Billie Sue Houston

Billie Sue Houston, age 59 years, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, passed away in her home with her beloved husband and daughter by her side on Friday, January 19, 2024 after a battle with metastatic cancer.

Billie was born on September 2nd, 1964 to Billy Wayne & Martilla Saulsberry in Anchorage, Alaska. She grew up loving horseback riding, cruising the strip with her friends, and graduated from Service High School in 1982. In 1986, she gave birth to her only child, Tiffany Ketchel. Billie & Tiffany were inseparable through the years to follow, and she put her whole heart into being a fun, loving, and supportive mother.

In 1991, Billie met Clarence Houston in Greenwood, Arkansas. Billie & Clarence fell in love and married in 1992. After a few years in Arkansas, Billie & Clarence moved to Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma where they spent the next 20+ years raising Tiffany and running their own businesses. Billie was a longtime member of Keys Baptist Church in Keys, OK, and enjoyed a spiritual closeness with the Lord. In 2019, Billie & Clarence moved briefly to Spring Branch, Texas, so that she could be closer to her daughter and her grandson, Robert. After four years in Texas, they returned to Clarence’s childhood hometown of Wilburton, OK.

Billie was quick to make close friends at every job she held throughout her career. Holding a degree in accounting from Northeastern State University, Billie worked various accounting roles at manufacturing plants and most recently in the energy sector, a field that she loved as she felt she was carrying on the legacy of her hardworking father who helped build the oil pipeline in Alaska. She kept in touch with many of her work friends over the years, as well as childhood friends dating all the way back to elementary school. She was truly one of the sweetest, kindest, and funniest souls you could ever meet. She had a tender heart for animals, especially her dogs, chickens, and goats. She enjoyed getting outdoors and living the rural life at a slower pace but was always up for an adventure.

Billie is preceded in death by her parents: Bill and Martilla Saulsberry; her brothers: Corbet Smith, Carl Smith and Don Smith; and her sisters: Doris Hern and Jenny Kort. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Lee Houston of Wilburton, OK, her daughter, Tiffany Ketchel, and grandson, Robert Galindo IV, both of San Antonio, TX, and three sisters- Claudene Christian (ID), Linda Barnett (AK), and Pat Saulsberry (OK).

Memorial services will be held at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, OK with visitation on Sunday, January 28 at 1-2 pm for family and 2-4 pm for friends, and a funeral service on Monday, January 29 at 2:00 pm.

John D. Reynolds

In Memory of John Reynolds

John D. Reynolds, 88, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away at his home on Friday, January 19, 2024.

John was born on November 15, 1935 in Eufaula, Oklahoma. He married Helen Stepp in Kingman, Arizona on December 10, 1955.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen Reynolds; sons, Jerry Reynolds of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Lonnie Reynolds of Biloxi, Mississippi; daughters, Karen Stites of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Sharon Thomas of Fayetteville, Arkansas; brother, Chesley Reynolds; sisters, Kelly Reynolds, Delores Thompson, and Alta Thompson; along with 5 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson.

He is preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers.

There will be no formal service at this time. Arrangements entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

Roy Wayne Griffith, D.V.M.

In Memory of Roy Wayne Griffith, D.V.M.

Roy Wayne Griffith, D.V.M., was born March 18, 1934 to Roy C. and Velva Goodson Griffith in McAlester, Oklahoma and departed from this life January 21, 2024 in Wilburton, Oklahoma at the age of 89.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 27, 2024 at Bowers Baptist Church in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Waldrop officiating.

Wayne attended high school in Hartshorne, graduating with the class of 1952. He then attended Oklahoma A & M College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. He was awarded the state office of Junior Master Farmer and the prestigious Robert Kerr Scholarship while attending Oklahoma A & M College. It was in Stillwater that he met and married Carolyn Ann Knowles on Leap Year, February 29, 1956. The couple then attended the University of Idaho where he was granted a fellowship in Animal Nutrition. He went on to graduate from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinarian Medicine in 1962. After graduation, he established his veterinarian medicine practice in Wilburton, practicing for over fifty years in the community and surrounding counties. He was best known as “Doc” and was well respected as a skilled professional by both clients and colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Velva Griffith; sister, Betty Wyatt; and brother, Emmitt Griffith.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children, Dr. Sharon and Tony Little, Kelly and husband Arthur Taylor, Keith and wife Sharon Griffith, and Dr. Kent and Cindy Griffith; grandchildren, Justin Little, Chad Little, Rory Little, Jason Taylor, Jonathan Taylor, Melinda Griffith, Duane Griffith, Kyle Griffith, Kevin Griffith, and Amanda Griffith; great-grandchildren, Emily, Olivia, Ava, Sophia, Noah, Ian, Zoe, Everett, Benjamin, Kenleigh, Maddy, Preslee, Chloe, and Hailey Rose.

Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Corbet Wayne Saulsbury Smith

In Memory of Corbet Smith

Corbet Wayne Saulsbury Smith, 63, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. 

A private graveside service was held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the Old Miners Cemetery in McCurtain, Oklahoma under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home. 

Corbet was born on August 22, 1960 in Modesto, California to Dee and Martilla (Atkins) Smith. 

He is survived by his sisters: Billie Houston of Wilburton, Claudene Christian of Idaho, Linda Barnett of Alaska, and Patricia Saulsberry of Oklahoma. 

Corbet is preceded in death by his parents: Dee and Martilla Smith; his brothers: Carl Smith and Don Smith; and his sisters: Doris Hern and Jenny Kort.

Thurman (Roy) LeRoy Phelps Jr.

In Memory of Roy Phelps

Thurman LeRoy Phelps Jr., 66, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023 at his home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Roy was born to Thurman Leroy Phelps Sr. and Edith Mae (Gill) Phelps on September 10, 1957 in Hartshorne, Oklahoma. He married Nette Joe Phelps on June 3, 1978.

He is survived by his wife, Nettie Joe Phelps of the home; his son, David Phelps of Wilburton; his grandson, Alex Phelps of Wilburton; brothers, Walter Phelps and wife, Betty of McAlester and Ronald Phelps of Wilburton; sisters, Thelma McCullough of Union City, Oklahoma, Carolyn Coil of Wilburton, and Mary Phelps of Wilburton; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Raymond Phelps.

A service will be held at a later date with arrangements entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

Kenneth Ray Adams

In Memory of Kenneth Adams

Kenneth Ray Adams, 78, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at his home in Panola, Oklahoma.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral Home.

The funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at the Panola Baptist Church in Panola Oklahoma with Rev. Tony Randol officiating. A burial will follow at Damon Valley Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers will be Jimmy Broyles, Billy McCool, Glen Flener, Gordan Bell, John Forwoodson, and Jerod Brown.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Brown, Leonard Ashbaugh, Watie Odom, Randy Langham, and James Thomas.

Kenneth was born to Curtis Adams and Ettie (Morgan) Adams on March 6, 1945 in Boggy Hollow /Red Oak, Oklahoma. He graduated from Red Oak High School in 1963 and married Shirley Jane McMaster on June 28th of that same year. Together they had two sons.

Kenneth served in the National Guard and was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation. He was a faithful member of the Panola Baptist Church. During his life he was employed at Kiamichi Electric, Franklin Electric, had various business ventures, and he, along with his sons, started Adams Construction. He was a seasoned equipment operator and could fix just about anything. He played the guitar and never missed the opportunity to call his loved ones to sing “Happy Birthday”. He loved his family more than anything and held his grandchildren and great-grandchildren on a pedestal.

He is survived by his sons, Jason Adams and his wife, Rhonda of Panola and Justin Adams and his wife, Erin of Wilburton; his grandchildren, Calib Adams, Casey Moody and her husband, Keaton, Tyler Adams, Emily Adams, and Sarah Adams; his great-grandchildren, Kolter Moody, Klancie Moody, and Kodie Moody; his sister, Nelda Derryberry of Panola; his brother-in-law, Eira Derryberry of Panola; and numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Ettie Adams; his granddaughter, Codie Miaha Adams; his sisters, Wanda Elaine Derryberry and Katheryn Fike and her husband, Jack; his brother, Ted West Adams and his wife, Myrtle; and his brother-in-law, Albert Lee Derryberry.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of Kenneth’s special caretakers; the medical staff who treated him over the years, the Choctaw Nation employees who strived to make his life easier, the employees of Roy’s Cardinal Food Store who would graciously shop for him, along with the many citizens within the community that helped or visited with him daily.

Kenneth’s life was a testament to the power of love and hard work. He and his contagious smile will be deeply missed.

Opal Marie Brand

In Loving Memory of Opal Brand

Opal Marie Brand, 70, of Wilburton, Oklahoma entered the arms of Jesus on Monday, December 18, 2023 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

A viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023 at Waldrop Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Bowers Baptist Church in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Hendrix, Tim Peden, Michael Owens, Noah Hendrix, Chas Peden, and Roger Fassio.

Opal was born April 11, 1953 to Austin and Paralee (Hales) Long in Rankin County Mississippi. She married Ruel Brand on January 24, 1974.

Opal was a member of Bowers Baptist Church where she served in the Women’s ministry. She loved her church family. She was an avid traveler and especially loved taking cruises. She tried to take at least one of her grandkids on a trip each year. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas. She always made an impact wherever she would go, making friends with everyone she encountered. Opal loved Jesus.

She is survived by her children: Rocky Brand of Ragley, Louisiana, Tasia Peden and her husband, Tim of Wister, Oklahoma, and Carissa Hendrix and her husband, Brandon of Wilburton, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Selena Brand of Texas, Christina Martin of Fredrick, Oklahoma, Ashley and Michael Owens of Fredrick, Oklahoma, Noah Hendrix and Emma Hendrix of Wilburton, Oklahoma, and Chas Peden of Wister, Oklahoma; and her sister, Carolyn Merritt of Gadsden, Alabama.

Opal is preceded in death by her husband, Ruel Brand; son, Richard Brand; parents: Austin and Paralee Long; brothers: Ed Long and Thomas Hollingsworth; and sisters: Joyce Tierce and Sandra Millis.

Opal’s life was a testament to the power of love and dedication. Her kind spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by many.

Alma Hollan

In Loving Memory of Alma Hollan

Alma M. Hollan, 70, former resident of Red Oak, OK gained her wings Sunday, December 10, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital in Muskogee, OK.

Alma was born November 9th, 1953, in Eagletown, Oklahoma to Thomas Grady Overturf and Hazel Estelle (Sutton) Overturf. She spent most of her life in the medical field where she loved her patients dearly. She was married 47 years to Hank Hollan until his death in April of 2020.

She is survived by her 3 children: daughter, Amy Pitchford and husband Dewayne of Wilburton, OK, son, James Hollan and wife Tammy of Cleveland, OK, and daughter, Delta Price and husband Curtis of Yukon, OK. She has five grandchildren: four grandsons, Eli, Caleb, Nate, and Aiden and one granddaughter, Liberty. She is survived by 8 sisters: Mary, Karen, Rita, Nancy, Deborah, Maria, Helen, and Gloria and 6 brothers: Dale, Tommy, Andrew, Junior, Joe, and Chris. She is also survived by her dad, F.D. Gills Sr. of Binger, OK along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Hank Hollan; her father, Thomas Grady Overturf; her mother, Hazel Estelle (Sutton) Overturf-Gills; grandson, Jonathan Sanchez; mother-in-law, Dicie Hollan; father-in-law, Ouiden “Cotton” Hollan; brothers-in-law, Troy, Harvey, and Baby Allen Hollan. She is also preceded in death by all four of her grandparents.

There will be no service as she had asked for cremation. The family will have a private celebration of life at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, OK.

Helen June (Cooper) Aaron

In Memory of Helen Aaron

Helen June (Cooper) Aaron, 76, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, November 27, 2023.

A viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 30 at Waldrop Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bud Vinson officiating. The burial will follow at Center Point Cemetery under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Kenneth Aaron II, Donald “Doc” Cooper, Kenneth Aaron, Dereck Tubbs, Brian Crockett, and Jay Aaron.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jacob Tubbs, Cheyenne Penny, and Dakota Tubbs.

Helen was born on June 1, 1947 in Morris, Oklahoma to Gladys Ilene (Johns) Cooper and Kirby Joseph Cooper. She was a lifetime resident of Wilburton and attended Center Point Baptist Church.

She is survived by her sons, Kenneth Aaron II and wife, Danyell and Jay Aaron and wife, Robin; her daughters, Iva Tubbs and Nancy Aaron; her grandchildren, Desi Moore and husband, Dustin, Dereck Tubbs and wife, Ashli, Jacob Tubbs, Leila Aaron, Shaelynn Aaron, Kenneth Aaron and wife, Hannah, Dakota Tubbs, Selena Aaron, Kirby Aaron, James Aaron, and Robert Aaron; her great-grandchildren, Lia Moore, Serenity Tubbs, Zeke Tubbs, Jordie Aaron, Jaxxon Aaron, and Kaylynn Lopez; her brother, Donald “Doc” Cooper and wife, Louise; her brother-in-law, Joe Bill Aaron; her sister-in-law, Thelma Crowder; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Aaron; her brothers, Joe Cooper, Bob Cooper, and Lee Cooper; and her sisters, Josephine Fite, Betty Cooper, and Donna Cooper.

William Maltese

In Memory of William Maltese

William Douglas Maltese, better known as Doug, was born Oct. 13th 1961, in Dallas, TX to Marietta Maltese. He passed away November 13th 2023 at his home surrounded by loved ones.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Ken Harris officiating. The burial will follow at Wilburton Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Chris Fenelon, Jason Maltese, Teddie Whitt, Hunter Edington, Kurtis McGee, and Bradley Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Davlin, Ricky Ebarb, Wayne Revere, John Edington, Jacob Maltese, Eric Jimenez, Gerald Waldrop, Logan Prock, and Declan Reddin.

Doug grew up between Texas and Louisiana. He made several friends and memories along the way. Doug loved to have a good time and was often the life of the party thanks to his outgoing personality, quick wit, and charm. Ultimately, Doug settled down with his wife, Robin of 43 years in Oklahoma where they raised their family. He was truly one of a kind. He may not have been the best at showing affection, but love was there and those close to him knew his love ran deep.

Doug is survived by his wife: Robin Maltese; his children: Teddy and Brandy Whitt, Julia Matthews, Victor and Amy Artiga, Jerral and Sanessa Waldrop, Chasity Maltese, Mary Maltese, and Chris and Sara Fenelon; siblings: Jimmy Maltese, Johnny Maltese, Debbie Maltese, Quindell Pellegrin, and Rhonda and David Martin. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, and was the favorite uncle to several nieces and nephews. Doug was a proud grandpa to 27 grandkids and 5 great-grandkids.

He is preceded in death by his mother: Marietta Maltese; his father: William Powell; baby sister: Lucia Seale; granddaughter: Summer Deshotel; nephew: Jimmy Ebarb; aunts: Shirley Bates and Ann Davlin; and uncles: Denver Fairchild and Jack Fairchild.