Lloyd David "Dave" Mathis

In Memory of David Mathis

Lloyd David “Dave” Mathis, of Wilburton, OK, passed away Saturday, November 4th of natural causes.

 Dave was born July 19th, 1947, in Ravia, OK to parents LG Mathis and Mary Francis (Nelms) Mathis. He left school early to enlist with the U.S. Army at the age of 16, where he was stationed in Germany until he was honorably discharged in 1966. After the Army, Dave moved to Big Spring, TX to work in the oilfield. In 1971 he began his career as a Sprinkler Fitter. The sprinkler trade afforded him the opportunity to travel throughout the U.S. on different projects. He enjoyed telling stories of the people he met in the various towns he worked in along the way. In 1987 he was initiated into the US Local 669 Union for Sprinkler Fitters. He was a proud member of UA Local 669, even after his retirement in 2008.

He reveled in everything related to the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, gardening, Jeeping and all of that in between. He was an excellent chef and enjoyed feeding others. From canning his home-grown vegetables to cooking at family reunions, you would find Dave in the middle of it all.

 Dave is survived by his son, David Bickford of Tulsa, OK. His daughter, Shontelle Volkl, of Tahlequah, OK. Brother Wayne Mathis and wife Billie of Wilburton. Brother Tim Hamilton and wife Sandy of Panola, OK. Nieces Monica Mathis, Veronicah Harris, Shannon Cowen, Brittany Pulchney, Paige O’Hern and Abby Harding. Nephews Kevin Mathis, Bubba Mathis, Lance Mathis, Rocky Makovy, Preston Sennett and Tim “Taji” Hamilton II. Grandchildren Katie, David, Tyler and Chrissi.

He was preceded in death by his parents LG Mathis and Fran Hamilton. Brothers Ronnie Mathis and Lynn Mathis. Sister-in-law Karen Mathis. Nephews Dustin Mathis and Lane Mathis.

Dave will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and the numerous acquaintances he met throughout his 76 years. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 16th, at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, OK. Honorary Pallbearers comprise his nephews, great nephews, and grandchildren.

Robert Wade

In Memory of Robert Wade

Robert Eugene Wade, 59, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023.

Robert was born on August 1, 1964 in Alameda, California. He was a beloved member of the community and will be deeply missed by his family and friends. In his lifetime, Robert touched the lives of many with his kind heart and gentle spirit. He was known for his dedication to this farm and his willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. Robert’s warm smile and infectious laughter brightened the lives of all who knew him.

Robert is survived by his loving children: Ashley Wade, Jerry Wade, Dalton Wade and wife, Krysta; grandchildren: Marlee Swindle, Maddox Swindle, Emma, and Lakota; siblings: Katherine Wade and Roger Wade; father, Roland Wade and stepmother, Lois Wade.

He is preceded in death by his mother Eunice Riggs.

 He will be remembered for his unwavering love and devotion to his family, always putting their needs before his own. A private memorial service will be held to honor Robert’s life and celebrate the memories he leaves behind. Robert Eugene Wade will forever hold a special place in our hearts. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Arrangements are under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Billy (Bill) Collums

In Memory of Billy Collums

Billy (Bill) Collums, 84 of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating. The burial will follow at Boiling Springs Cemetery in Wilburton under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Parks, Benjamin Collums, Conor Worcester, Colin Worcester, Mason Sennett, and Blayne Conley.

Bill was born on October 31, 2023 in Marks, Mississippi to John and Ida “Velma” Collums. He married Bessie (Findley) Collums in 1967. Bessie had three children when they married: Robert, Tammy and Eric. Together they welcomed Billy. He worked as a bus driver and then a long-haul truck driver after returning to Oklahoma. He was a very independent and proud man that took good care of his children.

He is survived by his children: Tammy Findley of Booneville, AR, Billy Duane Collums of Waterloo, IA, and Matthew Mitchell and wife Lori of Folsom, CA; grandchildren: Stephanie Hicks, Stacy Hicks, Robert Hicks Jr., Sarah Ellis, Kasey Reed, Ricky Ritchie, Justin McSwain, and Michael McSwain; special niece & nephew: Cindee Blankenship and John Collums and wife Kelly; special great nieces & nephews: Jennifer Parks and husband Joshua, Rachel Conley, Benton Conley, Benjamin Collums, and Michelle Collums; several great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents: John E. & Ida “Velma” Collums; wife: Bessie Collums; sons: Robert Hicks and Eric Reed; brother: John C. Collums Sr.; sisters: Francis Logan and Emily “Jo” Wallace; special nieces: Beverly Cichon, Sandy Collums, and Lynette Price.

Roy Junior Miller

In Memory of Junior Miller

            Roy Junior Miller, 77, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, left this World on October 27, 2023 and immediately crossed over into Glory, was welcomed to Heaven by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his family along with the Ransomed and Redeemed Saints of the ages.

            Junior was born on June 25, 1946, in Bakersfield, California to J.R. and Wanda (Evans) Miller. He was the second of ten children born to the Millers. The family returned to Cravens, Oklahoma where he spent much of his childhood and attended school at Cravens and Panola Public Schools. Junior was highly intelligent and was gifted with a photographic memory. He was a compassionate and giving soul who was quick witted with a keen sense of humor, and he loved to tell stories of days gone by. It was at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church in the Cravens Community that Bro. Fred Gutherie led him to saving faith in the Lord Jesus. Junior and Glen, his brother and best buddy, dropped out of school to help his dad work at Cravens and later in the garage and salvage yard in Wilburton. He became a master mechanic by the age of 15 who later specialized in automatic transmissions. He was known for having the fastest car in the area- 1963 black Ford Galaxy. Junior married Jeannetta Ann Hall, the love of his life, on February 22, 1965, at her parent’s, C.L. and Ruth Hall, home in Wilburton. God gave them seven children-Doug, Steve, Kirk, Mitzy, Libby, Daniel, and one child who passed by miscarriage. They moved their growing family several times both for work and later ministry, but Wilburton was always home. He worked at many car dealerships as service manager and lead mechanic. He later owned and operated Junior Miller’s Garage in Wilburton. He was a loving husband and father who worked sacrificially to provide for his family.

            The Lord Jesus called Junior to preach at Dewey Avenue Baptist Church, Sherman, Texas in 1970. He and Jeannetta surrendered their lives to serve the Lord, and they worked together for over 40 years in ministry. After supply preaching and serving in their home church for two years, they began their work for the Lord in the Children’s ministry at Hillcrest Baptist Church from 1973 to 1975. After returning to Wilburton in 1975, he became the Pastor of Sulphur Springs Baptist Church where he and Jeannetta served for 5 years during a tremendous time of the Holy Spirit’s blessing, as many souls were saved and the church grew from nine people to over one hundred people. It was during this time he and Jeannetta wrote and published a weekly column at their own expense for the Latimer News Tribune entitled the “Sword of the Lord” and many lives were touched. Junior was called to Bowers Baptist Church in 1980 where the Lord blessed their ministry with a powerful moving of the Holy Spirit. Many souls were saved and the church grew rapidly. He would go on to pastor at First Baptist Church, Tupelo, OK., Twin Oaks Baptist Church, Wister, OK., Heart of the Hills Baptist Church, Summerfield, OK., Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, Heavener, OK., First Baptist Church, Bokoshe, OK., Short Baptist Church, Short, OK., First Baptist Church, Honobia, OK., Eastern Gate Baptist Church, Wynnewood, OK., and a second time at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church, Wilburton, OK. For most of his ministry Junior was a bi-vocational pastor. He preached many revivals across the state of Oklahoma and held community tent-revivals and Brush Arbor meetings in the Latimer County area. He was a faithful and anointed preacher of the Gospel, a winner of Souls for Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior, an excellent Bible Prophecy teacher, and a compassionate minister. Jeannetta and he faithfully and sacrificially served the Lord Jesus and are remembered and loved by those whose lives they touched.

            He was proceeded in death by his wife of 45 years, Jeannetta Miller; his parents, J.R. and Wanda Miller; brothers, Jim Miller and Glen Miller; sisters, Dianne Miller and Betty Miller; nephew, Robert Goodwin; and niece, Christie Winters.

            He is survived by his children: Doug Miller and daughter in love Angie of Greenwood, Arkansas, Steve Miller and daughter and love Jodie of Wilburton, Oklahoma, Kirk Miller and daughter in love Christie of Stigler, Oklahoma, Mitzy (Miller) Lynn and son in love Kyle of Poteau, Oklahoma, Libby (Miller) Owens and son in love Brian of Muldrow, Oklahoma, and Daniel Miller and daughter in love Brittany of Wilburton, Oklahoma; his grandchildren: Michael Miller, Kourtnie Miller, Kolton and Malorie Lynn, Justyn and Grayson Nix, Brookelyn Owens, Ky Lynn, Chelsie and Taylor Janson, Caitlin Slater, Briarlyn and BriElla Miller; two great-grandchildren: Paetyon Janson and Lambrie Wilson; sisters: Glenda Goodwin and husband Bob of Sawyer, Oklahoma, Wanda Winters and husband Mark of Sulphur, Oklahoma; brothers: Edd (Pete) Miller and wife Marilyn of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, David Miller and wife Marilou of Wynnewood, Oklahoma, and Don Miller and wife Shawna of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; special sister in love, Jean Refro and husband David of Wynnewood, Oklahoma; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and a whole host of brothers and sisters in Christ.

            A “Home-Going” Celebration of Junior’s life and victory in Jesus will be held Friday, November 3, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. at Center Point Baptist Church. Graveside service will follow at Center Point Community Cemetery under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home of Wilburton, Oklahoma.

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.