Clay Allen Cooper

In Memory of Clay Allen Cooper

Clay Allen Cooper was born on February 1, 1968 to Ellis and Barbara (Duckworth) Cooper. He passed away at McAlester Regional Hospital on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at the age of 55.

Viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Waldrop Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating.

Pallbearers will be Rick Reynolds, Kenny Aaron, Doc Cooper, Tracy Stoneburner, Willard Francis Jr., and Keith Meadows.

He is survived by his sons: Clay Cooper II of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Dakota Cooper of McAlester, and Chevylane Cooper of McAlester; daughter: Rebecca Krause and husband, Nathan of McAlester; brother: Robin Watts of Conroe, Texas; Sisters: Janet Latini of Fairfield, California and Janice Kelly and husband, Drake of LaVergne, Tennessee; his grandchildren: Carter, Emma, and Oliver; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Clay is preceded in death by his parents: Ellis and Barbara Cooper; wife: Tammy Cooper; and brother Russell Watts.

Floyd Turney

In Memory of Floyd Turney

Floyd Jefferson Turney was born in McAlester, Oklahoma on November 17, 1958. He passed away in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on February 8, 2023 at the age of 64.

Jeff is survived by his daughters: Sonia Stanford Potts and husband, Jonathan of Fort Worth, Texas and Stacey Corley of Oklahoma City; Son: Michael Jones and wife, Teresa of Ennis, Texas; Sisters: Saudra Eaves and husband, Donnie of Red Oak and Shaunda Noah and husband, Derrick of Red Oak; Grandchildren: Dylan Stanford of Fort Worth, Trenton and Ethan Corley of Oklahoma City, and Abby Jones of Ennis Texas; Long time close friend: Zuly Freeman of Carrollton, Texas; along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father: Marvin Turney; mother: Lorraine Prock; and sister: Rhonda Ammock.

Jeff graduated from Red Oak High School in 1977. After graduation he went into the Army. He spent time in Korea during his 5 years of service. In 1999 Jeff received a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Jeff loved the outdoors, skiing, golfing, OU football, baseball, and basketball. He would always drive down to watch Red Oak in basketball finals. He also enjoyed fishing for hours, cooking, and using nicknames. He would give everyone he was close to one. He was often referred to by his nickname Bodine, as in Jethro Bodine from Beverly Hillbillies.

Viewing will be held at Red Oak Church of Christ from 12:000 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023.

Funeral Services will be held a Red Oak Church of Christ at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 13 with Mr. Chaise Noah officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Cemetery under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home of Wilburton.

Pallbearers are Jonathan Potts, Dylan Stanford, Michael Jones, Mitchell Strange, Chance Noah, and Donnie Eaves.

Honorary Pallbearers are Trenton Corley and Ethan Corley.

Eva Dews

In Loving Memory of Eva Dews

Eva Jean Dews, 88, passed to her heavenly home on January 23, 2023 in Quapaw, Oklahoma.

 A viewing will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:oo p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Bethel Baptist Church in Red Oak. The burial will follow at Lutie Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Joe Shaffer, Eddie Peppers, Chris Martin, Austin Peppers, Justin Peppers, and Kyle Peppers.

Eva was born October 12, 1934 in Heavener, Oklahoma to Rob and Ethel (Waymire) Hamner. She had an unstoppable work ethic owning a dress shop along with two antique shops throughout the years. 

Eva had a smile that was as contagious as the light she shed. She glowed with inner joy and love. She was a founder in Bethel Baptist Church and later attended both Lutie Baptist Church and Panola Baptist Church. She lived to share her love for God. Serving and teaching at Bible School was very dear to her heart. She also enjoyed cooking, decorating, and her family. She was loved by many.

Loved ones left to cherish Eva’s memory include her sons: Michael Peppers and wife, Karen of Rifle, Colorado, Lee Peppers and wife, Carla of Vidor, Texas, and Richard Dews of Wilburton; 9 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 9 great-great grandchildren; along with a host of many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Rob and Ethel Hamner; sons: Philip Peppers and Joe Peppers; husbands: Warren “Bob” Lee Peppers, Richard Dews, and Raymond Cox; and 11 brothers and sisters.

Vernon Underwood

In Loving Memory of Vernon Underwood

Vernon Underwood, 89, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 in Talihina, Oklahoma. 

The viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2023 at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma. 

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Highbridge Baptist Church with Rev. Willard Francis and Rev. Larry Mays officiating. Burial will follow at Wilburton City Cemetery. 

Vernon was born on June 1, 1933 in Russellville Ark. to Lester and Etta Underwood.  He married the love of his life Anna Carolyn Blackmon on May 12, 1953 in Wilburton, Oklahoma. They were married 61 years until her passing in 2014. 

Vernon had a servant's heart. He served in the United States Navy from 1953-1957 and as a Wilburton Volunteer Firefighter till he retired. He worked for PSO for 29 years before retiring.  At the time of death he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and had served as a deacon for many years.  He was a member and held various offices in the Lions Club, Sportsman Club, VFW and Wilburton Alumni Association and many other clubs and organizations

Vernon was known for his gift of gab and his storytelling abilities.  He was always willing to help someone out with whatever they needed to be fixed.  Someone once said “Vernon Underwood is as handy as a Pocket on your Shirt.”  He was a family man, he loved his wife and children and grandchildren more than anything. He loved his community and he loved serving the Lord, Vernon never met a stranger and will be greatly missed. 

Vernon is survived by his children: Marie Underwood of Wilburton and Mark Underwood of Wilburton, grandchildren: Jennifer Deering and husband Aaron of Wilburton, Luke Underwood and wife Brandi of Wilburton, Carrie Scrivner and husband Chris of Hugo, Callie Reinhardt and husband Casey of Wilburton.  great-grandchildren:  Olivia Deering, Reese Underwood, Hope Underwood, Blakely Underwood, Kinsley Scrivner, Konner Scrivner, Kaston Scrivner, Koda Scrivner, Griffin Reinhardt, and another Reinhardt grandson on the way. Sister Carolyn Underwood of Wilburton and Sister-in law Gloria Underwood of Smyrna, DE.  along with a host of nieces and nephews and life long friends. 

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anna Carolyn Underwood; mother, Etta Mae Pitcock Underwood ; father, Lester Underwood; brothers: Leslie William  “Bill” Underwood, Robert Underwood and sisters: Martisha Minyard,  Christine Williams-Deason and Wilma Haskins.

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.