Carolyn Underwood

In Loving Memory of Carolyn Underwood

Carolyn Underwood, 83, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Monday Oct. 23 in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Carolyn was born on January 1, 1940 in Russellville, Arkansas to Lester and Etta Underwood.

She had a great career being a flight attendant for American Airlines for many years. We loved listening to all her stories of traveling. She loved flying and lived an amazing life. She drove the coolest cars and would bring us fine foods from Dallas before fine foods were cool. Her memory will live in our hearts forever.

Carolyn Underwood is survived by her Niece and Nephew: Marie Underwood of Wilburton and Mark Underwood of Wilburton, along with a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and lifelong friends.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Etta Mae (Pitcock) Underwood; father, Lester Underwood: brothers: Leslie William “Bill” Underwood, Vernon Underwood, and Robert Underwood; and sisters: Martisha Minyard, Christine Williams-Deason, and Wilma Haskins.

There will be no viewing or service as per her wishes. The family will have a private Celebration of Life in the near future. Arrangements entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

John Collums

Obituary of John Charles Collums Sr

John Collums, 88, of Wilburton passed away peacefully on Sunday October 22, 2023. 

The funeral service will be held at 11a.m Thursday, October 26, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Dana Hugle officiating. Burial will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Wilburton under the direction of  Waldrop Funeral Home.

John was born on July 8, 1935, in Jonestown, Mississippi to Velma and John Collums.  He began working for the railroad at 15 years of age in Northern California. John continued his lifelong love of working and learning as a long-haul truck driver, diesel mechanic, dozer operator, entrepreneur, and small business owner. John was a Freemason earning the 32nd degree and a member of the Scottish Rite Akdar Shrine.

He met Sunny Knight in 1977 in Wilburton, where they married on the first day it rained as John promised Sunny when he proposed.  They were married on September 22, 1978.

John loved to play in the dirt and build his rental properties.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Sunny (Knight) Collums; children: Cindee Collums Blankenship, John Charles Collums, Jr and wife Kelly, Valerie Grosskurth and husband Paul, and Janina Fox; grandchildren: Jennifer Parks and husband Joshua, Jenny Collom and husband Brad, Rachel Conley, Benton Conley and wife Karen, Shelby Mayo and husband Dale, Jordan Carr Peterson, Sarah Blackwell, Michelle Collums, Maggie Weimer, Brady Fox, and Macie Grosskurth; 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; brother, Billy (Bo) Collum; and a host of extended family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Velma and John Collums; his sisters: Francis Logan and Jo Wallace; his daughters: Beverly Cichon and Sandy Collums.

Zella Stone

In Memory of Zella Stone

Zella Louise Stone, 76, of Poteau, Oklahoma, passed away on October 19, 2023.

Zella was born in Welch, Oklahoma, on July 23, 1947 to Harold and Willma Bandy.

In the course of her academic career, she received numerous degrees including a Master’s in

nursing from Oklahoma University and a Master’s in nursing administration from Oklahoma

State University. She enjoyed a career of 50 plus years of being a nurse and educator.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Willma Bandy as well as her sons Sam

Stone and Scott Laster.

Zella is survived by her husband of 41 years, Daniel Stone; her son, David Stone and wife Veronica, her daughter, Rachel England and husband Brandon; grandchildren: Corey Stone, Tommy Laster and wife Mariah, Nathan Stone, Nicholas Laster, Kathleen Ritchie and husband Paxton, Sarah England, and Jase England; and great grandchildren, Khloe Laster and Konner Laster.

A funeral service will be held to celebrate her life on Tuesday, October 24th at 10:00am. The service will be held in the sanctuary at Southside Baptist Church located in Poteau Oklahoma. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in Warner Memorial Cemetery at 2:00pm. For those who are unable to attend the funeral, there will be a book signing at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma on Monday afternoon. She will be greatly missed by many in this world but will be well received in her eternal home.

Howard Edward Warren

In Memory of Howard Warren

Howard Edward Warren of Red Oak, Oklahoma, 83, passed away on October 17, 2023.  His funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 23, 2023, with a viewing before from 8:00 to 10:30, at the Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Howard was the son of Ray and Hattie Gray Warren.  Born on January 21, 1940, Howard attended Panola High School until he graduated in 1958.  Having attended barber school in Fort Worth, Texas during the summer of 1956, he moved to Texas after graduation, and ultimately settled in Odessa, Texas, where he owned a barber shop. In 1985, Howard moved to El Paso, Texas, where he became a pawn broker, owning two shops until 1998.  He returned home to Oklahoma in 1998, where he was a cattleman until 2022. 

During all his professions, Howard loved the rodeo, competing in team roping events for several decades across the southwest.  He continually placed or won in these competitions, and met famous people along the way who share his avocation, such as singer George Strait and actor Kiefer Sutherland.  Also an avid pool player, he competed, and placed or won, in many amateur competitions until his late 70s. 

A man of singular wit with a familiar way, Howard made countless friends wherever he lived.  Valuing companionship and loyalty, he had close comrades across all ages and professions, from teens to octogenarians, and from roughnecks to bankers.  Almost everyone has a “Howard Story” that typically displays his humor or kindness.

Howard is survived by his two sons, Daniel and Bill; his stepson Shawn and his stepdaughter Tammie; his brother Charlie; his nephews Jerry Warren and Alan Copeland, and nieces Marilyn Warren and Carolyn Rowland; and, his longtime companion Becky Adams and her children Adam, Josh, Auboneigh, Cheyenne and Dalton.

Pallbearers are Jared Brown, Charles Glenn, Chucky Glenn, Jeremy Hill, Gavin Russell and Jamie Russell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or the local chapter of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in memory of Howard Warren. 

Glenn Brame

In Memory of Glenn Brame

Glenn Brame, 65, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023 at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Johnny Montgomery officiating.

Glenn was born in Richmond, California and grew up in the Bay Area. He loved going to concerts and hanging out with friends and family. He loved softball and bowling. He married the love of his life Darlene on February 25, 1980. He relocated with his wife and daughters to Red Oak, Oklahoma in 1993 where he resided until his death.

His favorite hobbies included watching his football teams, the 49ers and the Sooners, golfing with his friends, arguing with his wife, and watching his five granddaughters grow up. He also enjoyed watching his favorite shows Monday Night Raw, Friday Night Smackdown, Storage Wars, Barbecue Pitmasters, and Judge Judy.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be greatly missed, but we have piece knowing he is in Heaven with his favorite person, his wife Darlene.

He is survived by his daughter, Melissa (Brame) Hampton and husband Michael of Red Oak; daughter, Danielle (Brame) Spargur and husband Josh of Red Oak; granddaughters, Madison Clark and husband Colton, Kaynin Spargur, Maci Hampton, Winter Spargur, and Maelie Hampton all of Red Oak; Sisters, Juli Angus and husband Jerry Lawrence of Tulsa, Trudi Garrison and husband Carl of Eufaula; brother-in-law Daniel Lawrence of Sandpoint, ID; his bros, Johnny Pate and Alberto Salazar; and numerous nieces, nephews and loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Dalene Brame; mother, Patricia Brame; father, Jim Brame; brothers, Donnie Angus and Andy Brame; grandmother, Etta Phillips; and grandfather, Raymond Phillips.

Carole Jean Messex

Carole Jean (Jones) Messex, 77, of Wilburton Oklahoma went to meet the Lord on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

Carole was born to Johnny Jones and Venita Standridge on October 5, 1945 in Savannah, Oklahoma.  She Married (Arthur) Lee Sharp in 1969.  Lee and Carole were married 8 years until he passed away in 1977.  She later married Roy Brian Messex Sr. in November 1980.  They were married 42 years at her passing.  Carole was the loving mother of 3 sons.  Darren Ray Sharp, Douglas Lee Sharp, and Roy Brian Messex, Jr.

Carole worked early on in the Marine Corps recruiting office and for the Red Cross in Tulsa Oklahoma and later studied psychology in college before deciding to become a full time home maker.  Carole enjoyed music by Elvis, Joe Cocker, and never missed an OU college football game.  In later years she enjoyed cooking and canning her husband Brian Sr.’s garden produce and their regular trips to Braums.

Carole is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Lee Sharp, parents Johnny Jones, Venita Standridge, and Shirley Jones, her brothers Johnny Jones Jr. and David Jones Sr.  Daughter-in-law Stacy Sharp.

She is survived by her husband Roy Brian Messex Sr. of the home. Sons Darren Ray and Jhoanna Sharp and daughter of Medellin Columbia, Douglas Lee and JoAnn Sharp of Sapulpa, and Roy Brian Jr. and Wilene Messex of Wilburton.  Daughter in law Shelley and Tony Korp of McAlester, Ok.  Grandchildren: Ethan Sharp, Daniel Sharp, Whitney Sharp, Gregory Sharp, Dayton Sharp, Bernice Messex, James Messex, and Rachael Cox.   And numerous nieces, nephews, family and special friends.

Graveside services will be October 14, 2023 at 11:00am under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

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.