-in-law, Jane Stevens of Hartshorne; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Larry Black.

His family is comforted in knowing that he is now walking the streets of gold with Jesus; with a perfect, new body and no bent over back or health issues.

Rutha D. Noyes VanHorn

Rutha D. Noyes VanHorn, 87 years old, known to everyone as Doreen, of Wilburton Oklahoma went to her eternal sleep on December 6, 2024.

Doreen was born on July 24, 1937 in Roseburg Oregon to Huey and Leola VanHorn. She attended school in Sweet Home, Oregon for several years. She met and married her first husband and had 3 children Sandy, Jerry, and Sheri.

Doreen was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in early 1970's.

She met and married her husband Robert Noyes, 1965 and were married in Salem Oregon the same year.

They lived in Oregon most of their married lives, before moving to Oklahoma in 2002, to live closer to her daughter Sandy and her family.

At two years old she was kicked in the forehead by a horse, and even though doctors told her parents that she would die, she surprised everyone. At 6 she lost her sister from severe burns while playing dress up. At 32 years old she lost her first son to a brain hemmorage, at 71 she lost her youngest son to a heart attack, and two months later she lost her husband of 43 years. Through it all she persevered and put her faith in Jehova.

She was preceded in death by her father Huey VanHorn, her mother Leola Lightfoot, her husband Robert Noyes, her son Jerry Hoffman, her son William Noyes, and her sister Helyen VanHorn.

She would let it be known that she sould never love another man after losing her husband. But she truly loved her special son in-law Jerry and would let everyone within ear shot know how special he is and was very proud of their relationship.

She is survived by her daughter and son in-law Sandy and Jerry Sinor of Wilburton, Oklahoma, her daugther and son in-law Sheri and Darrell Terrell of Klamath Falls, Oregon, eight grandchildren, Kimberly Sinor, Matthew Terrell, Andrew Terrell, Justin Sinor, Cole Terrell, Anthony Noyes, and Justin Noyes. Brother and sister in-law Rea and Patty VanHorn of Washington, sister and brother in-law Shirlene and Kirk McKinney of Oregon, sister Sheila VanHorn of Oregon, and a brother Keith Lightfoot of Nevada. Eleven great grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Doreen was a mom, wife, homemaker, model, and interior designer. She was the happiest when crocheting for family and friends.

She will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Satuday, December 21, 2024 at the Kingdom Hall in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, OK.

Matthew William Thomas

In Memory of Matthew Thomas

 Matthew William Thomas, an extraordinary young man and a true follower of Jesus, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 in McAlester, Oklahoma. He was 10 years old and resided in Wilburton, Oklahoma with his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024 at Grace Russell Elementary Auditorium in Wilburton, Oklahoma under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home. 

Matthew was born on January 23, 2014 in Norfolk, Virginia to Evert and Trina Thomas. He was a 5th grade student at Wilburton Elementary School where he was an “A” student and in the Gifted and Talented Program. He enjoyed playing Fortnite with his friends, building Legos, and collecting Pokémon cards. Matthew loved music, playing the drums and the guitar. His passion was his faith in Jesus and his love for the River Church. Matthew’s light shined bright for the gospel. 

He is survived by his parents, Evert and Trina Thomas; brother, Jonathon Thomas; grandparents, Robert and Rhonda Campbell; along with several other family members and friends.

Matthew is preceded in death by his grandparents, David Thomas, Norris and Janet Paxson, and Arthur Saulter. 

Put on the full Armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ~Ephesians 6:11

Mary Kathrine Culberson

In Memory of Mary Kathrine Culberson,

Mary Kathrine Culberson, age 65, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, passed away in her home on November 3, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on November 11, 1958, in Mount Pleasant Texas to Jess Ashlock II and Mary Gwen Browning, and then lovingly adopted and raised by the late Mamie Lou Ashlock.

Kathy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was deeply devoted to her family and her faith. A God-fearing woman, Kathy began each day with a cup of coffee and the Lord’s Prayer before she began reading the comforting words of her Bible. Her unwavering belief in God and her kind, generous spirit touched all who knew her.

Kathy spent her life spreading love and laughter to anyone she was around. She was a Dallas Cowboys Superfan, making sure to support them during every game. She also loved playing Bingo with her friends and singing while dancing anytime and anywhere. Her down to Earth nature made everyone feel loved and welcomed. She adored her family and made friends everywhere she went. 

Mary is survived by her beloved husband, Tommy Keith Culberson; her two daughters, Elizabeth A. Culberson and Brenda Lou Newman; her son, Donnie Delmer Culberson; her brothers, Red Browning, Terry Ashlock, Ben Ashlock, Dale Ashlock, and Jessie Ashlock; her sister, Sandra Bloxham; and her cherished grandchildren, Dylan Keith Culberson, Kathrine McKinze Newman, Kason Heath Newman, and Drake Lee Culberson. She was also loved by many extended family members and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Jess Ashlock II, Mamie Lou Ashlock, and Mary Gwen Browning; brother, Mike Ashlock; sister, Ruby Browning; sisters in law, Nita Ashlock and Kathy Ashlock and her niece, Wendy Lee Ashlock.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on December 2nd, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Assembly of God of Wilburton, with her brother Pastor Ben Ashlock and Pastor Lynn Bullard officiating. 

Mary’s wild spirit and deep faith will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Though she has left this world, her deep love for her family and for Christ will live on forever.

Melvin Winegarten

Melvin Archie Winegarten

July 15 ,1928 – October 4, 2024

Melvin Archie Winegarten, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in Branson, Missouri, on October 4, 2024, at the age of 96. Mel was a man of many passions—hardworking, fun-loving, and adventurous—who filled the lives of those around him with joy and laughter.

The viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11, 2024 at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Center Point Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating. The burial will follow at Center Point Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jordan Johnson, Pat Sutton, Jake Goodson, Brennan Bresee, David Winegarten, and Steve Johnson. Honorary Pallbearer is Jack Wekler. He grew up in Kilgore, Texas and LeFlore, Oklahoma, but the adventure really started after being drafted into the Airforce during WWII.  His time in the service instilled in him a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. After returning home, he embarked on a successful

career as an electrician, ultimately rising to the position of lead inspector.  He eventually transitioned to help training future journeymen within the local union and continued working independently as an inspector, traveling to whichever state the job took him.  

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mel was known for his vibrant social life. He loved attending community events and could often be found dancing at local dance halls, where his infectious laughter and jovial spirit lit up the room. A dedicated athlete throughout his life, Mel enjoyed playing and coaching softball and basketball, sharing his passion with everyone from young children to senior athletes in the Senior Olympics. His skillful jump shot earned him admiration during countless games at the local YMCA and through his church community.

Affectionately known as “Papa” to his family, Mel maintained close ties with his local community and senior centers, always ready to share a story. He was a traveler at heart, making friends wherever he went, and his zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mel was preceded in death by: Katherine Winegarten (Ellzey), Loretta (Skeet) Vinson, Brenda Welker, Debbie Johnson, Larry Winegarten, Melody Johnson, and Mallory Winegarten.  

He is survived by his son, Kenny Winegarten; grandchildren, Tiffany (Pat) Sutton, Amber (Nick) Fairless, Jade (Jake) Goodson, Jordan (Jeni) Johnson, Misty (Lance) Schroyer, Jason, Rachael, Adam, and David along with eight great-grandchildren. 

Mel Winegarten’s legacy of laughter and adventure will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Nadine "Nana" Draper Basden

Nadine “Nana” Draper Basden

Nadine “Nana” Draper Basden of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 at the Latimer Nursing Home.

Viewing is to be held from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, October 4, 2024 at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral Services are to be held at 2:00 P.M at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel on October 5, 2024.

Nadine was born on July 19, 1932 in Wilburton, Oklahoma to True and Mary (McDonald) Draper. Nadine married Carl “Cotton” Basden on June 3, 1953 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

Nadine graduated from Wilburton High School in 1953. She loved being a Mother, Wife, and especially a Grandmother/ Great Grandmother. She was a lifetime member of The VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and was known for being a cook at Fern’s, Famous for her pies.

She was of the Baptist Faith, and loved everyone who surrounded her. Nadine was survived by her beloved children: Ernie Basden of Wilburton, Oklahoma, Linda Winningham of Wilburton, Oklahoma, Kay Johnson of Wilburton, Oklahoma, Trudy Lowe of Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Her Grandchildren: Alex Wilks, Heather & Billy Ray Ziverk, Brad Winningham, Bain Durant & Reva, David Durant, Joey Kennedy, Zac & Philisha Lowe, Jacob & Michelle Lowe, Maggie Lowe & Joseph MaLone, Lucas & Lindsey Lowe. Numerous Great Grandchildren. A Host of Several Nieces, Nephews and Friends, and several great grandchildren.

Preceded in Death by her Parents, 3 Brothers, 4 Sisters, and her beloved Husband- Carl “Cotton” Basden.

Preston Leon Green

Obituary 

Preston Leon Green 

Preston Leon Green was born on December 11th 1937 in Wister, Oklahoma.  Preston,  a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on Monday, September 30th 2024 in his Residence in Wilburton, Oklahoma. 

Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024 at the Bengal Community Building in Bengal, Oklahoma. 

Pallbearers were be: William Green, Charles Green, Josh Pope, Parker Judkins, Philip Judkins and RC Rees.

Honorary Pallbearers: Donald Green, Larry Heaton, Carl Green and Curtis Green. 

Preston is survived by his Wife: Kay Green, of the home. Daughters, Regina Pope and Husband Wayne, of LeFlore, OK. Tina Judkins and Husband, Phillip of Bengal, OK. His 6 Grandchildren: Josh Pope of LeFlore, OK, Brandi Smith of Prescott, AZ, Kayla Rees of Bokoshe, OK, Chance Judkins of Tuskahoma, OK, Parker Judkins of Bengal, OK, and Kenzie Pope of LeFlore, OK. And 15 Great Grandchildren; Brothers: William Green and Wife Betty of Wilburton, OK and Charles Green and Wife Carlene of Hartshorne, OK. 

Preceded in death by his Father and Mother Charlie & Kate Green; Brothers Robert and Oscar (Duck) Green and Sister, Panzie Morgan.

Preston was a man who loved his family, friends, and especially his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. He retired after 35 years stocking ponds, amongst other services, with the Soil Conservation Service in Latimer County. 

In his younger years, he and the family spent numerous weekends either on Spring Creek Lake or Long Creek Lake, boating, boarding and water skiing. The number of horseshoe games and tournaments Preston participated in, is beyond measure. Preston was known for his love of the great outdoors with his family, and passed on his love for these simple pleasures of life to the next generation of his family. Preston found a new passion for building several cabins all down the Compton Hollar railroad tracks. 

It’s impossible to speak of Preston without mentioning Kay, with whom he shared over 60 years of marriage. He has left their family with countless happy memories, with many more to share with Kaye. Their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are the source of their greatest pride. Their love will forever shape their families lives.

Preston Leon Green

Preston Leon Green 86 years of Wilburton, OK passed away on Monday at his home in Wilburton, OK

Services will be Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 2pm at the Bengal Community Building with burial to follow in the Peachland Cemetary in Bengal, OK

Visitation Tuesday, October 1, 2024 5pm until 7pm at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, OK.

Services are under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home of Wilburton, OK.

Leroy Scott

In Memory of Leroy Scott

Henry Leroy Scott, a devoted husband, dad, and papa, passed away Sunday, September 1, 2024, in Wilburton, Oklahoma, at the age of 88.  

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Center Point Baptist Church with Rev. Bud Vinson officiating. Burial will follow at Center Point Cemetery.

Born in Wilburton, Oklahoma in the community of Center Point, to Everett Henry and Addie Mae (Smith) Scott on August 26, 1936.  Leroy was the oldest of 3 children. He grew up in Wilburton and graduated from Wilburton High School in 1955. After graduation, Leroy went to EOSC for 1 semester.  He married Kathryn Edington on January 12, 1957, in Wilburton, and they had 3 children.  They moved to California for about 2 years, where Leroy went to work in the harvest.  They then moved back to Wilburton, where Leroy worked for Eastern Tank.  He later worked for 20 years at Wooldridge Oil, where he retired. 

Leroy is survived by his wife, Kathryn; son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Helen Scott of Wilburton; daughter and son-in-law, Marlene and Steve Ponnequin of Canadian Shores, Oklahoma; and son and daughter-in-law, Curtis and Jana Scott of Wilburton; grandchildren, Jeniffer and Craig Hammond of Enterprise, Oklahoma, Amber Jones of Stigler, Oklahoma, Marissa Bevilacqua, Rashell Scott, Cody and Kali Scott, and Ethan Scott, all of Wilburton; great grandchildren, Blake Watkins, Kayden, Harley and Raven Hammond, Lorenzo Bevilacqua, Emma Lomon, and Amara McCabe; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Nancy Scott; sister, Gwen Cook; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Candy Hunnicutt

In Memory of Candy Hunnicutt

Candy Hunnicutt, 59, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away at her home on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 30, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Wilburton First Baptist Church with Rev. Doug Miller and Rev. Willard Francis officiating. Interment will follow at Lutie Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home. Active pallbearers are Jacob Marsh, Billy Marsh, Ilan Cisneros, Chuck Higdon, Izek Danel, and Mitchell Cook.

Honorary Pallbearers are Michael Keith Cude, Riley Wayman, Jackson Wayman, Rowan Cisneros, Rylan Marsh, and Mason Wilcox. Candy was a lifelong resident of Wilburton. Graduating in 1983 from Wilburton High School, she went on to earn her associate’s degree in early childhood education from Eastern Oklahoma State College. Candy worked in many places from NASA to AT&T, and also in the hospitality industry throughout her years of traveling the country with her father, who worked in pipeline construction. She worked at Wilburton Elementary from 2003 to 2016 when she took an early retirement to selflessly move to Texas to be with her sister, Kassandra whose husband, Charlie, was battling cancer. True to her passion for early childhood education, she worked as a preschool teacher in Texas. She stayed with Kassandra long after Charlie lost his battle with cancer. In 2019 she moved back to Wilburton to focus on her and her husband's health and to be close to her youngest child, Josh.

Candy was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma in September 2023 at OU Medical in OKC. After brain surgery to remove a large tumor, she underwent treatments at the Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute in Tulsa. After a hard battle, she was placed on hospice in early August.

She is survived by her pain-in-the-butt husband, Robert Hunnicutt of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Churon and Nathan Clark of Okinawa, Japan; favorite son, Joshua Hunnicutt of the home; stepson, Robert Hunnicutt Jr. and wife Tiffany of Lequire, OK; stepdaughter, Wendy Lee Bully of Durant, OK; stepfather, Fred Thornburg of Wilburton, OK; stepmother, Karen Fonville and husband Kenny of Springfield, MO; sisters, Kassandra Howard of Anna, TX and Rena Thomason and husband Jim of Blanco, OK; brothers, Junior Thornburg and wife Melissa of Wilburton, OK, Jeff Wilcox and wife Jodi of Springfield, MO; uncles, Don Wilcox and wife Dustie of Red Oak, OK and Keith Wilcox and wife Twila of Talihina, OK; aunts, Tina Costanza and husband Mark of Antioch, CA and Linda Wilcox of Talihina, OK; nieces, Kayla-Sue Cisneros and husband Ilan of Anna, TX and Sarah Howard of Anna, TX; grandchildren, Carson, Zander, Austen, Charlee, Alyssa, Chiara, Dakota, and Carlos; along with many other loved and cherished family members and friends. 

Candy is preceded in death by her grandparents, Big Jack and Lahoma Wilcox and Earnest and Fannie Mae Campbell; parents, Jack Wilcox and Sue Thornburg; aunt, Cheryl Wilcox Armstrong; uncle, Tim Wilcox; and brother-in-law, Charles Howard.