Clarence Isom Thornton

In Memory of Clarence Thornton

Clarence Isom Thornton, Jr., 79, of Joshua, Texas passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 in

Burleson, Texas.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Waldrop

Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with

Rev. Elijah Aduh officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Wilburton.

Clarence was born on December 29, 1944 in Wewoka, Oklahoma to Clarence and Helen

(Crosby) Thornton. He married Janice (Dugger) Thornton on May 3, 1975 in Oklahoma City,

Oklahoma.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Thornton of the home; children, Marty Thornton of Joshua,

Texas, Darren Thornton of Judsonia, Arkansas, Lana Norris of Cave City, Arkansas; brothers,

Michael Thornton of Spiro, Oklahoma and Larry Thornton and wife, Virginia of Fort Smith,

Arkansas; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Helen Thornton; son, Rickey

Thornton; daughter, Sandra Self; along with 3 sisters and 2 brothers.

T.J. Chronister

In Memory of T.J. Chronister

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

TJ Chronister, 84 of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away at his home on Friday, March 29, 2024

He was born at home on March 27, 1940 to Charles Burton and Clara Ethel Chronister in the

Bowers Community. TJ’s elementary education began in the Bowers School where the Bowers

Community Center is now located. He graduated in 1958 from Wilburton High School where he

was awarded many Science Awards. He attended college at Eastern Oklahoma State College

where he proudly served in ROTC. He worked for a while in Wichita, Kansas at Cadahy and

then moved to Chicago, Illinois where he worked for Bar S company before returning home to

Wilburton. He married Rose N. Moore on June 18, 1962 and they settled in Bowers to start a

family. He was a member of Bowers Baptist Church since 1977.

TJ is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Rose (Moore) Chronister; his parents, Charles

and Clara Chronister; brothers, Charles Chronister and Fred Chronister; along with one baby

sister, Della Jane Chronister.

He is survived by one sister, Claris Ann Poor of Tulsa; his sons, Ross Chronister of Hartshorne,

Kevin Chronister of Hacket, Arkansas, and Rex Chronister of Wilburton; his favorite daughter,

Cendy Chronister of Wilburton; five grandchildren, Sarah and Justin Wartick of Wilburton,

Nicholas and Angie Dennis of Tulsa, Jewelie Moore and Robert Larsen of Nowata, Shenae

Chronister-Sanders of Greenwood, Arkansas, and Bailey and Ryan Smith of Hacket; nineteen

great-grandchildren, Ashley, Pyper, KK, Ishy, Isaac, and Eugene Wartick, Murphy and Gabriel

Dennis, Stormy, Heaven Leigh, Brother, Little TJ, and Creek Moore, Lily Dyer, Parker, and

Olivia Sanders, Kaisley, Kylie, and Kensley Smith; one great-great grandchild, Eliana Grace

Beldon; as well as a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Pallbearers are Nicholas Dennis, Justin Wartick, Brother Moore, Jason Lawrence, Ryan Smith,

and Brandon Isom.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral

Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Services will be on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Bowers Baptist Church in Wilburton

with Rev. Kenneth Rouviere officiating. Interment will follow at Cambridge/Gowen Cemetery.

Services have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Baptist Children’s Home would be greatly cherished.

Dennis Keith Northam

In Memory of Dennis Keith Northam

Dennis Keith Northam, 73 of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at

his home.

Dennis was born on September 12, 1950 in Ada, Oklahoma to AB and Helen (Kemp) Northam.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 1, 1974 as Sergent. Two years later on April 6 th he

married Saundra (Westfall) Northam in Basel City, Switzerland. He later attended votech in

Ardmore where he became a LPN and worked in the medical field for 30 years.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 48 years, Saundra Jean Northam of the home; son, Evan Keith

Northam and wife, Vanessa of McAlester; daughter, Allison Yvonne Cooley and husband, Justin

of Wilburton; daughter, Lori Ann Sightler and husband, Brian of Wilburton; grandchildren,

Zachary Northam, Ian Northam, Dalton Northam, Kylee Miller, Brylee Miller, Brystol Miller,

Ezra Cooley, Aubrie Sightler, and Konnor Sightler; along with his brother, Matthew Northam of

Alva.

He is preceded in death by his parents, AB and Helen Northam and sister, Elva Joe Northam.

A private graveside burial will be held at Fort Gibson National Cemetery at a later date.

Carol Donoley

In Memory of Carol Donoley

Carol (Shaffer) Donoley, born on December 2, 1945 in Checotah, Oklahoma, passed away on

March 26, 2024 in Wilburton, Oklahoma at the age of 78.

Services will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Wilburton

with Dr. Paul Brady officiating. The burial will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery in Kinta,

Oklahoma. Services have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

Active Pallbearers will be Landon Taylor, Jax Taylor, Pete Sloan, James Dougherty, Annetta

Jones, and Sara Jones. Honorary Pallbearers will be the residents of Tidwell Living Center, her

grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Carol is survived by her sons, Steve Sloan and Kelly of Wilburton, Jeff Sloan and Susan of

Collinsville, and Jr Donoley and Sonja of Wilburton; sister, Shelia Nelson and Mike of Edmond;

grandchildren, Jessica Manning and Mark of Wilburton, Steven Sloan and Coty of Wilburton,

Phillip Sloan and Donna or Urbandale, Iowa, and Ashley Doughtery and Connor of Tulsa; as

well as many great great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Alta Shaffer; son, Billy Guy Donoley IV;

sisters, Margaret Tucker, Nellie Bowan, and Ruby Cloud.

Reta Wise Creel

In Loving Memory of Reta Wise Creel

Reta Wise Creel, age 89 of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed from this life on March 7 th , 2024.

Reta was born on April 28 th , 1934 in Wilburton, Oklahoma to Remel and Lee (Reid) Houston.

She married Charlie Wise in 1950 and raised five children. She worked many jobs in her long

life including the Green Frog Cafe, Congoleum carpet plant, Eastern Oklahoma State College,

and Latimer County Hospital. She finally retired at 2 months shy of 80 years old.

Reta was a sweet natured, good person with the greatest sense of humor. She never missed a

comeback. It was your own fault if you were ever hungry at her house because she was always

trying to feed you.  Her favorite pastimes were reading, crosswords, and bingo. She was a

fantastic mother and will be sorely missed.

Reta is survived by her daughters, Linda McCollum and Kathy Dukes; sons, Bill Wise and Mark

Wise; as well as 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Remel Houston and Lee Houston; brothers, Elmer

Houston and Lloye Houston; sisters, Mary Glenn and Lou Vera Houston; daughter, Karen Wise

Mathis; sons-in-law, Lynn Mathis, Eugene Dukes, and Mike McCollum; and grandchildren,

Andrea Barlow and Wade Dukes.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 30 th , 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Waldrop

William (Red) Musgrave

In Memory of William (Red) Musgrave

An amazing man, William (Red) Musgrave was loved by so many. Even though he will be greatly missed, anyone who knew him knows he was ready to be with his wife, Francis, again. He also said himself that he had lived a great, full life. This is still a sad time, but he is happy and celebrating with pride for all he has accomplished.

William went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 10th, 2024 at the young age of 92. Born to D.D. and Othel Musgrave on April 17, 1931 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Othel Musgrave; father, D.D. Musgrave; wife, Frances Musgrave; brother, Victor Musgrave; son, Larry Musgrave, and great-great granddaughter, Tynlee O’Hern.

William is survived by his son, Howard and wife Betty Musgrave of Kingston, Oklahoma; daughter, Teri and husband J.D. Holt of Wilburton; daughter, Teresa and husband Robert Ketcher of Wilburton; and daughter, Sheri Rodriguez of Wilburton. He is also survived by 2 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, 9 great grandsons, 4 great granddaughters, 2 great-great grandsons, and 4 great-great granddaughters.

Viewing will be from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Damon Valley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his great grandsons.

Bobby Cecil Lay

In Memory of Bobby Lay

Bobby Cecil Lay, age 71, passed from this life on earth on January 30, 2024 at his home in

Mcloud, Oklahoma surrounded by his loved ones.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at Gowen/Cambria Community Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Rick Storms officiating. The service is under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Chance Lay, Darrick Storms, Dustin Beckett, Matt Williams, Clark Boling, and David Demontigny.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Donnie Lay Sr, Don Lay, Ronnie Lay, Steven Lay, Gary Lay, Mike McCool, and Donnie Lay Jr.

Bobby was born in Henryetta, Oklahoma on November 8, 1952 to Cecil and Thelma (Wilson) Lay. He married the love of his life Shali (Dollins) Lay on October 27, 1984. They later went on to have two children, Chelsea and Chance Lay.

He spent his working days as a fence contractor and continued building fences up until he had his stroke in 2013. Even then he still went on the job with his son, Chance and his brother,

Donnie and made sure to supervise to insure they were getting things done to his satisfaction.

Bobby was a man who loved his family and the outdoors. If he wasn't fishing tournaments with his wife, Shali or nephew, Mike he was working or spending time with his family.

He is survived by the love of his life Shali, Daughter Chelsea Lay and fiancé Darrick, Son Chance Lay and 4 wonderful grandchildren Payslynn, Lakeley, Cash and Rallee. Bobby is also survived by his brother Donnie Lay and wife Pat of Mcloud, OK, Don Lay and wife Sue of Arkoma, OK, Ronnie Lay of Wilburton, OK and two sisters Betty Trench and husband Matt of Moore, OK, Wanda Ryan and husband Jim of Leflore, OK. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other close family members.

Preceding him in death are his parents Cecil and Thelma Lay, His sisters Sue Toy and JoAn

Bond, and his Brother Monroe Lay. He is also preceded in death by his father in law and several

other family members.

Willa Joy Ruth

In Memory of Willa Ruth

Willa Joy Ruth, 89, peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at her home at the V.F.W. home sites.

Willa was a life member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary. She had been a member for 62 years and enjoyed being involved.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald; her sons, Melvin Herschberger and wife, Kathy of Russell Springs, Kansas, Monty Herschberger and wife, Phyllis of Poteau, Oklahoma, Linden Herschberger and wife, Morine of Erie, Colorado, and Tom Herschberger and wife, Linda of Blue Earth, Minnesota; along with her sister, Jessie May Shawver of Cleburne, Texas. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Willa is preceded in death by her parents, Bill Brown and Alta May Brown; daughter, Donetta Payson; sister, Wilda Weber; and brother, Bill Brown all of Kansas.

A memorial service with family and friends will be held at a later date in her childhood home of Russell Springs, Kansas. Arrangements have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

Danny Lee Mikels

Danny Lee Mikels was born April 4th, 1967, to Charlotte Wright Mikels in Lynchburg, VA and departed from this life January 28th, 2024 in Chickasha, OK at the age of 56.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating. The burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Richard Massey, Mathew McGinnis, Kevin Morman, Glenn Flener, Bryan Flener, and Daniel Flener.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Chris Clawson, Sean Stidham, Ezequiel (Chink) Buenrostro, and the crew of rig 548.

Danny attended Rustburg High-school in 1985 then went on to the Army Reserves. He moved to North Carolina where he met his wife, Tammy. Danny and Tammy were married December 13th, 1995 and were married for 28 years. Shortly after, they moved to Oklahoma. Danny worked for Glenn’s Automotive for 10 years before going to work in the oilfield for 16 years.

Danny lived life to the fullest and was always happy. He was a loving man that loved his family dearly. Danny loved to spend time with his grandkids more than anything. Danny enjoyed teaching his granddaughter how to fish, shoot, drive, and to become the person she is today. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends. He would help anyone he could without any questions. Danny was loved by everyone he met.

Danny is survived by the love of his life, Tammy Mikels; daughter: Christa Morman and husband, Kevin Morman: Son: Richard Bradley Massey and fiancé, Lindsay Williams; Grandchildren: Danni Faye, Cayde Massey, Kenneth Morman, Danni Massey, Kaydance Morman, Chance Nichols, Chris Morman, and Emily Williams; Mother: Charlotte Wright Mikels; Mother-in-law: Jeanette Pugh; Sisters: Donna Adcock and Anna Marie Mikels; Sister-in-law: Tracy McGinnis; nieces: Amy Mikels, Kelly McGinnis, and Calie Floyd; nephews: Mathew McGinnis, Michael Morrison, Joseph Morrison, and Jacob Danos; several close relatives, friends, and his loving dog, Bindi.

Danny was proceeded in death by his grandfather: Rasworth Wright; Grandmother: Alice Wright; Father-in-law: Kenneth Pugh; and sister-in-law: Terry Morrison.

Martha Ann Clawson

In Memory of Martha Ann Clawson

Martha Ann Clawson, 81, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away at her home on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Willard Francis officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Toby Clawson, Colby Clawson, Jimmy Clawson, Brian Davidson, Shelby Hollan, Greg Reed, Michael Southard, and Jesse Southard.

Martha was born on October 4, 1942 in Bengal, Oklahoma to Alfred and Louise (Pace) Owens. She married Thomas Clawson on March 18, 1963.

Martha worked and retired from Robbers Cave State Park as a housekeeper. She enjoyed crocheting, fishing, hunting, and spending as much time as possible with family.

She is survived by her children: Thomas Clawson Jr. and wife, Sheryl, Lorisa Johnson, Katrina Calvin and husband, Johnny, and Codie Ann Clawson and husband, Delbert; grandchildren: Jennifer Clawson, Jessica Clawson, Thomas Clawson III, Crystal Widger and husband, David, Michael Southard and wife, Emily, Jesse Southard and wife, Junghyeon, Levi, Josef, Shelby, and Angel and husband, Matthew; great-grandchildren: Toby, Colby, Jenna, JP, Saxon, Trenton, Temperance, Kayden, Domanic, Ayla, fur baby Dubu, Makayla, Malani, and Joseph; her sister-in-law: Marie Owens; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Martha is preceded in death by her husband: Thomas Clawson Sr.; her parents: Alfred and Louise Owens; brothers: James Owens and Ricky Owens; great-granddaughter: Jayme Ray Clawson; and sons-in-law: Charles Southand and Lawrence Johnson.