Perry Scales

In Memory of Perry Scales

Perry Lee Scales of Wilburton passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2021 at the age of 82.

He was born on January 15, 1939 in Chickasha, Oklahoma to Ed and Jessie (Gibson) Scales. He started his work in the oil field in 1953 at the age of 14. He worked many of those years in the Texas panhandle for both Eubanks and Service Drilling Company. He moved back to Wilburton in the mid-80s and continued his career with Hodges Trucking Company until he retired in 2011. Perry was passionate about his work and loved talking about the rig moves. He was proud to be known as “the best tandem driver” in the oil field.

Shortly after moving back to Oklahoma, he met and married the love of his life, Dorothy “Dot”. They built their beautiful home on Centerpoint Road and later built their restaurant, “Perry’s Headache Acres”, of which he was very proud.

Perry enjoyed entertaining and having get-togethers. He loved being around people and was generally the life of the party at social gatherings. It gave him great pleasure to tell his stories and make people laugh. His laugh was contagious and will be remembered by many. 

He is survived by his children: Michael Scales of Border, Texas,  Lance Howard and  wife, Sherry of Wilburton,  Cynthia Doane and husband, Joshua of Wilburton; his Step-Children: Jason Brinkley and wife, Shelly of Texas, Justin Brinkley of Enid, Trevor Brinkley of Texas, Amy Robinson and husband, Richard of Gowen, and Rhonda Chavez and husband, Mike of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his sister: Wanda Hammons and husband, Red of Red Oak; fourteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; along with other family and a host of friends.

Perry is preceded in death by his parents: Ed and Jessie Scales; his wife: Dot; one brother; and one sister.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Salt of the Earth Church in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Cindy Shero officiating. Services have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

Laverne Smith

In Memory of Laverne Smith

On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, Laverne “Mema” Smith, loving wife, mother, and grandmother went to be with the Lord. Mema was born in Degnan, Oklahoma on March 3, 1922 to James and Icye McMahan. Mema became a Christian on January 22, 1939, she was baptized in Rock Creek, North of Red Oak, and joined First Baptist Church in Red Oak, Oklahoma.

After graduating from Red Oak High School, she worked in a Defense Plant in Detroit and in Oklahoma City until 1945. Mema married Wilbur Smith in Baltimore, Maryland on July 25, 1945. They were stationed at the Marine Base in Quantico, VA. The next year they returned to Red Oak, and began their family raising two sons, Jerry (1946) and Rick (1949). She said “If I had a hobby it was cooking for my family.”

Mema was a substitute teacher and then later owned and operated a Beauty Shop for years. She was a member of Eastern Star and received a 50 year pin in 2001. After they retired, her and Wilbur traveled many miles in their R.V. with family and friends. She was an avid sports fan as her boys played and Wilbur refereed for 35 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur Smith after 54 glorious years of marriage, her father James H. McMahan, her step-father Walter Jeffrey, her mother Icye Jeffrey, her brother Harold McMahan and wife Ellie from Novi, Michigan, her brother Jim McMahan and wife Katherine from Cheney, Kansas, her brother Joe Jeffrey and wife Margaret from Wilburton, Oklahoma, and her sister Bernice Hardaway and husband Doby from Santa Rosa, CA. She is survived by her brother Duane Jeffrey and wife Sue, and her sons Jerry Smith and wife Mary and Rick Smith and wife Brenda, her grandchildren Richelle Scrivner, Kason Smith, Justin Miller, Josh Smith, Joe Epperley, Zack Smith, and Crystal Fell, her great-grandchildren Abby and Bella Scrivner; Brayden Julian, Shayne and Allyson Smith; Tyler, Ryan, and Hannah Miller, Tanner and Blair Wallace; Brendan Lee, Saylor Smith; Gavin and Brylynn Turner, Mason and Bristol Epperley; Anna Smith; and Carter Fell and very special friends Jack and Nancy Cook who provided love, support, and companionship for many years.

Mema’s final message to her family and loved ones is “Always keep Jesus in the center of your lives so that one day when we leave this world, we will all be together in that wonderful city called Heaven, our home.”

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma at 10:00 A.M. Graveside service will follow at Red Oak Cemetery. Pallbearers will be West Hilburn, Kenneth Prock, Kason Smith, Josh Smith, Zack Smith, and Jay Jeffrey. Honorary pallbearers will be Dub Jeffrey, Tom Jeffrey, Rob Jeffrey, John D. Jeffrey, Steve McMahan, Mark McMahan, Ernie Hardaway, Earl McMahan and Joe Epperley.

Houston Tom Jr.

In Memory of Houston Tom Jr.

Houston (Joe) Tom Jr., age 68, of Talihina, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, March 8, 2021 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Houston was born April 16, 1952 in De Queen, Arkansas. He had a sense of humor and was immensely proud of his heritage.

He is survived by his daughters: Tabitha Swing and husband, John of Tannehill, OK, Amy Tom of Texas, and Erica May and husband, Robert of Corpus Christi, TX; brothers: Bob Wall and wife, Charlene of Wewoka, OK and Jeremy Tom of Talihina, OK; sisters: Sherian Fremont and husband, Charles of Lubbock, TX and Sherry Jo Tom of Talihina, OK; Seven Grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.

Houston is preceded in death by his parents: Houston Tom Sr. and Inez Shockley; wife, Sandra Tom; daughter, Sarah Tom; two brothers; and one sister.

A viewing will be held from 1:00-200 p.m. at Grace Indian Baptist Church in Talihina, OK. The service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Raymond Johnson officiating.

Services have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home of Wilburton, OK.

Stella Hodge

In Memory of Stella Hodge

Stella Mae (Ward) Hodge, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 in Wilburton, Oklahoma. 

She was born September 18, 1939 to Orvin and Tilda Ward, at a little homestead in the community of Ash Creek, that still stands today. She was of the Baptist faith and a full-time, beloved employee at Robbers Cave State Park. She took great pride in her various titles of Mom, Granny, Sis, and Friend.

Stella was a beautiful soul, who always saw the good in people. Her kind spirit led her to making friends everywhere she went. Her home and heart were open to all. As so beautifully stated by her friends at Robbers Cave State Park, Stella has been a welcoming beacon for visitors around the globe. Her light will be grievously missed. 

She is survived by husband, Bill of the home; son, Mike Hodge and wife, Claudia of Wilburton; son, Charles Mote of Wilburton; brother, Gene Ward and wife, Kay of Hartshorne; four grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her second family at Robbers Cave State Park. 

Stella is preceded in death by her parents, Orvin and Tilda Ward and sister, Norma Jean Taylor.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the Bob Waldrop Memorial Chapel at Waldrop Funeral Home.

Rhodney Wilson

In Memory of Rhodney Wilson

Rhodney H. Wilson, age 77, of Wilburton, OK passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK.

Rhodney was born May 17th, 1943 in Wilburton, OK to Jesse Howard Wilson and Viola Lucille Cantrell Wilson. He graduated from Wilburton High School and then went on to serve in the United States Air Force as a refrigeration technician, stationed in Great Falls, Montana. Rhodney earned his Associate of Applied Sciences from EOSC in 1975 and worked as a pipefitter for the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local No. 430 for 21 years. On October 21st, 1964 he married Johnnye Ruth Templeton of Hartshorne, OK. They raised two children, Darren Wilson and Jo Ann Wilson Jones.

His passions included fishing and hunting. You would often find him running trotlines on Lake Eufaula or patrolling the woods looking for something to stock the freezer. He loved spending time tending the garden and playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. There was little that Rhodney wasn’t willing to tackle, including the home that he built and lived in for 50 years. He was known as a great conversationalist who had no end of great stories. He enjoyed spending time with friends and had especially close friendships with Edna Bullet, Justin Adams, and Rick and Patti Manley.

Rhodney is preceded in death by his father, Jesse “Buddy” Howard Wilson, and his mother, Viola Lucille Cantrell Wilson. He is survived by his wife Johnnye; his children: Darren Wilson and his wife Kim, Jo Jones and her husband Bart; his sisters: Barbara, Sue, and Linda; grandchildren: Justin Didlott and his wife Elizabeth, Cherise Wilson and her husband Zach , Lindsey Russell and her husband Cody, Rebekah McIntosh, Sylvia Walters, Sarah Jones, and Andrew Jones; great grandchildren: Avery and Tayver Russell, Tristan and Isabelle Didlott; his Aunt Betty Cantrell, along with a huge amount of in-laws, nieces, nephews, many cousins and friends.

A private family service will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the Bob Waldrop Memorial Chapel at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, OK with Rev. Lynn Bullard officiating. The burial will follow the at Center Point Cemetery and is open to the public.

Pallbearers will be Zach Peterson, Justin Didlott, Andrew Jones, Cody Russell, Justin Adams, and Rick Manley.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Elmo Collins, Larry Johnson, Calvin Mattingly, Darrell Templeton, Steve Raley, Jerry Warren, Wayne Copeland, Bart Jones, and Donald Scott.

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

Byndia Pope

In Memory of Byndia Pope

Bydia Pope, age 94, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away from this life on February 5, 2021 at Oaks Health Care Center in Poteau, Oklahoma.

Bydia was born in Red Oak, Oklahoma on March 15, 1926 to Ranes and Lela (Yota) Coley. She was married to Leslie Pope for over fifty years. She devoted her life to the Lord as a member of South Rock Creek Indian Church. She also visited surrounding churches for singings and special events whenever she was able. She may have not gotten up to sing but you could always find her humming along. She loved the Lord and it showed throughout her life. When she was younger, she worked as a midwife, caregiver, and later as a grandparent at Jones Academy in the Grandparent Program. Most importantly, Bydia’s heart and home was open to anyone who came to fellowship with her or anyone that needed a helping hand. She would make sure they were fed spiritually and with food before leaving. Bydia enjoyed sitting outside her home in the sun watching and waving as people went by her house. The best times she had were spent with family during the Annual Family Reunions. Throughout the hot and sunny day, you could hear her laughing and whispering Choctaw gossip with her siblings. She will be missed by so many.

She is survived by her son, DeRoy Pope; foster daughter, Pamela Gotes; two grandchildren, Brian Barnard and Wanda James; sixteen great grandchildren; fourteen great-great grandchildren; and two great-great-great grandchildren.

Bydia is preceded in death by her parents, Ranes and Lela Coley; daughter, Verna Barnard; granddaughter Linda Sivic; grandson, Harvey James; foster grandson, Preston Gotes; great granddaughter, Casey Bonaparte; great-great granddaughter Lakota James; five brothers; and three sisters.

Pallbearers will be Zachary Eagle, Christopher Scott, Brian Barnard, Danny Coley, Roy Gullick III, and Alejandro Torres.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be David Brown and Shawn Raymon.

Viewing will be on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at South Rock Creek Cemetery in Red Oak with Rev. Don Ludlow officiating. Services have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma. 

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 

Revelations 21:4

Laura Jane Duke

In Memory of Laura Jane Duke

Laura Jane Duke, age 72, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away February 5, 2021 at Tidwell Living Center. She was born on November 17, 1948 in Des Moines, Iowa.

No Services are planned at this time.

Patricia Nasuta

In Memory of Patricia Ann Nasuta

Patricia Ann Nasuta, age 58, of Wilburton passed from this life January 23, 2021 at Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center in Poteau, Oklahoma.

Patty was born September 24, 1962 in Hartford, Connecticut to Arlene Green and Edward Nasuta. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and sister that will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan Bond and Bonnie LaMere of Wilburton; grandson, Devyn LaMere of Wilburton; granddaughter, Ella LaMere of Wilburton; and brother, Patrick Lanienges of New York.

Patty is preceded in death by her mother, Arlene Green; father, Edward Nasuta; her child, babyLaMere; grandchildren, Blazze LaMere and Storm Lamere; sister, Sandy Nasuta; and her infant niece.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Church of The Rock in Wilburton, Oklahoma. Arrangements have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home of Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Nancy Workman

In Memory of Nancy Workman Armstrong

Nancy Ruth Workman Armstrong, 70, of Wilburton , Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at her home. 

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Ellis Chapel in Wister, Oklahoma with Rev. Johnny Montgomery officiating. Burial to follow at Summerfield Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kaden Workman, Zackery Workman, Ryan LaRue, Blade Brown, and Riggin Ty Tilley.

Nancy was the daughter of George Nathaniel and Ruth Evelyn Caplinger. She had 8 siblings. She was born in El Reno, Oklahoma and grew up in nearby Chickasha, Oklahoma where she attended school ``before moving in with her sister, Doris Blissett.

She married Danny Workman and together they would have their 2 sons Michael(46) and Lucas Workman(42)  before divorcing. She then met the love of her life, Jerry Don Armstrong, thus gaining an amazing daughter Christy (Armstrong) Anderson and together they had the baby girl of the family, Jennifer Ann (Armstrong) Tilley(32). Nancy has 10 grandchildren; Ryan, Zackery, Kaden, Emery, Emma, Tegan, Alexis, Riggin Ty, Kirsten and Karlie. Along with her husband Jerry Don Armstrong, she would go on to raise a fine young man in her grandson Kaden Workman. Her family was everything to her and she always loved to prepare a meal for any that would show up to eat. Nancy remained close to her children and siblings throughout her life and even remained in a close relationship to her nieces, nephews, and their children. She will forever be missed but never forgotten! We love you Nanny!

She is survived by her husband, Jerry of the home; sons: Michael Workman of McAlester and Lucas Workman of Wilburton; daughter Jennifer Tilley and husband, Travis of Wilburton; grandchildren: Ryan, Zackery, Kaden, Emery, Emma, Tegan, Alexis, Riggin Ty, Kirsten and Karlie; sisters: Lola Johnson of Wilburton and Leta Claborn of Eufaula; brother-in-law: Charles Blissett of Crosset, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and two sisters.

Ray Holly

In Memory of Ray Holly

Luther Ray Holly Jr., 77, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021 at his home.

The memorial service will be held Friday, February 5, 2021 at North Rock Creek Cemetery in Red Oak with Rev. Bob Cherry officiating. 

Honorary Pallbearers will be Kinion Patton, Kodie Preston, Brendan Patten, Dalton Patten, Chase Martin, Lynsie Patten, and Seth Patten.

Ray was born on December 28, 1943 in Red Oak to Luther and Alice (Stark) Holly. He married Janice (Swanzy) Holly in Arkansas on December 9, 1991.

He is survived by his wife, Janice of the home; son: Michael Patten and wife, Leslie of Red Oak; daughters: Rachel Friend and husband, Dan of Red Oak, Roxie Gwin of Oklahoma City, and Raeleen Beam of Kansas; brothers: Charles Holly and wife, Pam of Red Oak and Bob Holly and wife, Kim of Salt Lake City, Utah; sisters: Wilma Hilburn of Red Oak, Louise Ray of Red Oak, and Doris Wagnon of Prior; thirteen grandchildren; and three great  grandchildren. 

Ray is preceded in death by his parents; brother: Ed Holly; and sister: Francine Rozell.