Dorothy Ann Grace

Dorothy Ann Martin was born September 30, 1922 to Roy J. Martin and Cecil Mae Davenport in Dardanelle, Arkansas.  She was the oldest of three other siblings, Roy Martin, Jr., Jimmy "Pepper" Martin and Frank Martin. She is preceded in death by her parents and three brothers.

On December 24, 1943, Dorothy Ann married John David Grace, Jr. in Camden, Arkansas. A love that last almost 70 years, when on May 15, 2012,John was called home to be with the Lord. 

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Cecilia Morris and husband Dow, her son Michael Grace and wife Linda. Five grandchildren, Duston Morris and wife Rhonda, Conway, Arkansas, David Grace and wife Jill, Shawnee, Kansas, Shaunna Grace-Lidrich and husband Nathan, Las Cruces, New Mexico, Melissa Morris-Ward and husband Joe, Levelock, Alaska, and Chris Morris and wife Jamie, McAlester, Oklahoma. Ten great grandchildren, Braeden and Izzy Morris, Dava and Isaac McClellan-Morris, Conway, Arkansas, Alex and Ella Grace, Shawnee, Kansas, Hannah Ward, Nondalton, Alaska, Nathan Ward, Anchorage, Alaska, Blake and Shelby Morris, McAlester, Oklahoma and many wonderful nieces, nephews and friends.

Dorothy was looking forward to completing this life's journey and went home to be with the LORD on Monday, August 17, 2020.

Jessie Brixey

In Memory of Jessie Brixey

 Jessie Marie Brixey was born October 5, 1921 to Julius and Nancy (Fout) Allen in Walls, Oklahoma. She passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2020 in Wilburton, Okahoma at the age of 98.

 She was a loving homemaker and attended Park Road Church of Christ in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

 Jessie was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, D. Edward Wallace & Everett Brixey; daughter, Mary Henderson; son, Bill Wallace and eight brothers & sisters.

 She is survived by:

Neice, Carol Clark & husband, Ronnie of Wilburton, Oklahoma;
Great Niece, Teresa Clark Polly of Wilburton, Oklahoma;
Great Nephew, Shaun Clark of Wilburton, Oklahoma;
Grandchildren: Lisa Rillo & husband, Robert of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma;
Diane Lopp & husband, Randy of Tulsa, Oklahoma;
David Henderson & wife, Becky of Wilburton, Oklahoma;
Stepahnie Davis of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma;
Mealanie Moore & husband, Michael of Moore, Oklahoma.

A viewing will be held Monday, August 17, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. at  Waldrop Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Wilburton Memorial Gardens in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Mr. Darren Harber officiating.

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

Norma Blankenship

In Memory of Norma Blankenship

 Norma G. Blankenship was born March 22, 1939 to Marvin Bowser and Mildred Hugle in Sulphur, Oklahoma. She passed away on Friday, August, 7, 2020 at her home. She  was 81. 

 She was the widow of JD Reed. She married HD Blankenship on October 16, 1998 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. They resided in Red Oak, Oklahoma. 

 Norma was a member of Rocky Point Methodist Church and the Homemaker Extension of Latimer County. She sold insurance for many years.

 Norma was preceded in death by her great grandson.

 She is survived by her husband, HD of Red Oak, Oklahoma; 

Son, Jeff Reed & wife, Debbie of Red Oak, Oklahoma; daughter, Lorrie Dost & husband, Robert of Wilburton, Oklahoma; Aunt, Barbara Sanders of Hartshorne, Oklahoma; Sister, Linda Caldwell of Grove, Oklahoma; Four Grandchildren; Six Great Grandchildren; plus several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

 Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at the First Baptist Church of Red Oak with Rev. Joe Corcoran and Rev. Johnny Montgomery officiating. Interment to follow at Mt. Station Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma. 

 Pallbearers: Clint Blankenship, Howard Blankenship, Randy Moody, James Ott, Floyd Hatcher, Jay Hatcher, and Bill Fletcher.

 Honorary Pallbearers: Jess Wommack and Ken Marly.

 Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, WIlburton, Oklahoma. 

Roy Edward Pate

Roy Edward Pate was born March 11, 1934 to Louie and Lula (Humphrey) Pate in Wilburton, Oklahoma. He passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 in Southhaven, Mississippi. He was 86.

 He married Fairrell Gregory on March 29, 1953 in Wilburton, Oklahoma. They had been married 56 years at the time of her passing in 2009. 

 Roy served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and later in the Air Force Reserves.

 He was a skilled carpenter, and also worked in the oilfields for several years.

 Roy married Bonnie Price on July 23, 2010 in Marion, Arkansas. They resided in Senatobia, Mississippi.

 He was a member of the Strayhorn Baptist Church in Sarah, Mississippi. He was previously a long time member of the Church of God Seventh Day in Wister, Oklahoma.

 Roy was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Fairrell, an infant son, and his brother, Thomas.

 He is survived by:

His wife, Bonnie of Senatobia, Mississippi and children:
Salley Sutmiller and husband, Donald, of Bixby, Oklahoma
Steven Pate and partner, Mary, of McAlester, Oklahoma
Tammy Fields of McAlester, Oklahoma
Dale Pate and partner, Angela of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Charlotte White of Senatobia, Mississippi
Jimmy White and wife, Marilyn, of Senatobia, Mississippi
Donna Stroud and husband, Kenny of Nesbit, Mississippi

 18 grandchildren
45 great grandchildren
12 great great grandchildren
Sister, Bertha Dill of Poteau, Oklahoma
Sister-in-law, Chris Pate of Wilburton, Oklahoma

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 11,2020 at the Lutie Cemetery with Rev. Lamar Ford officiating.

Pallbearers: Vaughn Blankenship, Shawn Blankenship, Greg Sutmiller, Jonathon Sutmiller, Llan Pate, and Seth Strader

 Honorary pallbearers: Stephanie English, Lynn Swing, Elizabeth Pate, Amanda King, and John Swing

Betty June Ellis

In Memory of

Betty June Ellis

 Betty June Ellis, 92, was born on September 16, 1927, to Josiah & Lola (Blake) Morgan in Octavia, Oklahoma. She passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2020 in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

 She was the widow of Horton Ellis, Jr. They were married November 7, 1946 in Bakersfield, California.

 She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Wilburton.

 Betty is  survived by her children: 

Linda Hardcastle and Richard Chowen of Alpenia, Michigan;  Mike Ellis and wife Susan of Wilburton, Oklahoma; and Joe Ray Ellis of Wilburton, Oklahoma; her grandchildren:  Greg Wagner, Beth Ann Wagner, Mark Hardcastle, Tracy Allen, Kristy Melton, John Ellis, Autumn Ellis, Patricia Quantie, Michael Ellis, Jr., Alex Ellis, Augusta Hirrill, several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

 She is also survived by her sister, Julina Hardin of Halten City, Texas and son-in-law, Floyd Allen of Wilburton, Oklahoma. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Horton Ellis, Jr. and daughter, Judy Allen.

 Viewing: Monday, August 3, 2020 

               8:00-10:00 a.m.

               Waldrop Funeral Home

 Service: Monday, August 3, 2020

               10:00 a.m.

               The Bob Waldrop Memorial Chapel

Burial to follow at Wilburton Memorial Gardens

Gene Hiatt

In Memory of

Gene Hiatt

Gene Hiatt, 68 of Whitesboro, passed away Monday, July 20, 2020.

Gene was born in McAlester, Oklahoma on March 17, 1952 to the late Jack and Oleta (Muse) Hiatt.

He was a teacher at Whitesboro Public Schools for 35 years.

Gene is survived by:

His wife of 44 years, Helen (Prock) Hiatt; Sons, Mikel Hiatt of Whitesboro, Oklahoma and Jerrod Hiatt of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Sister, Judy Hiatt of Red Oak, Oklahoma; Brother, Vince Hiatt and wife Donna of Red Oak Oklahoma.

He is also survived by several cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Red Oak Cemetery in Red Oak, Oklahoma.

Ronald Richard Tarrant

In Memory of

Ronald Richard Tarrant

Ronald Richard Tarrant, 79 of Wilburton, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020, at Hillcrest Heart Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ron was born on February 5, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Virgil and Ester (Kingen) Tarrant.

Ron married his wife Jennifer, September 29, 1990 in Wilburton, OK. They first met in St. Louis, Missouri in 1965. Her parents, Kensel & Dortha (Lee) Tucker, chaperoned them with their 5 young children on their first date to a fireworks display. They went their separate ways in 1968, but she found him in Fairbanks, Alaska in 1989. They have been living happily in Wilburton ever since.

Ron served in the United States Marine Corps. actively from 1966-1968. He had numerous jobs from the age of fourteen. He retired from four different occupations. He last retired in2019 from Robbers Cave State Park as a carpenter. 

Ron was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Wilburton. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Life Member of the NRA, organized the Southeastern Oklahoma Friends of the NRA in Wilburton. He was awarded the National FNRA Regional Volunteer of the Year for 2 consecutive years. He was an avid hunter. His passion took him on big game hunts to Africa, New Zealand, Alaska, and Canada. He was a man of many talents but most importantly, Ron was a friend to all.

Ronald is survived by:

His wife of 29 years, Jennifer.

Son: Clint Tarrant of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Daughters/Son-In-Laws: Rhonda Carpenter & Husband Mark of Wilburton, Oklahoma; Kelli Wade & Husband Timothy of Canton, Ohio.

Stepsons: Robert Pate of McAlester, Oklahoma; Ricky Pate of Wilburton, Oklahoma; Rodger Pate of McAlester, Oklahoma.

Sister: Ruth Ann Angoine and husband Ronald of Las Vegas, Nevada.

He is also survived by 5 Grandchildren, 5 Step Grandchildren, and 3 Great Grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister.

A Private Family Service will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at The Bob Waldrop Memorial Chapel with Pastor Dana Hugle and Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating with burial at Wilburton Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Public Viewing/Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 20 from 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

OK Medical Research Foundation

Attention: Heart Research

825 NE 13th St.

Oklahoma City, OK  73104-9930

Randall Lewis Phillips

Randall Lewis Phillips, 64, was born on May 23, 1956, in Bonham, Texas, and left this life for his heavenly home on Friday, June 12, 2020 at his home, surrounded by family. Randy was the oldest of two children born to Robert and Robbie Phillips. Randy lived his life in Bonham, Texas. He graduated from Bonham High School in 1974. He attended vo-tech thru OTASCO to begin his career as a mechanic. He then worked for Carter Chevrolet in Bonham and then transferred to Eldorado Chevrolet where he worked for the majority of his time. He completed his work at City Auto in Leonard, Texas with his long time friend, Butch.

Randy was blessed with many lifelong friends. His best friendship of 54 years was James “Man” Baker. Their friendship began after a head on collision in the high school parking lot. After that, they were rarely apart. Many of their greatest adventures were in the creek hunting arrowheads and poking fun at each other. They shared life’s most precious memories by each other's side. They helped each other raise children, move houses, and even shared “The Buffalo.” Man never left Randy’s side, he was with him to the end, sharing his strength, comfort and love. 

Randy had two children, Jessica and Sport. Jessica married Johnny Skimbo and gave Randy two granddaughters, Jerzi and Josie. Jessica teaches in Wilburton, Oklahoma. Sport joined the Marines in 2011 and now works for Raytheon in McKinney, Texas. Randy was extremely proud of his kids and grandkids.

Randy met his wife, Kelly in 2007 and they immediately fell in love. They were married in 2012 and that marriage added two daughters, Kathryn and Janet with granddaughter Emria into the family. Their marriage completed the family.

Randy will continue to be dearly loved and will be missed by many.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church, Wilburton, Oklahoma, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 with Rev. Dana Hugle officiating. Interment to follow at the Elmwood Cemetery, Hartshorne, Oklahoma. 

Pallbearers: Robert Phillips, Butch Morale, Lance Baker, Nick Hamby, Ross Renshaw and  Mason Skimbo.

Honorary Pallbearers: James Baker, Johnny Skimbo, Robert Stewart, David Freemon, Gary Young, Sammy Stokes, Charlie Thomas and Jimmy Todd.

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

Kenneth Edward Kitchens

In Memory of Kenneth Edward Kitchens

Kenneth Edward Kitchens, 86, formally of Red Oak, Oklahoma, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at his residence in Sallisaw.

Kenneth was born in Leflore, Oklahoma on December 7, 1933, a son of the late Beatrice (Abernathy) and Thomas Kitchens.

He was employed as superintendent with the Panola Public School System for 17 1/2 years.

He served our county in the United States Marines Corps.

He was the husband of Linda (Brewer) Kitchens. On January 8, 1972, they were married at Van Buren, Arkansas.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda; son, Michael Kitchens, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; sister, Christine McElroy, of Bothell, Washington; 5 Grandchildren: Victoria Oliver, Morgan Baggiano, Caitlin Booth, Shelby Kitchens and Sydney Kitchens; 3 Great Grandchildren: Brooklynn Kitchens, Baileigh Kitchens and Tallon Oliver.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia (Kitchens) Booth, Parents, 8 Brothers, and 8 Sister-In-Laws.

Services will be held at The Bob Waldrop Memorial Chapel, Wilburton, Oklahoma, at 2 :00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13th with Rev. Johnny Montgomery officiating. Interment to follow at the Red Oak Cemetery, Red Oak, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be Richard Kitchens, Rowland Glenn Jr., Joe Kitchens, David Buttress, Curtis Kitchens and Randy Brigance.

Honorary Pallbearers will be The Panola Faculty and Staff (1967-1992) and James Douglas Jr.

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

LA Knight

In Memory of LA  Knight

 LA Knight, 75, of Wilburton, OK, passed away Monday, June 8, 2020, at his residence. 

LA was born in Bengal, Oklahoma on September 28, 1944, a son of the late Nora (Crims) and Allen Knight.

 He was employed at Robbers Cave State Park for 12 years.

LA was the husband of Flo (DeBord) Knight. On September 29, 1990, they were married in Wilburton, Oklahoma. 

LA is  survived by three daughters: Saundra Cate & husband Kelly of Cameron, Oklahoma, 

Khristine Malone & husband Wayne of Poteau, Oklahoma, and Teresa Lynn, of Wilburton, Oklahoma; four sons: Larry Knight & Kim Rainwater of Wilburton, Oklahoma, Christopher Knight, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, Chance Knight & wife Falicia of Wilburton, Oklahoma and Charles Seymour & wife Pam of Lone Grove, Oklahoma; sister, Lola Paxton of Wilburton, Oklahoma; 20 Grandchildren; several Great Grandchildren; plus numerous other nieces, nephews and  a host of many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Ruby Ann Alton; granddaughter, Brandi Brooks Mize; 5 brothers: Bob Knight, Jim Knight, Willise Knight, Kenneth Knight, and LeRoy Knight; 2 sisters: Wanda Carter and Katherine Graham.

Services will be held at First Assembly of God, Wilburton, Oklahoma, at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2020 with Rev. C. Lynn Bullard officiating. Interment to follow at the Leflore Cemetery, Leflore, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers: James Bish, Chance Knight, Wade Paxton Sr., Wade Paxton Jr., Matthew Valdez, and Charles Seymour III.

Honorary pallbearers: Nevada Boggs, Eldon Gwin and John Cook.

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