Houston Tom Jr.

In Memory of Houston Tom Jr.

Houston (Joe) Tom Jr., age 68, of Talihina, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, March 8, 2021 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Houston was born April 16, 1952 in De Queen, Arkansas. He had a sense of humor and was immensely proud of his heritage.

He is survived by his daughters: Tabitha Swing and husband, John of Tannehill, OK, Amy Tom of Texas, and Erica May and husband, Robert of Corpus Christi, TX; brothers: Bob Wall and wife, Charlene of Wewoka, OK and Jeremy Tom of Talihina, OK; sisters: Sherian Fremont and husband, Charles of Lubbock, TX and Sherry Jo Tom of Talihina, OK; Seven Grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.

Houston is preceded in death by his parents: Houston Tom Sr. and Inez Shockley; wife, Sandra Tom; daughter, Sarah Tom; two brothers; and one sister.

A viewing will be held from 1:00-200 p.m. at Grace Indian Baptist Church in Talihina, OK. The service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Raymond Johnson officiating.

Services have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home of Wilburton, OK.

Stella Hodge

In Memory of Stella Hodge

Stella Mae (Ward) Hodge, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 in Wilburton, Oklahoma. 

She was born September 18, 1939 to Orvin and Tilda Ward, at a little homestead in the community of Ash Creek, that still stands today. She was of the Baptist faith and a full-time, beloved employee at Robbers Cave State Park. She took great pride in her various titles of Mom, Granny, Sis, and Friend.

Stella was a beautiful soul, who always saw the good in people. Her kind spirit led her to making friends everywhere she went. Her home and heart were open to all. As so beautifully stated by her friends at Robbers Cave State Park, Stella has been a welcoming beacon for visitors around the globe. Her light will be grievously missed. 

She is survived by husband, Bill of the home; son, Mike Hodge and wife, Claudia of Wilburton; son, Charles Mote of Wilburton; brother, Gene Ward and wife, Kay of Hartshorne; four grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her second family at Robbers Cave State Park. 

Stella is preceded in death by her parents, Orvin and Tilda Ward and sister, Norma Jean Taylor.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the Bob Waldrop Memorial Chapel at Waldrop Funeral Home.

Rhodney Wilson

In Memory of Rhodney Wilson

Rhodney H. Wilson, age 77, of Wilburton, OK passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK.

Rhodney was born May 17th, 1943 in Wilburton, OK to Jesse Howard Wilson and Viola Lucille Cantrell Wilson. He graduated from Wilburton High School and then went on to serve in the United States Air Force as a refrigeration technician, stationed in Great Falls, Montana. Rhodney earned his Associate of Applied Sciences from EOSC in 1975 and worked as a pipefitter for the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local No. 430 for 21 years. On October 21st, 1964 he married Johnnye Ruth Templeton of Hartshorne, OK. They raised two children, Darren Wilson and Jo Ann Wilson Jones.

His passions included fishing and hunting. You would often find him running trotlines on Lake Eufaula or patrolling the woods looking for something to stock the freezer. He loved spending time tending the garden and playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. There was little that Rhodney wasn’t willing to tackle, including the home that he built and lived in for 50 years. He was known as a great conversationalist who had no end of great stories. He enjoyed spending time with friends and had especially close friendships with Edna Bullet, Justin Adams, and Rick and Patti Manley.

Rhodney is preceded in death by his father, Jesse “Buddy” Howard Wilson, and his mother, Viola Lucille Cantrell Wilson. He is survived by his wife Johnnye; his children: Darren Wilson and his wife Kim, Jo Jones and her husband Bart; his sisters: Barbara, Sue, and Linda; grandchildren: Justin Didlott and his wife Elizabeth, Cherise Wilson and her husband Zach , Lindsey Russell and her husband Cody, Rebekah McIntosh, Sylvia Walters, Sarah Jones, and Andrew Jones; great grandchildren: Avery and Tayver Russell, Tristan and Isabelle Didlott; his Aunt Betty Cantrell, along with a huge amount of in-laws, nieces, nephews, many cousins and friends.

A private family service will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the Bob Waldrop Memorial Chapel at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, OK with Rev. Lynn Bullard officiating. The burial will follow the at Center Point Cemetery and is open to the public.

Pallbearers will be Zach Peterson, Justin Didlott, Andrew Jones, Cody Russell, Justin Adams, and Rick Manley.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Elmo Collins, Larry Johnson, Calvin Mattingly, Darrell Templeton, Steve Raley, Jerry Warren, Wayne Copeland, Bart Jones, and Donald Scott.

Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, OK.

Byndia Pope

In Memory of Byndia Pope

Bydia Pope, age 94, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away from this life on February 5, 2021 at Oaks Health Care Center in Poteau, Oklahoma.

Bydia was born in Red Oak, Oklahoma on March 15, 1926 to Ranes and Lela (Yota) Coley. She was married to Leslie Pope for over fifty years. She devoted her life to the Lord as a member of South Rock Creek Indian Church. She also visited surrounding churches for singings and special events whenever she was able. She may have not gotten up to sing but you could always find her humming along. She loved the Lord and it showed throughout her life. When she was younger, she worked as a midwife, caregiver, and later as a grandparent at Jones Academy in the Grandparent Program. Most importantly, Bydia’s heart and home was open to anyone who came to fellowship with her or anyone that needed a helping hand. She would make sure they were fed spiritually and with food before leaving. Bydia enjoyed sitting outside her home in the sun watching and waving as people went by her house. The best times she had were spent with family during the Annual Family Reunions. Throughout the hot and sunny day, you could hear her laughing and whispering Choctaw gossip with her siblings. She will be missed by so many.

She is survived by her son, DeRoy Pope; foster daughter, Pamela Gotes; two grandchildren, Brian Barnard and Wanda James; sixteen great grandchildren; fourteen great-great grandchildren; and two great-great-great grandchildren.

Bydia is preceded in death by her parents, Ranes and Lela Coley; daughter, Verna Barnard; granddaughter Linda Sivic; grandson, Harvey James; foster grandson, Preston Gotes; great granddaughter, Casey Bonaparte; great-great granddaughter Lakota James; five brothers; and three sisters.

Pallbearers will be Zachary Eagle, Christopher Scott, Brian Barnard, Danny Coley, Roy Gullick III, and Alejandro Torres.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be David Brown and Shawn Raymon.

Viewing will be on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at South Rock Creek Cemetery in Red Oak with Rev. Don Ludlow officiating. Services have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma. 

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 

Revelations 21:4

Laura Jane Duke

In Memory of Laura Jane Duke

Laura Jane Duke, age 72, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away February 5, 2021 at Tidwell Living Center. She was born on November 17, 1948 in Des Moines, Iowa.

No Services are planned at this time.

Patricia Nasuta

In Memory of Patricia Ann Nasuta

Patricia Ann Nasuta, age 58, of Wilburton passed from this life January 23, 2021 at Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center in Poteau, Oklahoma.

Patty was born September 24, 1962 in Hartford, Connecticut to Arlene Green and Edward Nasuta. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and sister that will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan Bond and Bonnie LaMere of Wilburton; grandson, Devyn LaMere of Wilburton; granddaughter, Ella LaMere of Wilburton; and brother, Patrick Lanienges of New York.

Patty is preceded in death by her mother, Arlene Green; father, Edward Nasuta; her child, babyLaMere; grandchildren, Blazze LaMere and Storm Lamere; sister, Sandy Nasuta; and her infant niece.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Church of The Rock in Wilburton, Oklahoma. Arrangements have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home of Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Nancy Workman

In Memory of Nancy Workman Armstrong

Nancy Ruth Workman Armstrong, 70, of Wilburton , Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at her home. 

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Ellis Chapel in Wister, Oklahoma with Rev. Johnny Montgomery officiating. Burial to follow at Summerfield Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kaden Workman, Zackery Workman, Ryan LaRue, Blade Brown, and Riggin Ty Tilley.

Nancy was the daughter of George Nathaniel and Ruth Evelyn Caplinger. She had 8 siblings. She was born in El Reno, Oklahoma and grew up in nearby Chickasha, Oklahoma where she attended school ``before moving in with her sister, Doris Blissett.

She married Danny Workman and together they would have their 2 sons Michael(46) and Lucas Workman(42)  before divorcing. She then met the love of her life, Jerry Don Armstrong, thus gaining an amazing daughter Christy (Armstrong) Anderson and together they had the baby girl of the family, Jennifer Ann (Armstrong) Tilley(32). Nancy has 10 grandchildren; Ryan, Zackery, Kaden, Emery, Emma, Tegan, Alexis, Riggin Ty, Kirsten and Karlie. Along with her husband Jerry Don Armstrong, she would go on to raise a fine young man in her grandson Kaden Workman. Her family was everything to her and she always loved to prepare a meal for any that would show up to eat. Nancy remained close to her children and siblings throughout her life and even remained in a close relationship to her nieces, nephews, and their children. She will forever be missed but never forgotten! We love you Nanny!

She is survived by her husband, Jerry of the home; sons: Michael Workman of McAlester and Lucas Workman of Wilburton; daughter Jennifer Tilley and husband, Travis of Wilburton; grandchildren: Ryan, Zackery, Kaden, Emery, Emma, Tegan, Alexis, Riggin Ty, Kirsten and Karlie; sisters: Lola Johnson of Wilburton and Leta Claborn of Eufaula; brother-in-law: Charles Blissett of Crosset, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and two sisters.

Ray Holly

In Memory of Ray Holly

Luther Ray Holly Jr., 77, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021 at his home.

The memorial service will be held Friday, February 5, 2021 at North Rock Creek Cemetery in Red Oak with Rev. Bob Cherry officiating. 

Honorary Pallbearers will be Kinion Patton, Kodie Preston, Brendan Patten, Dalton Patten, Chase Martin, Lynsie Patten, and Seth Patten.

Ray was born on December 28, 1943 in Red Oak to Luther and Alice (Stark) Holly. He married Janice (Swanzy) Holly in Arkansas on December 9, 1991.

He is survived by his wife, Janice of the home; son: Michael Patten and wife, Leslie of Red Oak; daughters: Rachel Friend and husband, Dan of Red Oak, Roxie Gwin of Oklahoma City, and Raeleen Beam of Kansas; brothers: Charles Holly and wife, Pam of Red Oak and Bob Holly and wife, Kim of Salt Lake City, Utah; sisters: Wilma Hilburn of Red Oak, Louise Ray of Red Oak, and Doris Wagnon of Prior; thirteen grandchildren; and three great  grandchildren. 

Ray is preceded in death by his parents; brother: Ed Holly; and sister: Francine Rozell.

Darlene Brame

In Memory of Darlene Brame

Darlene Marie Brame, 59, was born on April 12, 1961 in Martinez, California. She entered into rest on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at her home.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Red Oak with Rev. Bob Cherry officiating. The burial to follow at Red Oak Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Michael Hampton, Joshua Spargur, Colton Clark, Brandon Lawrence, Mathew Lawrence, Nathanael Lawrence, Daniel Lawrence, and Jerry Lawrence.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Michael Medcalf and Tim McCann.

She was outgoing and always up for an adventure. She enjoyed volunteering for the Choctaw Nation Seniors and going on their trips. She was also a part of water aerobics. Darlene made an impact on everyone she met. 

Darlene and Glenn were childhood friends. They were married February 25, 1980 in Lake Tahoe, California. Together they had two daughters and five grandchildren. She loved her family very much and gathering with them was what she enjoyed the most.

She is survived by her husband of almost forty-one years, Glenn of the home; her two daughters: Melissa Hampton and husband Michael of Red Oak and Danielle Spargur and husband Joshua of Red Oak; grandchildren: Madison Clark and husband Colton, Kaynin Spargur, Maci Hampton, Winter Spargur, and Maelie Hampton; brothers: Jerry Lawrence and wife Juli of Tulsa and Daniel Lawrence of Sand Point, Idaho; and special friends: Janice Paulk and Sandra Reed.

Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Kathryn Lawrence; sister, Laura Lawrence; and brother, Mark Lawrence.

Evelyn Carter

In Memory of Evelyn Carter

Evelyn C. Carter, 88, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away Friday, January 22, 2021 in McAlester, Oklahoma

The Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at the Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating.

Evelyn was born April 12, 1932 in Fallsville, Arkansas to Andy and Jenny (Donohoe) Harmon. She was a member of the Wilburton Church of Christ.

She is survived by her sons: Billy Ray Carter Jr. of Eufaula and Bruce Carter of La Porte, Texas; daughters: Judy Edwards and husband, Tom of McAlester, Freda Buckner and husband, Jim of Sands Springs, Rita Winslow of McAlester, and Andrea Johnson and husband, Philip of Sweeny, Texas; thirteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents: Andy and Jenny Harmon; seven brothers; and two sisters.

The service is under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.