Patsy Ruth Wiginton

Patsy Ruth Wiginton, 86, longtime resident of Panola, Oklahoma, beloved wife of Bill Wiginton Sr. went home to meet her Lord and Savior on August 17, 2023.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 25, 2023 at the Wilburton First Assembly of God Church with Mr. Stuart Winlock officiating. The burial will follow at the Maxey Cemetery, near Victor, Oklahoma.

Patsy was born to Cora Elizabeth and Lloyd White on June 4 in Goose Camp, Arkansas.  She spent her childhood years in Arkansas and California.  She told stories of picking cotton and turning grapes when she was young to earn her own spending money.  Her mother taught her of the goodness of God, and from an early age Patsy placed her faith in the Lord. That faith never wavered and she told everyone she met of God’s goodness until the very end of her life. Pat met Bill Wiginton at church in California and quickly decided he was the only guy for her.  She married her handsome sailor on August 28, 1954, and believed she was the luckiest wife in the world to be Mrs. Bill Wiginton. After a few years in California, and the birth of their first daughter, the happy couple moved to Wilburton, Oklahoma in 1958, where they lived for most of her remaining years. Pat raised four children with her husband and she loved being a mother and a grandmother.  Nothing gave her greater joy than visits from her family and friends. When you came in the door you were greeted with a smile, a hug and an offer of food and a glass of tea or a cup of coffee.

Pat attended Wilburton First Assembly of God for more than 5 decades and served in many capacities including teaching children of all ages, women’s ministries, benevolence, prayer ministry, assistant-treasurer, and more.  She was a member of the Rocky Point Extension Homemakers Club and enjoyed attending and hosting the monthly club meetings.  She was an accomplished seamstress and cook and won many ribbons at the Latimer County Fair.  She volunteered with the local election board and was often seen greeting voters at the polls on election day.  Pat worked at Jack’s Dry Cleaners and Thomas Brothers Lumber Yard, as well as a few other places in Wilburton. She enjoyed a job where she could interact with customers and have the flexibility to be available for her family.  She also loved growing things. She raised a large vegetable garden and had a beautiful yard full of flowers and plants. She was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. To the very end she told everyone “God has been so good to me!” Pat’s favorite word was Joy and it described her well.

Pat was preceded in death by her mother, Cora Hays, her father Lloyd White, step-father Arthur Hays, brother Bill Akins, sisters Laura Mae Acord, Mary Lee Epperson, Wilma Akins, Ethel Lambert, Betty Dudley and Norma Garner.

Surviving to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 69 years, Billy R. Wiginton, Sr.; daughters Nora Sutton and husband Jeff, Pamela Taylor and husband Ron, Laura Sanders and husband Dave; son Bill Wiginton Jr. and wife Michelle; grandchildren Russell Ross and wife Brooke, Elizabeth Acker and husband Jon, Steven Newsom and wife Kim, Linda Campbell and husband Rodney, Monica Moore and husband David, Jill Laturnus, Ty Taylor and wife Molly, Sara Lewis and husband Wes, Michael Sanders and wife Chelsie, Colleen Connaughton and husband Daniel, Shelby Carr and husband Jacob, Shea Wiginton, Baylee Wiginton, Brynna Wiginton, and Brett Wiginton; great-grandchildren Bryce Ross, Rianne Thomas and husband Dakota, Ava Ross, Emma Ross, Christopher Newsom, Kennedy Newsom, Kaylee Campbell, Boedy Campbell, Jordan Wheaton and husband Brad, Carson Moore and wife Kaleen, Colt Moore, Boedy Black, Chelbi Black, Brentlee Black, Bennett Black, Brock Sabbee, Jordan Litherland, Vivian Taylor, Declan Taylor, Jackson Embers, Nathan Embers and wife Samantha, Caroline Lewis, Ellanore Sanders, Olivia Sanders, Rosalyn Sanders, and Raylynn Carr; great-great grandchildren Luke Ross, Bucky Ross, Gnaeus Ross, Remmington Wheaton, Lennox Wheaton, Zoey Moore, Addieline Moore, Kiensler Moore and Wesley Embers; brother-in law Jim Wiginton; sister-in-law Artie Lou Irving; and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

From Proverbs 31

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so that he will have no lack of gain. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life…. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Mary Lydell (Burris) Millus

In Memory of Mary Millus

Mary Lydell (Burris) Millus, 84, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma went to meet the Lord on Friday, July 28, 2023 after a short battle with leukemia.

A viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating. The burial will follow at Wilburton Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Mary was born to Bill and Eva (Hill) Burris on June 29, 1939 in Red Oak, Oklahoma. Her childhood was busy working on the farm with her brother, until she graduated from Panola High School. She married her best friend, Earl Millus, on June 29, 1957 spending 57 years together. They had one son, Jeff Millus, who was her pride and joy.

Mary worked for Western Electric in Oklahoma City for about 30 years. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, crafting but especially quilting with her peeps. Even though Mary was the eldest, she kept up with all of the “youngins” on quilting retreats, quilt runs, quilt parties, etc. Mary will be remembered for her kindness and wonderful big hugs. She was a special lady.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Earl Millus; parents, Bill and Eva Burris; and her brother, Carol (Bill) Burris.

She is survived by her son, Jeff Millus of Oklahoma City; brothers and sisters-in law: Clyde and Shirley Millus of Norman, Harry and Kathy Millus of Wilburton, and Norma and Kenny Christian of Edmond; nieces and nephews:  Donna and Robbie Robbins, Cheryl and Tommy Cline, Kathie Whatley, Mary Duggan, Matthew Robbins, Kayla and Chris Stone, Wyatt Stone, Caitlyn and Adam Pospisil, Hunter Pospisil, Carter Pospisil, Carla Burris, and Carolyn Hauptmann; cousin, Jim Williams; along with a host of friends.

Chance Wesley Knight

In Memory of Chance Knight

Chance Wesley Knight of Red Oak, Oklahoma, passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023 at the age of 32.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023 at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Wilburton First Assembly of God with Rev. Lynn Bullard officiating. The burial will follow at LeFlore Cemetery in LeFlore, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be James Bish, Matthew Hicke, Nat Lawrence, Devon Nelson, Wade Paxton Jr., and Tim Crocker.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Dakota Royal-Couch, John Wooten, and Lee Hawthorne.

Chance was born on September 4, 1990 in Ada, Oklahoma to Ruby Alton and Chris Couch. He was raised by his mama, Flo and dad, LA Knight. In 2013, Chance met Falicia and the two were married on August 5, 2015. Together they had three children making the family complete with five children total: Carmen, Elijah, Noah, Ruby, and Aria. Chance had many titles, but his favorite was Dad. Not a day will go by that he will not be missed.

Chance is preceded in death by his mom, Ruby Alton; sister, Brandi Mize; and dad, LA Knight.

He is survived by his wife, Falicia Knight; children, Carmen Walker, Elijah Knight, Noah Knight, Ruby Knight, and Aria Knight; mama, Flo Knight; father, Chris Couch; brother, Dakota Royal Couch; brother, James Bish and wife Hope; brother, Chuckie Seymour and wife Pamela; sister, Teresa Lynn; sister, Amy Knight and husband Nicky Shrum; niece, Zoe Hicke; numerous nieces and nephews; along with countless other family and friends.

Martha Jean Axley

Birth: March 29, 1943

Death: July 20, 2023

Burial: Centerpoint Cemetery, Wilburton, Latimer County, Oklahoma

Memorial – Viewing, Tuesday, July 25th from 1-6pm and services at the Waldrop Funeral Home

Chapel on Wednesday, July 26th at 10am.

Martha Jean Axley, born on March 29, 1943 in Talihina Oklahoma, United States, passed away on

July 20, 2023 in McAlester, Oklahoma at the age of 80.

Martha was the daughter of MD Axley and Ora Lorene Wilcox. She grew up in Hobart and Panola,

raised by her Grandmother and Grandfather, Izora and George Reeder. Martha loved the farm life,

animals and lived happily in Oklahoma until she graduated from Panola High School in 1961.

After working in for a short time, she moved to Oklahoma City where she lived and worked until

she met and married, Eugene Johns of Waycross, Georgia in February 1963. They raised two

children together and as a military wife, Martha had the opportunity to see the world, traveling

and living in Panama City, Hawaii, South Carolina, Texas and Belgium to name a few before

Eugene retired and they settled back home in Wilburton Oklahoma. Martha began her career at

Franklin Electric in 1981, working on the assembly line and then promoted to night shift

supervisor and retired from Franklin Electric in 2014 after 27 years.

She was divorced from Eugene Johns when she married Ed Bynum in 1986 and moved back to

Panola. Ed passed away with cancer in 1988. In 1991, Martha married Cletus Culberson and they

were married until Cletus passed away in 2019.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, George and Izora Reeder, her parents, M.D.

Axley, John and Lorene Hamilton, a brother George Patrick "Pete" Axley, a sister, Sharon Harvey

Holbird, a sister, Betty Romine and half-sister, Betty June Douthit.

Martha is survived by her son, Terry Johns of Wilburton, Oklahoma and daughter, Shelly Johns

and Michael Schlachtun of Jacksonville, FL, grandson, Joshua Johns and Shawna Baugh, great-

grandson Kyler and Blaze Baugh of Talihina, Oklahoma and granddaughter, Kassie Johns and

Quentin Mellinger of Wilburton Oklahoma, great-grandson, Donovan Davis and Heidi Davis of

Wilburton, Ok. She is also survived by her brother, John Hamilton of Claremore, Oklahoma as

well as a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Martha loved her family and home in Panola-Wilburton Oklahoma and she will be missed terribly.

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.