John Cook

In Loving Memory of John Cook

John Cook, 68, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. 

The viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022 at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at the Wilburton High School Auditorium with Mr. Darren Harber and Rev. Josh Bull officiating. Burial will follow at Degnan Cemetery. 

John was born on February 2, 1954 in McAlester, Oklahoma. He married Ruth Gardner on March 24, 1978 in Wilburton, Oklahoma. They were married 42 years until her passing in 2020. 

John had a servant's heart. He served in the United States Army from 1973-1977 and as a Wilburton Volunteer Firefighter from 1980-2002. He worked at Latimer County General Hospital for 25 years in housekeeping and as the maintenance department head, 15 years at Kiamichi Electric in dispatch and mapping, as an Emergency Medical Technician, a certified Red Cross CPR instructor, Custodian at the Latimer County Courthouse, and he was also the owner of Cook’s Cleaning Service. He served on many committees and boards including: Ki Bois Community Action Board of Directors-Chairman (1988-2022), Keddo Board, Latimer County Hospital Board of Directors (2010-2022),  911 Dispatch Board of Directors, Latimer County Board of Health, Robbers Cave Fall Festival Committee-Transportation Chair (1989 - 2022), OSU Extension Rural Development Advisory Committee (2005-2022), Latimer County Emergency Planning Committee along with being a voter precinct poll volunteer, a trustee at First Free Will Baptist Church, a Member of Disabled American Veterans of Oklahoma Chapter 20 Honor Guard, and a member of the NAACP of Oklahoma. 

John was known for his kindness, his smile, and the genuine goodness that he showed toward all people.  He loved his community, serving the Lord, and his family.  John was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. 

John is survived by his sons: Joey Cook of McAlester and Jonathan Cook and wife, Jessica of Wilburton; daughters: Joanna Cook of Hollywood, FL and Jocelyn Cook of Norman; granddaughters: Eunissa and Eboni; grandsons: JoVohn, Jalen, Leroy, Bryson, and Christian; great-granddaughter: Tamzyn; special nephews: Michael Cook and wife, Latisha of St. Louis, MO and  Mark Cook and wife, Jill of Raymore, MO; brother, Harry Cook; twin sister,  Geri Cook; brother-in-law, Rodney Price and wife, Kathy; sisters-in-law: Victoria Gardner and Tennie Clark and husband, Randy; along with a host of nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Cook; mother, Easter Mae Cook; father, Joe DeGraftenreed; brothers: Willie Cook, Claude Cook, and Eddie Cook; and sisters: Shirley McNeil, Cynthia Cook, Donna Cook, and Betty Cook.

Sherry Seyler

In Loving Memory of Sherry Seyler

Sherry Pass Seyler, 65 of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away Sunday, December 25, 2022 to her Heavenly home.

Viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Rodney Tate and Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating. Burial will follow at Wilburton Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be David Pace, Brody Pace, Dayton Pace, Kendal Standefer, Tim Irvin, and Larry Dunn. Honorary Pallbearers will be Randy Seyler and David Seyler.

Sherry was born November 4, 1957 in Wilburton, Oklahoma to Walter Pass and Effie (Hale) Pass. She married William Seyler November 15, 1985 in Wilburton.

Sherry is survived by husband: William Seyler of the home; son: Gerald Irvin and wife, Salena of Stillwater; her pride and joy grandsons: Caleb and Luke Irvin of Stillwater; sisters: Leona Tate of Yanush, Donna Pace of McAlester, Ruby Miles of Wilburton, Mary Pace of McAlester, and Brenda Pass of Yanush; nephews and nieces: Rodney and Judy Tate of Yanush, David and Tisha Pace of McAlester, Kathryn Pace and Kendal Standefer of Clayton, and Whitney and Tyler Cox of McAlester; great nephews and nieces: Brody and Kara Pace of McAlester, Dayton Pace and Layni Manos of McAlester, KynLee Standefer of Clayton, and Karen Cox of McAlester; along with her fur babies: her dog, Bitsy and her cat, Tiny.

She is preceded in death by numerous loved ones in Heaven.

Larry Wayne Durant

In Loving Memory of Larry Wayne Durant

Larry Wayne Durant, 70, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

A viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 28, 2022 at Leflore Baptist Church with Rev. Bain Durant and Rev. Johnny Montgomery officiating. Larry will be laid to rest at Leflore Cemetery following the service.

Pallbearers are Hunter Durant, Westin Durant, Denver Durant, Chad Robinson, Charlie Gwin and Chris Lloyd.

Honorary Pallbearers are Michelle McGowen Earls, Brandy Newman, Rodney Price, Tommy Lindsey, Jackie Gilpin, Dallas Ward, and David Durant.

Larry was born on July 27, 1952 in Talihina, Oklahoma to Wilburn and Beatrice (Barry) Durant. He married Jackie Ingle on July 26, 1974. They were married until her passing on April 14, 2005. They were married for 40 years.

Larry was of the Baptist Faith. He worked as a rancher for most of his adult life and spent a few years in the oilfield before retiring. He loved running Robert Borden’s Ranch. He worked there for over 20 years. He was a very hard worker. He believed in hard work and doing things the right way. He enjoyed watching college basketball and was an avid Arkansas and Notre Dame Football fan. He was proud to be inducted into the Wilburton Athletic Hall of fame for basketball. He prided himself on tough nose defense and rebounding.

Above all he loved his family. He enjoyed watching his kids and grandsons play ball. Hunter, Westin, and Denver were his pride and joy and he was so proud of them. They were his world and he would have done anything for them. They had his full support in whatever they were doing.

Anyone that knew Larry knew where he stood and what he believed in. He will be greatly missed.

Larry is survived by his sons, Larry Waylon Durant of Red Oak and Justin Durant of Leflore; special daughter, Kim Rainwater and Larry Knight of Wilburton; Grandsons: Hunter Durant and fiancé Emma Luman of Leflore, Westin Durant of Leflore, Denver Durant of Red Oak, and Taylor Mills, Kelan Ray, Cole Mills of Leflore; brothers-in law: Jackie Gilpen of Wilburton and Chris Crouch and wife Francis of Howe and Tina Crouch of Red Oak; nephews: Bain Durant of Hartshorne, David Durant of Wilburton, and Arlie Crouch of Howe; nieces: Julie Gilpen of Wilburton, Angie Gilpen of Wilburton, Teresa Vaden of Bengal, Carrie Perry of Wilburton, Tamara Harden of Howe, and Sara Crouch of Howe.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jackie Durant; his parents, Wilburn and Bea Durant; sisters, Janice Johnson and LaDonna Gilpen; and brother, Randy Durant.

Stanley T. Davis

In Memory of Stanley T. Davis

Stanley T. Davis, 87, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at his home.

This Bible passage perfectly fit Stan’s life:

Wise people are builders-they build families, businesses, communities. And through intelligence and insight their enterprises are established and endure. Because of their skilled leadership, the hearts of the people are filled with the treasures of wisdom. (Proverbs 24: 3-4 TPT)

Stanley T. Davis was born September 30, 1935, to Mary Emma Price Davis and Dennis T. Davis of Hobart, Oklahoma. He married the love of his life, Ella Marie Angel, on December 20, 1959. They were married for 62 years and 11 months. They had many adventures including surviving a tornado together. They left a legacy of love and faithfulness to their 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 17 great- grandchildren.

Stan served in the Army during the Cold War in Germany from 1958-1960. He was a butcher, rancher and later a teacher, counselor, and administrator for Hartshorne, OK and Maxwell, NM Public Schools. He loved teaching and mentoring young people. He was known for his quick wit and funny stories. His joy was reading and sharing books and building plans with family and friends. He was an avid outdoorsman, and a family event was not complete without a hotdog/marshmallow fire. He will be greatly missed and was respected and beloved by all who know him especially his children: Cindy and husband Earl Shero, Jeff Davis, Julie and husband Joe Collins, Audrey and husband Stanley Crawford II and Peggy and husband Robert Hokit, Grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Ann Angel Bullard, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Peggy Davis Cowart.

A viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, OK. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at Center Point Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons: Stanley Crawford III, Andrew Crawford, J.T. Davis, Clayton Hokit, Jeffrey Crawford, Gregory Crawford, Emmanuel Crawford.

Eugene "Ray" White

Obituary for Eugene “Ray” White

Eugene “Ray” White was born December 5, 1929, at the Yourman Ranch outside of Wilburton. He went to play in that Heavenly Band on November 13, 2022.

Ray was one of ten children born to Jake and Annie White. He was proceeded in death by his parents and all his siblings. He was also proceeded in death by his only son, David Ray.

Growing up in a large and loving family he imparted that love and devotion to his own family. He married the love of his life, Billie Jane, whom he had known since 1939, in 1994. Marrying Billie Jane he inherited two daughters, Glenda Gabbard and Barbara Edmunds-Kimrey who he loved as only a father could. He was also blessed to inherit three grandchildren: Johnny Blaine Smith, Delana Shey Gabbard, and Lacy Shain Henderson. Yet, the greatest joy was brought with the births of his great-grandchildren: Chrislynn Snow, Haven Girty, Easton Girty, and Cohen Henderson. After their births he was forevermore known as, Pa.

Pa was an adventurer and hard worker. This adventurous spirit led him to California, in his early years, where he would remain until his retirement in 1996 when he and Billie moved back to Wilburton. While in California he worked as a logger in the High Sierras, he enlisted in the US Navy and served in Korea receiving many medals and accolades, ultimately going to college to become a machinist.

He served as his union rep, purchasing agent, and machine shop director before his retirement from Shell Oil. Not one to rest, he was an adamant wood worker building furniture for his family and friends. He also volunteered and was active in the Choctaw Senior Citizens in Wilburton. This participation led him and Billie to travel all over the country seeing amazing things and spending time with amazing friends.

His greatest passion, other than his family, was music. He started to play fiddle and guitar as a young kid and will pick and sing his entire life. When moving back to Wilburton he and some friends would put on a “hoe-down” every week at the Wilburton Senior Citizens’ Center. This brought him much joy.

Ray will be missed greatly, and his family is very grateful for the love, support, and dedication he showed to each of us and to his community.

His services will be Friday, November 18, 2022, at 10:00 am at Waldrop Funeral Home with graveside to follow. Viewing will be Thursday, November 17, 2022, from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm.

Donna J. Cook

In Memory of Donna J. Cook

Donna J. Cook of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at the age of 71. She was born on March 14, 1951 in Wilburton, Oklahoma to her parents Bill Hicks and Easter Cook.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. of Friday, November 4, 2022 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 4, 2022 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gail Lowe officiating. The burial will follow at Degnan Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be Melvin Ellis, Gregory Cook, Jalen Henderson, Leroy Rolle, Jerome Cook, Gary Tarrant.

She is survived by her two sons, Michael and his wife, Latisha; Mark and his wife, Jill; 8 grandchildren: Andrew, Mataya, Nicholas, Isaac, Lakelon, Elijah, Sophie, and Baby Boy Cook; 4 great-grandchildren: Avery, Adrian, Andi and Andi Cook, Khylen Smith; brothers, John Cook, Harry Cook; and sister, Geraldine Cook. She was also loved by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of long-time friends.

Donna is preceded in death by her father, Bill Hicks, mother, Easter Cook; sisters, Shirley Burnett, Betty Cook, Cynthia Cook; brother, Claude Cook.

Services have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Imogene Mankin Vineyard

In Memory of Imogene Mankin Vineyard

Mrs. Imogene Mankin Vineyard, widow of the late Dr. Edwin E. Vineyard, passed away October 19, 2022. Mrs. Vineyard has lived at 3540 Chickadee Lane in Enid since 2000. She and her late husband had lived in Ponca City for ten years following their retirement in 1990 after 25 years as president and first lady of Northern Oklahoma College. Private interment services for family only will be at the cemetery in Red Oak, Oklahoma. At her request, no public ceremony is planned.

Mrs. Vineyard is survived by her son, Dr. Edwin Roy Vineyard, retired vice president for NOC-Enid, and her daughter-in-law, Dr. Susan Perkins Vineyard. She was pre-deceased by one son, Louis Ray in 1982. She is also preceded by one brother, Eugene Mankin and her father, Emmit. Her mother, Minnie Lee, passed away in 2001.

A native Oklahoman, Mrs. Vineyard was born Robbie Imogene Mankin on July 2,1928 in Red Oak, Oklahoma. She graduated from Red Oak High School in 1946 as valedictorian in her class.

After graduation she started summer session at Eastern Oklahoma State at Wilburton, where she encountered her husband-to-be, Edwin E. Vineyard, recently discharged from the U.S. Navy. They were married the following November 6. They both received degrees in 1949 at Oklahoma State University.

Mrs. Vineyard taught vocational home economics in Beggs and Mannford high schools. Later, when her husband returned to Oklahoma State in 1954 to finish his doctorate, she completed requirements for elementary certification and taught in the Stillwater elementary schools.

She then followed her husband in his career, giving birth to sons, Louis Ray in Guymon in 1956, and Edwin Roy in Stillwater in 1962. She served by her husband’s side, nurturing a special climate among the women of Northern Oklahoma College during his tenure as president there from 1965-1990.

Mrs. Vineyard was active in Baptist church women’s work, serving as the president of the Baptist Women’s organization in each church in each town of her career. She served in other church offices and positions as well.

Mrs. Vineyard was also active in secular women’s club work. She served as president of her home Delphi club in Tonkawa and the Ponca City Women’s Club. She was district president and a state board member for the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Oklahoma. From 1978 to 1980 she served as the state president for GFWC-Oklahoma. She later served as a national committee chairperson for GFWC functions.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Glenn Deela

In loving Memory of Glenn Deela

Glenn D. Deela, 68, of Wilburton, Oklahoma left his earthly body on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at Baptist Health Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas with his family by his side.

A viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2022 and from 8:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Lutie Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Willard Francis officiating.

Pallbearers will be Fred James, Jared James, Andy Barnard, Jeremy Bullard, Frankie Fazekas and Johnny Jeffrey.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ken Southard, David Green, Jimmy Didlott, Red Hammons, Willie Aaron, Jonathan Denham, Leland Ratliff, Mike Guazdausky, and Mikey Guazdausky.

Glenn was born to Murrell and Bonnie Deela on March 17, 1954. He was the baby of 6 children. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and most of all spending time with his grandkids. He was thrilled to be a papa.

He worked in the 70’s at the very 1st Atwoods to open before getting into the oilfield where he eventually became a transport driver until he became disabled in the early 90’s.

Glenn started his family in 1995 when he married Sueann. They welcomed their first child, Murrell later that year. The following year JR was born. He was always an active part of the boys’ lives from coaching them in baseball to teaching them how to run tractors or mow hay. They hunted and fished as much as they could. Even though he struggled with his health, he never allowed that to stop him from enjoying what he wanted to do.

He is survived by his wife, Sueann of the home, his sons: Murrell Deela of Lamedeer, Montana and Glenn Jr and wife, Jordyn of Wilburton; 5 grandbabies: Hayden, Allison, Thomas, Blakley, and Paisley; along with a host of fiends.

Glenn is preceded in death by his parents: Murrell and Bonnie Deela; and his four brothers: Henry, Ralph, Charlie and Rueben.

Services have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

Kingston Gray Price

In Memory of Kingston Gray Price

Kingston Gray Price, infant son of Justin and Tifiany Price, entered into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, October 14, 2022 at Hill Crest Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at Damon Valley Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma officiated by Rev. Randy Waldrop.

He is survived by his parents, Justin and Tifiany Price; brother, Jaxon Price; sister, Ella Price; maternal grandparents: Tina Flener of Wilburton, Richard Flener Wilburton, Tanya Ivey of Wilburton, and Yien Flener of Wilburton; paternal grandparents: Jerry and Robin Price of Wilburton; Paternal Great Grandfather, Robert Gray of Wilburton; along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Kingston is preceded in death by maternal great grandparents: David and LaVeta Nickell, Richard Flener, Thelma and Charley Lawrence, and Cora Willis; paternal great grandparents: Jack and Wennon Price, and Mary Gray.

Services have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

James Douglas Maxey

In Memory of James Douglas Maxey

James “JD” Douglas .Maxey, 65, passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at his home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

A viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Clint Cannon officiating.

JD was born on November 21,1956 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Cled and Versa (Latham) Maxey. He was a loving father, papaw, peepaw, and friend. JD enjoyed fishing, his dog River, going on nature walks, playing music, and watching the Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma Sooners play football. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help.

He is survived by his wife, Kim Oliver; Children: Cole Oliver and wife, Patricia of Alexander, North Dakota, Destiny Hiatt and husband, JT of Edmond, Oklahoma, and James Dalton Maxey and wife, Annie of McAlester, Oklahoma; sisters: Carolyn Pendland and husband, Johnny of Princton, Texas, Neta Davis, and Sue Maxey; and his 13 grandchildren.

JD is preceded in death by his father, Cled Maxey; mother, Versa Maxey; brother; and precious granddaughter, Kyla Oliver.