Frank Lawrence

In Memory of Frank Lawrence

Frank Lawrence, 86, of Wilburton, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at OSU Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Viewing will be held on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at

Waldrop Funeral Home.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Highbridge Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Clint Cannon and Rev. Tony Randol officiating. The service will be transmitted on Fm 89.3 so you can safely remain in your vehicle. Services are under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Pallbearers: Cale Back, William Back, Ron Pini, Joe Pete Skimbo, Tommy Joe Brown, Darrell Bell, Stoney Bullard, Johnny Sivic, and Jim Grego.

Honorary Pallbearers: Jeremy Conyers, Charlie Warren, Darrel Mize, Gary Francis, Steve Carson, Seth Heitner, Jeff Davis, Bob Nace, Alfred Ezekiel, John McCabe and the Men of Grace Country Cowboy Church.

On November 10, 1934, in a house southeast of Wilburton, Ok, Frank was born to Jim and Jennie (Reed) Lawrence. He was born a “blue” baby and the family doctor advised his mother to not dress him in fear he would not make it through the night. His father prayed that if God would let him live, he would never spank him and so he never did, but his mama didn’t make the same deal.

He and his siblings would walk or ride a horse the mile and a half to school and back. After completing the 8th grade, he then finished his schooling at Panola where he graduated with the class of 1953. Upon high school graduation, he worked to put himself through college while attending Eastern A&M, where he also participated in the R.O.T.C program. He then attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University and received his degree in teaching. After college completion, he was hired to teach in a one room schoolhouse in the Higgins community. There he taught students from first to eighth grade. After the school closed, he began his long teaching career at Wilburton Public Schools, where he taught for 28 more years. During those years, he went on to obtain his Master’s Degree in Education. Mr. Lawrence loved to teach and it showed. Many former students approached him or his family to let him know that he was their favorite teacher and the one who helped them to be a success in life. He truly cared about his students and often talked about various ones. He was honored to be inducted into the Wilburton Teacher Hall of Fame in 2016.

He was able to take early retirement in 1986. That gave him more time to devote to his family and cattle, which he still had over 90 head. Frank was a man of integrity, a man of his word, and he lived up to his name’s sake by simply being “frank” about things. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior when he was 18 years old and shared God’s love to many people. He had a desire to serve his Lord in whatever way he could. He was a founding member and elder of Grace Country Cowboy Church in Wilburton.

Family was always an important part of his life. He married Judy Bullard on May 28, 1975 and was proud to tell people he and Judy never had a real fuss in their 45 years of marriage. Where you saw one, you saw the other. A year after marriage they had a son named Jason and later a daughter named Jennifer. He loved spending as much time as possible making memories with his kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews. He was the best Poppy to his six grandchildren who are Breanna, Allison, Michael, Sarah, Brookelyn, and Ransom. He also became a special Poppy to Jun, Linda, and Martin.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Judy of the home; his son, Jason Lawrence and wife Julie of Wilburton; his daughter, Jennifer Cannon and husband Clint of Wilburton; grandchildren: Breanna, Allison, Michael, & Sarah Lawrence and Brookelyn & Ransom Cannon; sisters: Audrey Skimbo and JoAnn Back and husband Frank; brother-in-law, Stoney Bullard and wife Mary; sister-in-law, Rhonda Bell and husband Darrell and countless other family members and friends.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Jennie Lawrence, brothers and sisters: Thomas Sherman, Robert Lee, Alice Glen, Jimmie “Allene”, infant sister, Thelma Louise, and Harold Wayne.

Haver Jetton

In Memory of Haver Jetton

Haver Leon Jetton, 87, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020 at his home.

Services will be held at a later date under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Oleta Taylor

In Memory of Oleta Taylor

Martha Oleta Taylor was born on August 11, 1926 in Marlow, Oklahoma to Thelbert Franklin Hamilton and Polly Mildred (Bradley) Hamilton.

After 94 years, Oleta left this earthly home and moved to her heavenly mansion on Sunday, December 27, 2020.

She married Donald J. Taylor on December 10, 1949 in Lawton, Oklahoma. They were married for 39 years and God blessed their marriage with four children.

Don pastored several churches and Oleta was always the “behind-the-scenes” helper. She was a homemaker with four children and still found time to help in the church nursery, the church kitchen or cleaning the church building. The children always knew when they got out of school and finally went home, their mom was going to be there with snacks and a hug. What a blessing!

Oleta loved her kids- all of them- and they all thought they were her favorite! Her four kids, grand kids and great grandkids, she loved them all. Every year for her birthday she would ask for the same thing, “I just want my kids to sing,” she would say. So, her four children would gather around the piano, Jan would play, and they would sing many of the old gospels that Oleta loved. That was all she wanted, and she always beamed with pride each year as her kids would fulfill her birthday wish.

Summertime meant summer camps and Oleta would take on the responsibility of planning and preparing the meals for upward of 150 children or youth. Some of the children seldom had a home cooked meal. When Oleta cooked they go homemade cinnamon rolls, biscuits and gravy, eggs, hash browns, and that was just breakfast!

She later worked at the Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Home in Owasso, Oklahoma in the Maternity Home section. While there she got to teach the young ladies how to cook, as well as care for their new borns. She enjoyed that work, but her age caught up with her and she retired while at the Owasso Home. She had an apartment at the retirement home and continued living there for over thirty years. She moved to Tulsa and lived there for a short time in 2018. Her health continued to decline, so her oldest daughter, Jan, took Oleta into her home in Stigler. Later she moved to Lawton into an assisted living home where her brother, Glen, lived directly across the hall. It was a great time for Oleta and her younger brother to reconnect and spend some time together. Once again, her health was diminishing, and the family knew it was time for another move. The family was blessed to find a wonderful and caring place in McAlester that treated Oleta like a part of their family. Oleta lived there until her passing. The family is thankful to the Belfair facility.

Oleta is survived by her children: Dan Taylor and wife, Connie of Jenks, Jan Gragg and husband, Tom of Stigler, Leah McLaughlin and husband, Brian of Poteau, and Stephanie Weston and husband, Danny of Wilburton; brother: Glen Hamilton of Lawton; fifteen grandchildren, thirty-five great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, other family and a host of friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Thelbert and Polly Hamilton; and her brother: Curtis Hamilton.

A visitation with family will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at The Bob Waldrop Memorial Chapel at Waldrop Funeral Home.

The graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4, 2021 at Centerpoint Cemetery with Rev. Willard Francis officiating. Services are under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

Baptist Children’s Home

12700 E. 76th Street

Owasso, Oklahoma 74055

Floyd Christopher

In Memory of Floyd Christopher

Floyd RG Christopher entered this life on December 12, 1937, the youngest of ten children, to Jess & Tobitha (Davis) Christopher in Adamson, Oklahoma. He left for his heavenly home on Sunday, December 20, 2020, at the age of 83, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Floyd married Sue (Kimbrough) Christopher on April 22, 1960 in Adamson, Oklahoma. Shortly after they were married, he joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Berlin during the Berlin Crisis. He proudly served from September of 1960 until 1962. After his service in the Army, he joined the National Guard.

He worked as brick mason and as a parts assembler for Boeing. He took great pride knowing that he had a part in putting man on the moon. He and was a member of Gowen Baptist Church where he also served as a deacon. He loved hunting, reading, fishing, woodworking, and most importantly his family. His contagious smile and laughter will be missed by all who knew him.

Floyd is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sue Christopher of the home; daughter, Debra Pace and Tate Burnes of Washington; son, Kevin Christopher and wife, Melissa of Adamson, OK; Grandchildren: Mollie Christopher of Washington, Lucas Christopher of Holdenville, OK, and Joshua Pace of Washington; Great-Grandchildren: Jayci Christopher, Jayla Christopher, Kaef Christopher, and Kabyn Montgomery; plus several nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

He preceded in death by his parents; five brothers: Argus, Bill, Clarence, Utah and Jessie; and four sisters: Georgia, Bertha, L.E., and Connie.

A graveside service was held at Elmwood Cemetery in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 with Seth Johnson officiating.

Pallbearers: Brent Hollis, Richard Miller, Lucas Christopher, Van Christopher, Stoney Bullard, Mark Roye, Joshua Pace, and Evan Rudic.

Honorary Pallbearers: Herman Colvard, Ray Vinson, Tate Burnes, Don Russell, Toby Ezekiel, and Bernard Kimbrough.

Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Cody Fruge

In Memory of Cody Fruge

Cody Fruge, 47, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, passed away Friday, December 18, 2020, at his residence.

Cody was born in Jennings, Louisiana on May 27, 1973, to Randy Fruge and Jackie Dietz.

He leaves behind: his father, Randy Fruge of Iota, Louisiana; stepmother, Samantha Fruge of Crowley, Louisiana; fiancé, Christina Farrill of Wilburton, Oklahoma; daughters, Cammy Fruge of Jennings, Louisiana and Hailey Fruge of Wilburton, Oklahoma; granddaughter, Amelia Gonzales of Wilburton, Oklahoma; brothers, David Fruge and Charley Fruge of Jennings, Louisiana; sister, Renee Fruge of West Lake, Louisiana; and cousin, Jason Leckelt of Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Cody was preceded in death by his mother, Jackie Dietz and two sisters, “Honey Bun” and “Bebe”.

A memorial service is scheduled for a later date.

Services entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

JC Hunt

In Memory of JC Hunt

JC Hunt, Jr was born on August 14, 1932 and went to be with his Lord on December 16th 2020. He was the son of Monabell and Jewell Hunt, now deceased.

He attended public schools first grade through twelfth grade in Joplin, MO and graduated in 1950. In High School he was an officer in ROTC, played trumpet in the band, was a member of the LCF fraternity, and the DeMolay. Every morning he stood in the main hall of the High School and played Reveille on his trumpet while a classmate raised the flag on the front lawn. After high school he attended Central Bible College in Springfield, MO for two years where he played in the band and was a member of the freshman basketball team.

In 1952 he went to work as a ticket agent for Greyhound Bus Lines in Joplin, MO, Springfield, MO and Amarillo, TX. In 1955 he was drafted in the U.S. Army and served his country for two years. He took basic in Ft. Ord, California and attended transportation school in Ft. Eustis, Virginia. He then served the next 18 months as a Transportation Specialist in Paris, France and was discharged in January of 1957. He returned to Greyhound in Springfield, MO and later Joplin, MO. His oldest son, Jay, was born in Joplin in 1958 and his younger son, Jeff, was born in Joplin in 1960.

In 1963 he moved back to Springfield and attended Evangel College. He received his B.S. degree in 1967. While attending Evangel he worked as an Admission Counselor and later as the Assistant Dean of Students. From 1967 to 1971 he attended college at Oklahoma State University and worked as a Complex Director in the Department of Housing. After completing his graduate work and receiving his master’s degree he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and worked as Student Activity Director at the newly established Community College.

In 1974 he and Linda Ann Larson were married and made their home in Tulsa. Jay attended Union High School and graduated 1977. After working several years at TCC he accepted a job of Director of Counseling at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, OK. He and his family moved to Wilburton in 1977. He and Linda welcomed a baby girl to their family in 1978. She was named Carli Ann Hunt after her Grandfather Carl and Mother Linda Ann.

JC was a member of Center Point Baptist Church, Post #141 of the Masons and DAV (Disabled American Veterans) in Krebs, OK, and former member of the Lions Club and Elks Lodge.

His younger son, Jeff, graduated from WHS in 1979 and Carli graduated from WHS in 1996. Jeff played football in high school and Carli was a cheerleader and a member of the band. All the members of JC’s family have at least a bachelor’s degree.

JC continued working at Eastern for the next 27 years as Director of Counseling, Admissions Director, Registrar, Vice President of Academic Affairs, President of the branch campus in McAlester, and Executive Assistant to the President. He served as interim President on two occasions. JC retired from Eastern in 1997, went back and worked another seven years retiring again in 2004.

He is survived by the love of his life, Linda Ann; three children, Carli Ann & husband Gary Lay of Wilburton, Jay & wife Lynn of McKinney, Texas, and Jeff of Tulsa, OK; Grandchildren, Jeremy Lay of Wilburton, Jaclyn Foley & husband John of Oklahoma, City, Alex Hunt of Oklahoma City, Brandon Hunt & wife Leigh of Tulsa, and Courtney Gilbert & husband of Nebraska; Three great-grandchildren, Keagan Murphy of Oklahoma City, Blakely Shae Foley of Oklahoma City, and Maxim Overton of Nebraska; Extended family, Walter & Sandy Freeman, Clark & Tammy Boling, Charlie Martin, Brittany Goff & husband Chris, and Triston Boling all of Wilburton.

Viewing will be Friday, December 18th from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held Saturday, December 19th at 2:00 p.m. at Gowen Cemetery with Rev. Bud Vinson officiating.

Pallbearers: Jonathan Denham, Clark Boling, Charlie Martin, Eddie Muse, Kyle Vanderburg and Jeff Marshall.

Honorary Pallbearers: Jay Hunt, Jeff Hunt, Gary Lay, Brandon Hunt, Alex Hunt, Jeremy Lay, Walter Freeman, Leland Walker, Bill & Pat Miller, John Pixley, Jerry Smith, Terry Barnes, Army Buddies 594th Transportation Unit and Class of 1950, Joplin H.S. Joplin, MO.

Ruth Cook

In Memory of Ruth Cook

Ruth Ann Cook was born July 14, 1960 to Tracy and Mattie (Brown) Gardner in McAlester, Oklahoma. The Lord called her home on November 25, 2020 at the age of 60.

Ruth and her husband, John, have been married for 42 years. They made their home in Wilburton where Ruth was a staple in the community and loved by all who knew her. She loved the Lord, her family, OU and traveling. Ruth never missed a chance to vacation with her children and grandchildren. They went to Washington state this summer and had Martha’s Vineyard planned for next summer; she loved seeing how excited the grands would get. She was known for her friendly personality and her stylish hats. She will be missed dearly. 

Ruth is survived by her husband, John of the home; her four children, Joey Cook of McAlester, Jonathan Cook & wife Jessica, of Wilburton, JoAnn Cook of Hollywood, Florida  and Jocelyn Cook of Norman; brother,  Rodney Price & wife Kathy, of Hartshorne; sisters, Victoria Gardner of Wilburton and Tennie Clark & husband Randy, of Wilburton; special nephews, Michael Cook of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Mark Cook of Raymond, Missouri; aunt, Flora Robinson of Los Angeles, California; seven grandchildren, one great grandchild  and several nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Tracy and Mattie Gardner,  maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents and niece, Stephanie Gardner.

The family has decided to honor Ruth with a private service that will be held at The Bob Waldrop Memorial Chapel with Rev. Darren Harber officiating. Pallbearers will be Randy Clark, Claude Brazelton, George Maynard, Latt Jeffrey, Floyd Allen, and John Walker. Honorary Pallbearers will be her nephews and Leland Walker.

The family welcomes friends to attend a viewing on Sunday, December 6, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, OK.

Gayle Sheffler

In Memory of Gayle Sheffler

Gayle Sandra Sheffler, age 73 of Wilburton, passed away November 25, 2020 in McAlester, Oklahoma.

She was born on October 4, 1947 in Monrovia, California to the late Richard and Dorothy (Shepard) Toal.

Gayle worked in the cafeteria at Wilburton Public Schools for 25 years. She loved her family. She was nicknamed “super glue” because she was the glue that bonded her family together, and she was notorious for supergluing herself to stuff every time she used it. She also loved her pets and sewing.

Gayle leaves behind her loving family which includes her husband of 55 years, Joe Sheffler; daughters: Sandra Johnson and husband, Dewayne of Wilburton and Sheryl Southerland and husband, Joe Don of Velma, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Kelisha Johnson, Kolton Johnson and Tristen Dunn and fiancé, Kelcey Wright; several nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Dorothy (Shepard) Toal; sisters: Carroll Allen and husband, Bob and Sharon Freeman and husband, Paul and granddaughter, Courtney Brooke Dunn.

Honorary Pallbearers include: Leroy Allen, Tristen Dunn, Kolton Johnson, DeWayne Johnson, Joe Don Southerland, and Mark Keenan.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Damon Valley Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating. Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

The family asks that anyone attending to please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Denis Osborne

In Memory of Denis Osborne

Denis Leon Osborne, 60 of Wilburton, Oklahoma died November 21, 2020 in his home from cancer.

The graveside service will be held at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Wilburton, Oklahoma on December 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with Scott Horstman officiating.

Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Blassingame, Raymond Hutchinson, Teddy Marmon, and Donnie Gunter.

Denis was born on May 20, 1960 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He worked in the oilfield his whole life. Denis enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing. That was his true passion. He was the best poppy to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was loved by many.

He is survived by his wife, Fronie Osborne of the home; his mother, Lenora Forwoodson of Wilburton, Oklahoma; daughters: Jamie Dedmon and fiancé, Kole Egeland of Quinton, Oklahoma and Tammy Scott and husband, Bam of Wilburton, Oklahoma; brothers and sisters, David Osborne and wife, Joanne of Stroud, Debbie Spann and husband, Ron of Hot Springs, AR, Amy Wardlow and husband, Jack of Red Oak, and John Forwoodson and wife, Desiree of Wilburton; grandchildren: Dakota Morgan and husband, Jospeh of Gowen, Deric Scott and Jennifer Zehe of Wilburton, Oklahoma, Camren Lane Hohn and Riley Tuff Egeland of Quinton, Oklahoma; great grandchildren: Adisyn LaRaye Ward, Denver Ray Scott, and Haizlee Jewell Morgan. Denis also has several nieces, nephews and friends.

Denis was preceded in death by his father, Donald Osborne; father, Kenneth Forwoodson; maternal grandmother, Oleta Osborne; paternal grandmother, Viola Osborne and brother Danny Osborne.

A special thank you to Heartland Hospice of Mcalester Oklahoma and Scott Horstman. In lieu of flowers please donate to Heartland Hospice. 

Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Penny Lund

In Memory of Penny Lund

At approximately 4:15am on the morning of November 19, 2020, Heaven was pleased to welcome another beautiful Angel through its pearly gates.

Penny Marie Lund was born on March 12, 1940 in Colton, California.  Her late parents were Harriet and Walter “Bud” Baldridge of CA. She had one Brother, Walter David Baldridge II, who also preceded her in death. 

Penny grew up in Colton, CA., which is where she completed high school and attended some college. During high school, Ms. Penny loved spending her lunch money on Elvis Presley records.

Penny met and married the love of her life, Kermit Lund, in 1961.  Together they had two children, Lori and Kurtis.  Penny also dearly loved her two bonus daughters: Chris Koenig of Sultan, Washington and Cindie Conklin of Ephrata, Washington.

While still in California Ms. Penny loved showing and riding horses with her family. She loved sun tanning on sandy California beaches.  Penny was happy to join her husband and children as they moved to southeastern Oklahoma. There they began showing and riding horses on rural American heartlands.  Penny helped her family raise horses, cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens.  She loved shooting snakes in the pond on her property.  Gardening and growing the most beautiful roses were two of Penny’s favorite hobbies. 

Ms. Penny loved to cook.  She liked cooking so much that she cooked for the Wilburton Public School System for 34 years.  However, she is most known for her sewing and crocheting skills.  Penny was known all over Oklahoma for her lap afghans.  Her afghans kept the members of Bowers Baptist Church warm on cold Sunday mornings and evenings. Her red, white and blue afghans were hand delivered by Penny to Veterans in hospitals all across Oklahoma. Ms. Penny was chosen as the Governor’s Person of the Year 3 times for her undying love of serving Veterans. 

Penny was a Rainbow Girls Past Worthy Advisor, and an extremely talented seamstress.  She made Western Shirts, School Aprons and the “Beast” of all wedding dresses. She was an adoring wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  But, most of all she was a child of the Lord. She loved serving His people, praising His word, and reading His word.  She almost never missed a Sunday or Wednesday night at church.  She served on several committees in service to her Bowers Baptist Church.

Ms. Penny lived her final year at Belfair Assisted Living Center.  While there she stole the hearts of her nurses, the residents and visitors with her smile and, “Hey, I want to give you a love.” 

Penny is survived by her children: Kurtis Lund and wife, Kristie of McAlester, Lori Roberts and husband, James of McAlester, Chris Koenig and husband, Darcy of Sultan, Washington, and Cindie Conklin and husband Doug of Ephrata, Washington; eleven grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kerm Lund and brother, David Baldridge II.

A graveside service will be held at Wilburton Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 23, 2020 with Rev. Randy Waldrop and Rev. Kenneth Rouviere officiating.