Victoria Gardner

In Loving Memory of Victoria Gardner

Victoria Elizabeth Gardner, 73, of McAlester, Oklahoma passed away Thursday, June 29, 2023. She was born on January 18, 1950, to Tracy Gardner and Mattie (Brown) Gardner in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Victoria attended school at Vernon Elementary in Wilburton then Wilburton Public Schools after desegregation. She grew up as a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church when she participated in the choir and often played the piano. She was employed by Cocke Hardware, Wilburton Police Department as dispatcher, and Franklin Electric.

Victoria is survived by her children: Frederic Gardner of Tulsa, Charlene Gardner Wilson of McAlester, and Cynthia Bateman and husband Frank of North Little Rock, Arkansas; brother: Rodney Price and wife Kathy of Hartshorne; sister: Tennie Clark and husband Randy of Wilburton; 7 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; along with numerous other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Tracy and Mattie Gardner; daughter: Stephanie Gardner; and sister: Ruth Cook.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton.

Funeral services will be Friday, July 7, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Wilburton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Cecil Lee, Rev. Aaron Williams, and Rodney Price officiating. Burial will follow at Degnan Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Randy Clark, Troy Clark, Dylan Clark, Floyd Clark, Stephen Hilton, and Ronald Maynard.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Don Stites, Chuck Lawrence, Roger Kemp, and Frank Bateman.

Howard Blankenship

In Loving Memory of Howard Blankenship

Howard D. Blankenship, 54, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Visitation will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 19, 2023 at First Baptist Church Red Oak.

The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023, at First Baptist Church Red Oak with Bro. Johnny Montgomery and Bro. Mike Bush officiating. The burial will follow at Red Oak Cemetery under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Cody Parker, Johnny Montgomery, Jerry Don Lessel, Jimmy Booth, Matt Denny, and Freddie Midgley.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Garner, Gordon Bell, Marvin Montgomery, Cole Denny, Coy Denny, Clay Denny, Steve Halstead, and DeWayne Mankin.

Howard was born on April 24, 1969, in Poteau, Oklahoma to HD and Phyllis (Moody) Blankenship. He married Jennifer Lemmons on March 7, 1997.

Howard graduated from Wilburton High School in 1987. He started working in the oil field industry after high school, working his way to vice president of field operations for Panther Energy.

Howard loved nothing more than God and sharing the gospel with everyone. He was very bold and outspoken about his Savior Jesus Christ. He was known for never meeting a stranger. He enjoyed talking and joking with everyone he met. He was very quick-witted and always had a funny comeback to say. His grandbabies were his pride and joy, and he was the best Palzey to them. Some of his interests were riding horses, roping and hog hunting with his friends, ranching, taking care of the cows, and serving in the church. He had a love for all people. God blessed him with a generous heart, making him the most generous and giving person. He was a great son, husband, dad, brother, Palzey and friend.

Howard is survived by his wife of 26 years: Jennifer Blankenship; daughter: Bethany Snell and husband, Rodie; daughter: Emily Todd and husband, Cody; daughter: Alison Fowler and husband, Craig; parents: HD and Phyllis Blankenship; Grandchildren: Paisley DeWitt, Adley Todd, Jace Todd, and Brynly Snell: siblings: Clint Blankenship and wife, Tammy, Thelma Fletcher, Ponch Moody and wife, Angie, and Randy Moody; sister-in-law: Joyce Thornburg; 4 nieces; 5 nephews; and a host of other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by: Lester and Martha Moody, Harrison and Cecil Blankenship, Bob Wilson, Norma Blankenship, and Joe Thornburg.

Bill Harden

In Loving Memory of Bill Harden

Billie (Bill) Junior Harden, 84, of Red Oak, Oklahoma left this world for his heavenly home on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June10, 2023 at United Free Will Baptist Church in Red Oak with Rev. Johnny Montgomery officiating. The burial will follow at Red Oak Cemetery under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Rhys Sumpter, Mason Sumpter, Logan Harden, Danny Foster Jr, Brody Harden, and Syler Davis.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Chris Harden, Steven Harden, Jesse Thomas, and Lonnie Taylor.

Bill was born on May 18, 1939 in Hartshorne, Oklahoma to Bill and Zella (Terry) Harden. He grew up in Wilburton, Oklahoma and in California. Bill met and married Julia (Clough) in 1958. They had 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Bill was a member of the United Free Will Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for 43 years. His work included construction, cotton and fruit picking, and driving the trash truck. He was also a profound coon hunter. He was often heard saying phrases such as “things were too far and snakey”, “that he was fixing to hit you with a boot”, and “to shake a leg”. Bill will be missed by all, but we can only imagine how he’s up in heaven coon hunting with Gilbert and Red and sitting in his easy chair with Ricky.

Bill is survived by his wife and loving caretaker: Julie of the home; daughters: Brenda Bolin and Jerry Green, Joan and Dallas Dye, and Michelle and Kevin Davis; son: William Harden; grandchildren: Chris and Jennifer Harden, Danny and Shannon Foster, Kassie and Arron Sumpter, Katie Foster and Devin Wylie, Sarah Bolin, Brittany and Micah Billingsly, Jordan Davis, Brody Harden, Abby Harden, Breanna Harden, and Syler Davis; great grandchildren: Haylee, Logan, Kelsie, Mason, Rhys, Taytum, Teagan, Reed, Annaleigh, Aubreigh, Draymond, Sumeria, and Jett; along with multiple other family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Bill and Zella Harden; brothers: Charles Harden and Clarence (Chief) Harden; sister: Novella Ballew; daughter: Sandy Harden; and his brother in Christ: Poncho Newburn.

Gene Savage

In Memory of Gene Savage

Harry (Gene) Eugene Savage Jr., 76, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 9, 2023 at Red Oak School Auditorium with Bro. David Janeway and Bro. Johnny Montgomery officiating. The burial will follow at Red Oak Cemetery under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Todd Hollie, Cole Means, Cody McAlpin, Kyle Noble, Kaleb Sherfield, and Blake Williams.

Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Hollie, Eldon Bell, Zane Noggle, Tommy Brown, and Ted Harris.

Gene was born on August 4, 1946 to Harry Savage and Jewel (Morrison) Savage, at his home in Bull Hill. Gene grew up at Bull Hill and attended Red Oak School. Gene and Margaret Ann (Harris) were married on June 4, 1966 and made their home in Red Oak.

Gene worked for more than 30 years at Robbers Cave State Park where he retired in 2006. Gene was an avid, life-long, fan of Oklahoma University sports and St. Louis Cardinals Baseball. In his younger years, Gene enjoyed many years of playing fast pitch softball for the Latimer County Chiefs and coaching youth summer league baseball.

Gene was a 10 year member of the Red Oak school board and a member of the Red Oak Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and family. Right up until the week that left us he did not miss a game, birthday party, or event that his kids, grandkids, or great grand kids were involved in. Gene was a man of faith. He was a member of the Red Oak First Baptist Church and attended services at Rock Creek Baptist Church.

Gene is survived by his wife, Ann Savage; daughter, Rena Adams; son, Keith Savage and wife Julie; grandchildren: Phylicia Adams and husband Kyle Noble, Katlyn Means and husband Cole, Cheyenne McAlpin and husband Cody, Kaleb Sherfield and wife Kaylyn, Blake Williams, Brooklyn Tucker and husband Travis, and Madison Savage; 14 great grandchildren; and a special niece and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Emma Carolyn Hollie and Frieda Maddux.

Paul Coshatt

In Memory of Paul Coshatt

Paul W. Coshatt, 59, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023 at McAlester Regional Hospital.

Paul was born September 14, 1963 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to Paul and Carlotta (Ward) Coshatt. He married Sheila (Price) Coshatt on December 27, 1986 at High Bridge Baptist Church.

Paul was currently retired. He was employed with Halliburton for 34 years. He was also a member of the Southern Cruisers Motorcycle Club.

Paul is survived by his wife: Sheila of the home; children: Blake Coshatt of Wilburton and Miranda Hailey and husband, Dillon of Broken Arrow; grandsons: Colt Coshatt and Paul Wade Hailey; sister: Sharon Wells of Claremore; aunt/uncle Lisa Dryman and Darrell Ward; along with a host of friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Paul and Carlotta Coshatt; brother-in-law: Jim Coshatt; and brother-in-law: Dustin Price

Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

John Patrick Hulsey

John Patrick Hulsey, 78, of Red Oak, OK passed away May 28, 2023. John was born July 18, 1944, in Red Oak to Jack and Louise (Cometti) Hulsey. He graduated from Red Oak High School with the class of 1962. He attended Eastern Oklahoma State College prior to serving two years in the U.S. Army. On May 1, 1965, he married Judy Shank in Wilburton, OK. They enjoyed 58 wonderful years together.

John was employed with Arkla Gas for nearly 30 years before retiring as Superintendent in 1996. John enjoyed everything involving the outdoors, especially ranching. He loved life and was well known for his sense of humor and pranks. John will be terribly missed by his friends and family, especially his grandchildren that loved him so very much.

John is survived by his wife, Judy, of the home, sons Danny and wife Pam; Brian and wife Arla; Dustin and wife Brandi; and eight grandchildren Jacalyn, Jenna, Colton, John Patrick II, Brileigh, Sage, Scottlynn, and Stetson all of whom live in Red Oak. He is also survived by a sister, Margaret Marr and husband Jimmy of Colorado Springs, CO as well as several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Viewing will be Tuesday, May 30, 2023, from 5:00-7:00p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home.

The funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Red Oak, where he was a member. Bro. Johnny Montgomery and Bro. Gary Davidson will be officiating. The burial will follow at the Red Oak Cemetery under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, OK.

Pallbearers will be Drew Forwoodson, Mike Guazdausky, Mike Gibson, Mikey Guazdausky, Doug Nixon, and Zac Rosebure.

Honorary pallbearers will be Howard Morgan, Bill Garner, John Forwoodson, Walter Squires, Jeff Black, DeWayne Mankin, Greg Lyons, and John’s beloved grandchildren.

Kale Stout

In Loving Memory of Kale Stout

Kale Trenton James Stout, 14, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the Wilburton First Baptist Church with Dr. Paul Brady officiating. The burial will follow at High Bridge Cemetery under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Bruce Littlefield Sr., Bruce Littlefield Jr., Dakota Schultz, and Matthew Roberts.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kolby Valenzuela and the Wilburton Middle School Football team.

Kale was born on April 6, 2009 in McAlester, Oklahoma to Eric Stout and Amanda Littlefield. He was in the 7th grade at Wilburton Middle School. He was planning on going into the military or becoming an underwater welder.

Kale was a bright, funny 14 year old. He brought joy to everyone he was around. He loved to fish. He could do it all day, every day. He also took after his brother and loved football. His two most favorite people were his Grandma Tammie and Aunt NaNa. They hung the moon in his eyes. He was loved by his family, teachers, coaches, and friends.

He is survived by his mother: Amanda Littlefield and stepfather, Matt Roberts of the home; father: Eric Stout; brother: Dakota Schultz of Checotah; maternal grandparents: Bruce and Tammie Littlefield of Checotah; paternal grandfather: A.J. Stout; aunt: Claudette Bargass; and uncle: Bruce Littlefield of Checotah.

Ralph Wayne Weaver

In Memory of Ralph Wayne Weaver

Ralph Wayne Weaver, 71, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 in McAlester, Oklahoma.

A viewing will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m.on Friday, April 14,2023 at Bache Red Oak Cemetery in Bache, Oklahoma with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating.

Ralph was born on January 27, 1952 to Charley and Bernice (Hall) Weaver in McAlester, Oklahoma. Ralph worked for Brent Crawley Chevrolet in Hartshorne and Mellor Chevrolet as a service manager until 1993 when he opened Ralph’s Auto Repair in Krebs. He served as a Haileyville Volunteer Firefighter and was a 3rd Degree Mason of the Masonic Lodge #122.

He is survived by his daughters: Andrea Weaver of McAlester, Stephanie Wagnon and husband, Johnny of Quinton; brother: Raymon Weaver of Memphis, TN; 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents: Charley and Bernice Weaver; sister: Myra Watson; and his son: Ralph Weaver, Jr.

Donald Lee Tubbs

In Memory of Donald Tubbs

Donald Lee Tubbs, 61, of Wilburton passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2023 in Poteau, Oklahoma.

Donald was born on July 7, 1961 in Talihina, Oklahoma to Andrew and Wanda (Kilpatrick) Tubbs.

He is survived by his stepdaughters, Maria Barker of Gore and Amanda Barker of Wilburton; granddaughters, Anastasia, Lexi, and Acelynn; mother, Wanda Tubbs of Wilburton; brothers, Ricky Tubbs and wife Bonnie of McAlester, Andrew Tubbs Jr. of Wilburton, Joseph Tubbs and wife Brenda of Wilburton, Billy Tubbs of Wilburton, and James Tubbs of Wilburton; sisters, Wanda Hodge and spouse Lynn of Norman and Faith Ann Paxton and husband Ronnie of Wilburton.

He is preceded in death by his father, Andrew Tubbs.

A viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at Waldrop Funeral Home.

Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating. Burial will follow at Center Point Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Tubbs, Andrew Tubbs, Andrew Tubbs Jr., Billy Tubbs, Ronnie Paxton, and William Tubbs. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joseph Tubbs and Lester Dale Shelton.

Carey Menasco

In Loving Memory of Carey Menasco

Carey Mace Menasco was born in Hartshorne, Oklahoma on February 2, 1958 to Louella Skaggs. He lived a full life and passed away with family at his side on March 11, 2023, at the age of 65.

Visitation with family and friends will be from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15th at Waldrop Funeral Home, located at 1208 Hwy 2 North in Wilburton, OK.

Services for Carey will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 16th at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Willard Francis officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Robert Woodruff, Tyler Menasco, Kenny Maroon, William Gould, George Helwig, and Justin Eubanks. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike Menasco, Clyde Menasco, and Fernando Casanova.

Carey loved his mother dearly and enjoyed cooking for his family. As a boy and teenager, he would come home from school and cook dinner while his mom worked in the beauty shop. He maintained his passion for cooking his whole life and showed his love through cooking meals for everyone. As he grew older, he started working in wheat fields until he made the move to the oilfield. There he built an illustrious career working all over the world. As time moved on, he would end his career at the highest level in the oilfield industry. He had a passion for fast cars from a young age, eventually owning and operating several racetracks. He loved travelling; especially to his second home in Cozumel. Most importantly, he loved and cherished his children and grandkids.

He is survived by his five children: Brian Menasco, Chance Menasco & wife Lauren, Cara Menasco Eubanks & husband Justin, Kayden Menasco, and Keely Menasco; eight grandchildren: Brandon Menasco, Aaliyah Fowlkes, Tyler Menasco, Natalee Fowlkes, Madilyn Menasco, Kaycee Jo Menasco, Blakely Fowlkes, and Ty Fowlkes; his two brothers: Clyde Menasco and Mike Menasco & wife Sondra; and two sisters: Betty Woodruff & husband Woody and Angela Menasco Key.

He is proceeded in death by his mother, Louella Menasco; adoptive father, Floyd Menasco; father, Mace E Davidson; son, Carey Dean Menasco; brother, Jerry Davidson; and grandmother, Maude Pattison; along with many other family members and friends.