Lois Welch

In Memory of Lois Welch

Lois Jewell Welch, 66, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Lois was born on August 27, 1955 in Poteau, Oklahoma to John and Luvena (Burnett) Labor. She married William Dale Welch on February 27, 1976 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She was a CPA and educator who attended McCurtain High School, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Central Oklahoma. She worked at Kiamichi Technology Center for nineteen years, where she retired as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that, she taught for Wilburton public school system and Francis Tuttle Technology Center. Her organizations included Esther Sunday School Class, Lions Club, Oklahoma Association for Careers and Technical Education, Oklahoma Association for Minorities in Career & Technology Education, Oklahoma Association of School Business Officials, and Famous Laminate Ladies Club.

Lois was loving and kind. She loved God, her church, and her family. She was always taking care of everyone, especially her family. She spent as much time as possible them. She also loved early morning coffee and Bible readings on the patio, gardening, working with her cattle, and traveling. She went on trips all over the U.S. with family and friends. She has traveled to the Smokey Mountains, New York City, Washington D.C., Seattle, Branson, Death Valley, and more. She went to the top of the Statue of Liberty and hiked Yosemite. She was the most fun, amazing traveling buddy anyone could have.

Lois is survived by her husband, William Dale Welch; children, Jillian Welch, Charlene Bockus and husband Michael, and William Welch and partner Antha Whitehorn; grandchildren, Beau, Eli, and Mira Bockus; Stepdaughter, Regina Gritsavage, husband David and their son Sean; Sisters, Janice Petty and husband Robert Sr., Judy Tucker, and Glenda Treadway and husband Clifford; brother, John Labor, Jr and wife Marcia; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Hardy Ray Labor.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Dr. Paul Brady officiating. The burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Miner’s Cemetery in McCurtain, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be Hardy Labor Jr., Tyler Labor, Paul Jeffrey, Joe Welch, Alex Welch, and Kevin Wyley.

Honorary pallbearers will by Dale Oliver, Brian Thompson, Robert Petty Jr., David Petty, John Hanna, David Falconer, David Hinton, and Brandon Labor.

Virginia Lee Watkins

In Memory of Virginia Lee Watkins

Virginia Lee Watkins, age 63, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed from this life on Monday, September 27, 2021 at McAlester Regional Hospital in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Virginia was born on June 21, 1958 in Star, Oklahoma to Troy and Bertha (Pierce) Looper. She married Charles Watkins on February 10, 2018 in Red Oak, Oklahoma. Virginia will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband: Charles Watkins of the home; sons: Rodney Campbell and wife Linda of McCloud, Oklahoma, David Watkins of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Nick Watkins of Wilburton; daughters: Leona Aaron and husband, Jeff of Wilburton and Andrea Dedmon and husband, Jim of Wilburton: grandchildren: Sidney Crawley, Destiny Sensibaugh, Kaylee Campbell, Boedy Campbell, Jalyn Harley, Kiley Moore, Blake Watkins, Adrain Rhodes, and Caleb Rhodes: great grandchildren: Hudson Sensibaugh, Emerie Sensibaugh, Addalynn Rhodes, Astrid Aue, Kairi Aue, and Kennedy Harley: brothers: Murl Looper of Red Oak and Gary Looper of Red Oak; and sisters: Helen Holloway and husband, David of Wilburton, Rosie Bloxham of McCurtain, Oklahoma, Betty Morris and husband, Rossi of Midland, Arkansas, and Autumn Johnson of Wilburton.

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents: Troy and Bertha Pierce; one brother; and great grandson: Braxton Sensibaugh.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 1, 2021 at Lutie Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Jerry Sensibaugh officiating. Services are under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Silas David Owens

Silas David Owens of Bengal, OK passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 23rd, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

David was born in Chaney Hollow on August 19th, 1933 to Edward Truman Owens and Gaither Lillie (Newcomb). He was born into a large family, with 5 brothers and 9 sisters.

As a boy, he attended school first at Punkin Center and then Bengal. At the age of 18, he went to California. There he worked in the fields and orchards until he thought he saved enough and made his way back home in his Model A.

David fell in love with Revena Loreca Pace and they got married on September 15th, 1954. He bought his land in Hoot Owl Holler one piece at a time, and together he and Revena raised 4 boys and 4 girls on that farm.

He was a good Daddy. He always took care of his children and did the best he could to teach and guide them, was a loving grandfather to many. He worked from sunup to sundown and taught his kids to be hard working too.

Through the years he had many different jobs. He worked for the forestry planting trees, worked in the oilfield, was a firefighter and bailed hay for people all over the county. He was a Leflore School Board Member for 15 years and a strong supporter of the FFA.

He loved raising a huge garden, to feed his family and share with his neighbors. He never said no to a game of dominoes. Many nights were spent on coon hunts. He loved nothing more than to out fish everyone, and having fish frys for his large family.

David was proud of his family, a good man, and a good friend to all. No one will ever be able to fill his boots. He is loved and will be missed by so many.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Revena; son, Larry Owens; son-in-law, Daniel Shea; great granddaughter, Sydney Owens; his parents and 13 of his siblings; and close friend Olean Evans.

He is survived by children, Davy Owens and wife Janie of Summerfield; Ronny Owens and wife Janice of Bengal; Darren Owens and wife Kasha of Bengal; Sharon Rosso and husband Jim of Red Oak; Sharlotte Ellzey and husband Pete of Yanush; Regina Shea of Bengal; Melinda McAlister and husband Corey of Hartshorne; daughter-in-law, Sharon Owens of Bengal; 25 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson; sister, Cathie Norton of Choctaw and numerous beloved relatives, in-laws and friends.

For the safety of all during the pandemic, the family wishes to have a private family graveside memorial service.

Visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 26th, 2021 at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Robert Rector

In Memory of Robert Rector

Robert E. Rector of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed from this life at the age of 84 on Friday, September 3, 2021 at 1:50 a.m. in his home accompanied by his wife, Patsy and all seven of his children.

Robert was born on March 26, 1937 to Robert and Jennie Rector in Moorewood, Oklahoma. He married Patsy (Thiel) Rector on December 10, 1960 in Salem, Oregon. Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He worked heavy equipment the majority of his life.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jennie (Baney) Rector; brothers, George and Francis Earl; sisters, Eva and Elsa Leatherwood.

He is survived by his wife Patsy of 60 plus years; seven children; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and one sister, Nona Davis.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 1, 2021 at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jay Caudill officiating.

Roy Clark Jr.

In Memory of Roy Clark Jr.

Roy Clark Jr., age 70, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at his home.

Roy was born on April 9, 1951 in Wilburton, Oklahoma to Roy and LaVaughn Clark. He married Gloria Clark in May 2002. He was a park ranger at Robbers Cave State Park, former dispatcher of the Latimer County Police Department, and an employee of the maintenance department at Eastern Oklahoma State College.

He is survived by his sons: Roy Justin Clark of Alderson, Oklahoma and Michael Shane Clark of McAlester, Oklahoma; step son: James Allen of Wilburton, Oklahoma; daughter: Paula Stoneburner and husband, Tracy of McAlester; brothers: Donald Clark of Wilburton and Ronald Clark and wife, Carol of Wilburton; sisters: Loretta Prock of Ada, Oklahoma, Patricia Holly and husband, Jim of Wilburton, Lenora Ratliff and husband, Larry of Wilburton, LaWanda Iseman of McAlester, Doris Austin of Wilburton, Wilma Collins of Albion, Oklahoma, and Kathy Shuffield of McAlester; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; along with numerous nephews and nieces.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents: Roy and LaVaughn Clark, 2 brothers: Leon Clark and Dillard Clark; and 1 sister: Darlene Bell.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 20, 2021 at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Willard Francis officiating. The burial will follow. Services were under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Buddy D. Wilkett

Buddy D. Wilkett

(August 23, 1955 - September 12, 2021)

Buddy D. Wilkett, age 66, of McAlester, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at McAlester Regional Hospital in McAlester, Oklahoma. 

Buddy was born August 23, 1955 in McAlester, Oklahoma to Elmer and Mildred (Booth) Wilkett.  He married Jody (Anderson) Wilkett on May 30, 2001 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Buddy served in the Army Reserve. 

He is survived by his wife: Jody Wilkett of McAlester; son: Ruben Wilkett of McAlester; brother: Jack Wilkett of Wilburton; sister: Gayla (Wilkett) Smith of Wilburton; along with several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents: Elmer and Mildred Wilkett. 

A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

Marion Luther Smith Jr. and Delta Dawn Smith

In Loving Memory of 

Marion Luther Smith Jr. and Delta Dawn Smith

On September 2, 2021 Marion Luther Smith, age 54, and Delta Dawn Smith, age 48, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away at McAlester Regional Hospital mere hours apart.

A graveside memorial service will be held for them both at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Summerfield Cemetery in Summerfield, Oklahoma with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating. The service is under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Luther was born on May 23, 1967 in Hugo, Oklahoma to Marion Luther Smith Sr. and Wanda (Krug) Smith. Delta was born December 6, 1972 in Poteau, Oklahoma to Thomas and Patricia (Ritter) Looper.  Luther and Delta were married June 12, 1992 in Wilburton. They were devoted to taking care of their family and loved each other deeply.

 Together they are survived by their four children: Jonathan Irvin, Jedidiah Smith, Malayah Smith, and Kaylie Smith all of Wilburton; daughter-in-law: April Meaders; and three grandchildren: Jacob Irvin, Kalayla Irvin, and Nathan Irvin.

Luther is survived by his brother:  Ernest Lane and wife, Cindi of Wilburton and his sister: Sandra Phillips and husband, Ray of Ft. Cobb, Oklahoma. 

He is preceded in death by his parents: Marion and Wanda Smith; brother: Clarence Krug; and sisters: Nancy Krug and Lawanna Krug.

Delta is survived by her brothers: Kevin Looper and wife, Stephanie of Wilburton and Patrick Looper and wife, Deborah of Wilburton.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Thomas and Patricia Looper; and brothers: Clayton Looper and Rowland Looper.

Troy Freaman Hollan

Troy Freaman Hollan

(August 8, 1962 - September 12, 2021)

Troy Freaman Hollan, age 59, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away Sunday, September 12, 2021 at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa.

Viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at Leflore Baptist Church in Leflore, Oklahoma with Rev. Doug Nixon officiating. The burial will follow at Leflore Cemetery under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be James Allen, Aaron Ayers, Dustin Coley, Mark Cannon, Shawn Cogburn, and Jason Colbert.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ervin Doyle Cogburn and Guy Cogburn.

Troy was born on August 8, 1962 in Chandler, Arizona to Ouiden “Cotton” Hollan and Dicie Irene Hollan. He married Rhonda Marie Hollan on June 8, 1981 in Clinton, Oklahoma. 

He is survived by his wife of 40 years: Rhonda Marie Hollan of Red Oak, OK; two sons: Tj Hollan and his wife Amber Clark Hollan of Fanshaw, OK and David Hollan of Red Oak, OK; four grandchildren: Madison Faith Hollan, Corey Andrew Lloyd, Cegan Alec Lloyd, and Brooklyn Annmarie Hollan; three brothers: Harlen Hollan and his wife Marie Hollan of Eakley, OK,  Harvey Hollan of Red Oak, OK, and Mike Hollan and his wife Tana of Red Oak, OK; along with many, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Troy is preceded in death by his father: Ouiden “Cotton” Hollan of Red Oak, OK; his mother: Dicie Irene Hollan of Red Oak, OK; brothers: Hank Hollan of Red Oak, OK and Alan Hollan (infant); and granddaughters: Adalee Hope Hollan, Bethany Grace Hollan, and Emily Alexis Hollan. 

Anthony Allen Lee Langston

Anthony Allen Lee Langston

(September 11, 1978-August 9, 2021)

Anthony Allen Lee Langston (Tony) was born in Anchorage, Alaska on September 11,

1978 to Gary Langston and Mary Stubbs. Tony passed on August 9, 2021 in San Antonio,

Texas.

Tony grew up in Wilburton, Ok and was a graduate of Wilburton High School Class of

1997 where he excelled in all sports. Tony had many very close friends from Wilburton that he

stayed in constant contact with throughout his life.

After graduation Tony joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country proudly for 4

years. After his tour of duty Tony became a Special Contract Operator working with the U.S.

military which allowed him to travel working in numerous countries including Saudi Arabia,

Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Tony was great at making friends and had friends all over the

world. Tony had many exceptional qualities and talents in his life and was an accomplished self

taught guitar player.

Tony married Jennifer Langston on March 6, 2011 in San Antonio, TX and that is where

they made their home. Lucian Alexander was born on September 6, 2012 and that was Tony’s

greatest accomplishment in life as he was a great and loving father. Lucian was the joy of his

life.

Tony was preceded in death by his grandmother Artie Langston, grandfather and

grandmother David and LuVeta Nickell, and grandfather DeRoy Forwoodson.

Tony is survived by wife Jennifer Langston, son Lucian Alexander Langston, parents Tim

and Donna Forwoodson, grandmother Lou Forwoodson; 6 sisters, Jessica, Tiara, Miranda,

LaTessa, Kelli, and Dolly; 5 brothers, Trevor, Landon, Cory, Brandon, and Chris; numerous

nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Gone too soon but never forgotten. Tony will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

Wendell Lee Settle Sr.

Wendell Lee Settle Sr.

(December 20, 1940 - August 26, 2021)

Wendell Lee Settle Sr., 80, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at his home.

Wendell was born on December 20, 1940 in Kansas City, Missouri to John Virgil and Dorothy (Rosier) Settle. He married Gwendolyn (Parish) Settle on October 3, 2015 in Wilburton, Oklahoma. He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard and the United States Navy. He was a member of Grace Indian United Methodist Church in Hartshorne, Wilburton VFW, and the Ministerial Alliance.

He is survived by wife: Gwendolyn Settle; children: Rocky and wife Sheila, Dorothy, Jr. and wife Meg, Adrian and wife Lydia, Johnny, Sarah, Christopher, Victoria and husband Seth, and Ike and wife Tina; 19 grandchildren: Jimmy, Sarah, Audrey, Anthony, Adam, Patrick, Whitney, Trae, Ben, Gabe, Savanna, Aiden, Erick, Cade, Jonathan, Christina, Ben, Jessica, and Valarie; and 9 great-grandchildren: Isabell, John Elijah, Tyler, Cooper, Maddock, Wesley, Amelia, Elliott, and Anderson. 

Wendell is preceded in death by his parents: John Virgil and Dorothy Settle; brother: Tim; sister: Irene; daughters: Christine and Amber; and grandson: Cameron. 

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Grace Indian United Methodist Church in Hartshorne, Oklahoma with Rev. David Warden officiating. The family asks that a memorial donation be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in lieu of flowers.