Phyllis Jean (Moody) Wilson-Blankenship

In Memory of Phyllis Blankenship

Phyllis Jean (Moody) Wilson-Blankenship, 76, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed from this life on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at her home. She was born January 26, 1948 in Bethel, Oklahoma to Lester and Martha Moody.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at First Assembly of God in Wilburton with Rev. Lynn Bullard officiating. The burial will follow at Red Oak Cemetery under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Justin Moody, Trey Blankenship, Travis Moody, Cody Todd, Will Lindsey, and Jody Lindsey.

Phyllis grew up in Red Oak and was a1966 graduate of Red Oak High School. She and her classmates remained very close. She was also a graduate from Eastern Oklahoma State College where she obtained her associate’s degree in Secretarial Science.

Phyllis was first and foremost a servant of God. She loved the Lord with her whole heart. She showed it by loving and serving His people. She was a member of First Assembly of God in Wilburton.

As a young lady, Phyllis worked with her family at their sawmill. Later as an adult, she worked as a secretary at Fanshawe Public School. She also worked at other schools including Red Oak, Buffalo Valley, and Albion and worked in Home Health as well. Once she held three jobs at one time. She was a hard worker and went above and beyond her required duties.

Phyllis was a small lady with a big personality. She knew how to be a leader and get things done. She was always dressed to the nines with her hair fixed and her nails done. You wouldn’t catch her without her hair being in place and don’t even think of touching it. Her favorite color was red, and her favorite flower was a red rose.

Phyllis took great pride in being the very best mom, nana, and grannie. Her family was her world. She wasn’t just a loving mom to her own kids, she also loved anyone who needed the love of a mother. She was funny, sassy, and always had a beautiful smile on her face. She will be greatly missed.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, HD Blankenship, children: Ponch Moody and wife Angie, Randy Moody, Emily Todd and husband Cody, Clint Blankenship and wife Tammy, and Thelma Fletcher; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Blankenship; grandchildren: Vaughn Blankenship, Shawn Blankenship, Trey Blankship and wife Bri, Crystal Coleman and husband Adam, Emily Thornburg, Amanda Thornburg, Justin Moody and wife Korie, Ashley Moody, Travis Moody, and Bethany Snell and husband Rodie; sisters: Doris Heflin, Francis Moody, Donna McAlester, and Angel Broom; special niece, Jackie Lindsey and husband Will; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Martha Moody; sister, Ester Potter, brother, Terry Moody, late husband, Bob Wilson; sons, Howard Blankenship and Joe Thornburg, daughter-in-law, Lea Moody; and granddaughter-in-law, Amy Blankenship.

Theresa Bishop

In Memory of Theresa Bishop

Theresa Ann Bishop went to be with Jesus in her childhood home on June 21st, 2024. Terri is preceded in death by her parents, John and Rosalie Belusko, brother John Charles Belusko, and niece, Sarah Belusko. She is survived by her siblings, Helen King, Greg Belusko, and Tommy Belusko, her son Robertt Bishop and wife Cynthia and her grandchildren David, Danny, and Christin along with great-grandchildren Wynona and Isabella as well as her nieces and nephews Adam Belusko, Karla (Belusko) Burch, John Erik Belusko, Wesley Belusko, Jamie (Belusko) Roberts, Hannah Belusko, and Abigail Belusko. 

Terri was born in Macalester, Oklahoma on November 17th, 1949. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State. After college she began her career of teaching and taught high school science. Above all, Terri was known for her kindness and love of animals. She took in dogs and cats and gave them a loving, forever home. Anyone who ever rode in a car with her knew the inevitability of stopping to save a turtle that was crossing the road, no matter how fast the traffic. Terri bred and raised racehorses, rode nice horses and enjoyed nothing more than being able to look outside at a field full of beautiful horses. Among other hobbies, she grew all varieties of plants including substantial lemon trees. Terri was a friend to all. Her empathy and compassion for animals and her ability to see beauty in all of Gods’ creations is how she will be remembered. 

Terris’ departure to Heaven is felt heavily on the hearts of all who loved her. We all find peace in knowing she is no longer in pain and is riding her horses in Heavens’ green grass. 

Heavenly Father, I pause mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon me. I ask that you guide me in my life. Help me, Lord, to live my life in such a manner that when I make that last ride to the country up there, where the grass grows lush and stirrup high and the water runs cool, that you’ll take me by the hand and say, “Welcome home cowgirl.” Amen. 

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Theodore Karl Holsten

Theodore Karl Holsten, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024 surrounded by his family in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ted was born in Minneapolis Minnesota on June 26, 1939 to Nels and Eleanor (Brick) Holsten.

He grew up very close to his siblings. He was a cub scout as a child. At age 16 he bought his first horse. He later sold his horse for a 1947 Ford.

In June 1961, he married the love of his life, Beverly Vance, in Middletown, New York. They were married for 63 years. They enjoyed riding motorcycles, traveling together, and raising their 3 sons and granddaughter Ashley.

In February 1958, he joined the United States Air Force, where he eventually earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Through the years Ted worked on numerous Air Force bases, and for NASA at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. He was a Flight Engineer. At NASA, he worked in space shuttle trainers, training astronauts how to land space shuttles. After retiring from NASA he worked for ATA, Kalitta,& Evergreen airlines. He had many achievements over the years. He even survived a plane crash in 1980!

In 1999 he retired to his farm in Wilburton, Oklahoma. He spent his remaining years living his life to the fullest. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, horses, cruises ships, and airplanes. He enjoyed traveling to other countries, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family. He believed that his last 15 years were the best of his life. He would tell anyone who would listen that great-grandkids are what made life worth living.

Ted is survived by his wife, Beverly Holsten; sons: Todd Holsten, Eric Holsten, Tim Holsten and wife Lori all of Wilburton, OK; Grandchildren: Ashley Cooley and husband D.J. of McAlester, OK, Brittany McIninch and husband Zeth of Caney, OK, Travis Holsten and wife Cheyenne of Shawnee, OK, Andy White and wife Kirby of Panola, OK, Ethan Holsten, Jacob Holsten, John White, and Eric Holsten Jr. all of Wilburton, OK; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Jeanne Holsten and husband Merl of Broken Arrow, OK.; brother, David Holsten and wife Lynda of Eufaula, OK.; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Eleanor Holsten; grandparents, John and Christine Holsten; grandmother, Blanche Taylor; and sister, Dorothy Mattson Frickel.

Visitation will be on Monday, May 27, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, OK.

Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Waldrop and Dr. Paul Brady officiating.

Christine (Mankin) Pate

Obituary of Christine (Mankin) Pate

Thelma Christine Pate, age 97, took her heavenly flight from her home in Wilburton, OK to the presence of her Savior on May 20, 2024.  

She was born to William T. Mankin and Birdie (Padgett) Mankin on May 21, 1926, in Panola, Oklahoma.  

Chris attended school at Panola and graduated High School with the class of 1944. Love must have been in the air surrounding that Senior class, for out of it came three couples who made their way down the aisle of matrimony. Thomas Lowell Pate and Christine Mankin were married on June 26, 1946 at her home in Panola, OK. 

Before marriage, Chris found a couple of places of employment in California– the shipyard’s office during WWII and also Montgomery Ward.  After marriage, she became a homemaker.  She loved her job of taking care of her husband and their girls, keeping her home neat and tidy with a place for everything and everything in its place, and serving tasty meals where she watched her guests’ plates to make sure they went back for seconds. Should anyone drop by for a visit, and many often did, she always had a welcome smile and a piece of cake or pie to serve with a cup of coffee.

It was well known in the community that Chris Pate faithfully cooked dinner every Thursday night for her girls and their families for over 40 years. In her kitchen was a spot by her coffee pot where she sat every morning with her focus on the Lord and her eyes on His Word. She prayed there relentlessly for those she loved, for those who were sick and for those who had needs that only a Loving Father could meet.  

Christine was pleased to be a member of Centerpoint Baptist Church, Wilburton, OK. Yet, something was more important to her than that membership. It was her position in the Family of God. She was a daughter of the Most High King from the age of 13 years. It was then that she gave her heart and her life to Jesus Christ and was baptized in a creek near the Panola community. 

Chris is survived by her two daughters, Gwen Grego and husband, John, of Wilburton, OK; Carla Lessel and husband, Jerry, of Panola, OK; two granddaughters, Johna Roberts and husband Chris, of Choctaw, OK; Amber Shaffer of Panola, OK. Nine great-grandchildren, Andrew Roberts and wife, Devyn, of Midwest City, OK; Daniel Roberts of Midwest City, OK; Timothy Roberts, Miriam Roberts and Naomi Roberts all of Choctaw, OK; Josiah Shaffer, Kate Shaffer, Maverick Shaffer and Luca Shaffer all of Panola, OK; two siblings, Nadine Strout of Yukon, OK; Donald Mankin and wife, Rheta, of Grapevine, TX; also, numerous nieces and nephews. 

Preceding Chris in death were father and mother, W. T. and Birdie Mankin, husband of sixty years, Tom Pate, one brother, A. C. Mankin and wife, Rena, five sisters, Audie Gniffke, Evelyn DeHart, Juanita Golightly, Kathryn Harwell, and Bernice Kint.  

Pallbearers are Andrew Roberts, Daniel Roberts, Timothy Roberts, Josiah Shaffer, John Grego and Jerry Lessel.

Honorary pallbearers are DeWayne Mankin, Kevin Kint, Mike Strout, Steven Pate and Kenneth Dill. 

The viewing will be on Wednesday, May 22, in the home of Chris Pate at 2021 NE Center Point Road, Wilburton, Oklahoma, where the family will be receiving guests from 4-8 p.m. . 

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on May 23, 2024, at Centerpoint Baptist Church, Wilburton, OK. Rev. Byron “Bud” Vinson, Pastor, and Rev. Chris Roberts will be conducting the service. Burial will be in Lutie Cemetery, Wilburton, OK.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Centerpoint Baptist Church Building Fund for the Children’s Department remodel.

Mary Etta Janeway

In Memory of Mary Etta Janeway

Mary Etta (Coffman) Janeway, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother, walked into the arms of her loving Savior on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the age of 91.

Mary was born on April 25, 1933 in Frederick, Oklahoma to Jess and Julia (Neal) Coffman. She married Eugene Janeway on December 24, 1951 in Van Buren, Arkansas. They were married 56 years until his passing on June 27, 2007. Mary was a faithful attendee of the Assembly of God Church no matter where she lived. She loved being part of the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Mary is survived by her children, Nema Dobbins and husband Franklin of Coweta, OK, Elizabeth Brown and husband Clyde C. of Salonia, OK, and David Janeway and wife Judy of Red Oak, OK; her grandchildren, Franklin E. Dobbins and wife Jennifer of Coweta, OK, Michael Dobbins and wife Virginia of Coweta, OK, Kelly Brown and wife Wendy of Buffalo Valley, OK, C.W. Brown and Kimmie Bates of Salonia, OK, Sherie Sumpter and husband Ryan of Red Oak, OK, Tony Janeway and wife Amy of Red

Oak, OK, Amanda Byars and husband Jason of Wister, OK, and Andrea Thornburg of Marble City, OK; her sister, Helen McKibben of Stigler, OK; along with 21 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Julia Coffman; her husband, Eugene Janeway; her brothers, John Coffman, Ralph Coffman, and Jess Coffman; and her sisters, Barbara Tacker and Grace Harris.

Pallbearers are Tony Janeway, Michael Dobbins, Franklin Dobbins, C.W. Brown, Kelly Brown, and Ryan Sumpter.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jennifer Dobbins, Virginia Dobbins, Wendy Brown, Rose Brown, Sherie Sumpter, and Amy Janeway.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Enterprise Cemetery in Enterprise, Oklahoma.

Houston Glenn

Houston Glenn, age 99 of Wilburton Oklahoma passed from this life on May 7, 2024 in

McAlester, Oklahoma.

Houston was born on January 24, 1925 in Wilburton, Oklahoma to Dave and Kathrine (Boyd)

Glenn. He was a member of the Labor Union and loved his property on Ash Creek Road.

He is survived by his daughter, Billie McDonald of Wilburton; his daughter-in-law, Janice Glenn

of Wilburton; his cousin, Walter Glenn of Dinuba, California; 7 grandchildren; 14 great-

grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.

Houston is preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Katherine Glenn; wife, Velma Glenn;

sons, Arthur Lee Glenn and Dwight Nelson Glenn; sister, Laurie Glenn; brothers, Albert Glenn,

Fred Glenn, Frank Glenn, and Rowland Glenn.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral

Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating.

Donald Eugene Clark

In Memory of Donald Eugene Clark

Donald Eugene Clark of Wilburton, Oklahoma parted this life and rejoined his late wife

Bertha on May 7th 2024 at the age of 86. 

The visitation will be held Friday, May 10th with family greeting friends from 4 p.m. to 6.pm.

At Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton Oklahoma. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m.

Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Wilburton Memorial Gardens, Reverend Willard Francis

officiating. 

Honorary pallbearers are Murrell Deela, Glenn Deela Jr.,Christopher Bolinger, Dylan

Bolinger, Leland Ratliff, Joseph Ratliff, Jamie Clark, Mikey Clark, Wesley Clark, Christopher

Johnson, Kyle Johnson, and Daniel Selby. 

Donald is survived by daughters, Sueann Deela of Wilburton, Virginia Laws of Wilburton and

Lonita and spouse Gene Bolinger of Aumsville OR, sons Mike and spouse Sherry Clark of

Cameron OK, Wendell Clark of Poteau,OK, Kevin Clark of Cameron,OK and Donald Jr. of

Poteau OK, sister Loretta Prock of Ada Ok, Brother Ronnie and spouse Carol Clark of

Wilburton, sister Patricia and spouse Jim Holly of Wilburton, sister Lenora and spouse Larry

Ratliff of Wilburton,sister Lawanda Iseman of McAlester, OK, sister Wilma Collins of Albion,

OK, sister Doris Austin and partner Fred Hutson of Wilburton, OK, and sister Kathy Shuffield

and partner Dennis Kitchens of McAlester, OK.and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren,

great grandchildren and a host of friends.. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bertha Clark, five sons Larry, Gary, Rickey,

Anthony and an unnamed infant son, and one daughter Brenda White, his parents Mr. & Mrs.

Roy Clark, sister Darlene Bell, and brothers Leon, Dillard and Roy Jr. 

He was born October 15, 1937 to LeRoy and LaVaughn Clark in Wilburton, Oklahoma. He left

home at the age of 18 after enlisting in the Army to serve his country. He was stationed in

California during his basic training exercises. He and his wife would return to Wilburton where

they would raise eight children. He would eventually divorce and remarry three times before

finding the love of his life. Each of these relationships would add more children to his family

tree and he would end up with a total of 16 children. 

He led a nomadic life and had experiences that many other people never have the opportunity to

have. His adventures would lead him all across the United States and would allow him to hold

many different types of jobs. He worked at the Latimer County Forestry Department, was a cross

country truck driver, a pulpwood bucker, an oilfield hand, a mechanic before retiring in 1998

from Latimer County District #1 as one of their gravel truck drivers. Upon his retirement he

enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. He lived a long and full life and enjoyed sharing his

many experiences with anyone who would listen. He will be greatly missed and forever

remembered in the hearts of his friends and loved ones.

Rickey (Rick) Joe Waldrop

In Memory of Rickey (Rick) Joe Waldrop

Rickey Joe Waldrop, 66, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2024, at his home in Wilburton,

Oklahoma.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Waldrop Funeral

Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Rick was born on December 3, 1957, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Bobby Joe and Betty Ann

(Morgan) Waldrop. He graduated from Norman High School in 1976. He loved music, the

outdoors, history, anything cowboy, and playing with all the kids of the family. His Christmas

traditions of bringing a huge bag of treasures for the kids and scratch off cards (with a penny) for

the adults, will not soon be forgotten.

Rick is survived by his mother, Betty Waldrop of Wilburton, Oklahoma; son, Jesse and Andrea

Waldrop of Bixby, Oklahoma; daughter, Sarah “Biff” Waldrop of Wilburton, Oklahoma;

grandchildren, Skylor and Alissa Velazquez of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; brother, Randy and Cindy

Waldrop of Wilburton, Oklahoma; nieces, Whitney and Brendon Kirkwood of Bethany,

Oklahoma and Nicole Waldrop and fiancé, Charles Sorrell of Bethany, Oklahoma.

He is preceded in death by his father, Bob Waldrop and daughter, Rebecca “Gator” Velazquez.

Dr. Morris Allen Foster

Dr. Morris Allen Foster passed from this life on April 26, 2024 in Ft. Worth, Texas at the age of

92.  Born and raised in Wilburton, Oklahoma he married Rosa Lou (Mickey) Pate on May 5,

1953.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955.  After his honorable discharge, he

worked his way through college at Oklahoma A&M, graduating in the last class before the

institution became Oklahoma State University.  He was a lifelong Cowboys fan and had an

encyclopedic knowledge of OSU athletics. 

After beginning his career as an English teacher in Perkins, Oklahoma, Morris became school

superintendent at Lacy, Boise City, and Watonga Oklahoma. He then returned to Oklahoma State

to earn his Doctorate of Education in 1968. He continued as superintendent at Perry, Oklahoma

and finally Altus, Oklahoma where he and Mickey lived for 30 years, serving as superintendent

of Altus schools from 1971 until his retirement in 1991.

A loving Christian man, Morris was a member of the Baptist church everywhere they lived and

was ordained as a Deacon.  He enjoyed reading the Bible daily, but his family gave him the

greatest joy.  At holidays and other family gatherings, he would always say “there is nothing

better than a little family togetherness”!  He was a true lover of life and never met a stranger. 

Morris could strike up a conversation and find some common ground with anyone, whether in a

New York City taxi or a diner in rural Oklahoma!

Dr. Foster is survived by Mickey, his loving wife of 70 years.  Brother Eugene Foster and wife

Pat of Muskogee, OK.  Son Michael Allen Foster and wife Laura of Austin, Texas.  Son Mark

Foster and wife Kabinda of Ft. Worth, Texas.  Grandson Matthew Foster, wife Holly, and great

grandson Harrison Foster of Denver, Colorado. Grandson Michael Andrew Foster of

Washington, DC.  And countless cousins, friends and neighbors.

Morris was a kind, honest, generous man and will be greatly missed.

Memorial service will be at Birchman Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, Texas Thursday, May 2, 2024

at 10:00 AM with graveside service at Center Point Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma at 3:00

PM.

Nancy Tucker Downing McCallie

In Memory of Nancy Tucker Downing McCallie

Nancy Tucker Downing McCallie, age 85 formally of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed from this life

on April 12, 2024 at her home on Lake Eufaula. Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, sister,

daughter, and friend. 

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral

Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist in

Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating. Interment will follow at Wilburton

Masonic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Downing, Jarod Downing, Jake Downing, Robert Watters, Chris

Watters, and Tristan Fashier. Honorary Pallbearers will be Paul Equihua and Trent Davis.

Nancy was born on December 15, 1938 in Hobart, Oklahoma to Kensel and Dortha Lee Tucker.

She married Gerald Downing on March 2, 1957. They were married until his passing on April

16, 2006. She married Jim McCallie on May 24, 2015. 

Nancy was a graduate of Wilburton High School. She attended Eastern Oklahoma State College

and East Central University in Ada. Her professional accomplishments include: licensed real

estate agent, licensed insurance agent, manager of rural water district #1. She was the recipient of

the Oklahoma Rural Water Association Manager of the Year. 

Nancy lived in Wilburton most of her adult life. She was instrumental in helping to raise funds

for the new library and the new fire station. She was a member of the Wilburton Methodist

Church, Daughters of the American Revolution, The Red Hat Society, and began a women’s

grief group after Gerald’s passing. She instilled a good work ethic, honesty, and the importance

of family and community in her children and grandchildren.

Nancy had a great sense of humor. She had a unique smile and laugh. She loved to travel,

adventure, and new experiences. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, golf, and lots

of camping in the family R.V. when her children were small. Most of all, she enjoyed being part

of her grandchildren's lives.  

She is survived by her husband, Jim McCallie of the home; three children, Cliff Downing and

wife Jeana of Wilburton, Bryan Downing, D.D.S. and wife Phyllis of Pocola, and Blake

Downing and partner Debbie King of Tulsa; sister, Jenny Tarrant; brother, Keith Tucker and wife

Carla; nine grandchildren, Jerod Downing and wife Heather of Bentonville, AR, Brandon

Downing of Pocola, Rachel Equihua and husband Paul of Stigler, Robert Watters and wife

Kelsey of Frisco, Texas, Kala Davis and husband Trent of Stillwater, Chris Watters and partner

Nancy Duff of Tulsa, Jake Downing of Tulsa, Tristan Fanshier and partner Gracie Nimrod of

Edmond, and Baylee Downing of Wilburton; six great-grandchildren; along with one niece and

three nephews.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, Kensel and Dortha Lee Tucker, first husband, Gerald

Downing; and granddaughter, Jaimie Lee Downing.