Marlin (McGee) Lloyd Zaste

In Memory of Marlin Zaste

Marlin Lloyd Zaste, affectionately known by many as “McGee”; was born on May 22, 1963, in Williston, North Dakota, to his loving parents, David Zaste and Bonnie Harstad Zaste, and stepfather, Robert Knight.

On June 5, 2026, Marlin went home to be with the Lord in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, surrounded by the love of his family, including his brother Terry, his wife Shelly Shaw, and those who held him dear.

Marlin was a man with a generous heart and a kind spirit. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life—fishing, camping, and spending time with friends. Whether sharing stories around a campfire, casting a line into the water, or lending a helping hand, Marlin made a lasting impact on everyone he met.

He dedicated many years of service to Roy's Food Store, where he worked faithfully until declining health led him into retirement.

Known for his compassion, selflessness, and willingness to help others in times of need, Marlin lived a life that reflected love, kindness, and generosity. He never hesitated to give back or offer support to family, friends, neighbors, or even strangers.

Though his presence will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His laughter, friendship, and caring nature will never be forgotten.

Marlin is survived by his children: son Robert Allen Zaste and his wife, Katelynn, of Wilburton, Oklahoma; daughter Journey Lynn Zaste of Bache, Oklahoma; and son Damien Zaste of Arkansas. He was also blessed with grandchildren, Leland Dewayne Zaste, Harlo Lynn Shelley, Leah Marie Shelley, Jarred Stewart, and Lilly Zaste.

He is further survived by his brother, Terry Shaw; sister, Summer Mills; aunts Judy Maston, Melanie Johnson, and Lina Falcon, all of North Dakota; as well as a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, and extended family members, including Kayla Rhynes and her children, River Shelton and Waylon Shelton.

Marlin was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Harstad Knight; his stepfather, Robert Knight; his father, David Zaste; his daughter, Darla Zaste; his brothers, David and Reno; and his sister, Swanee.

Viewing will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Waldrop Funeral Home, with Pastor Lynn Bullard officiating. Burial will follow at LeFlore Cemetery.

Rosalie "Ma" June (Jones) Garner

Rosalie “Ma” June (Jones) Garner, 88, of Red Oak, Oklahoma, went to be with her Lord Jesus on May 28, 2026. She was a woman overflowing with love. The things she loved most were her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, traveling, sports, church family, her Bible, and her Savior Jesus. Her love will live on through her family and friends. 

Rosalie was born in Billings, Oklahoma on February 13, 1938 to Homer and Dora Jones. She was the older sister to Mary and John Jones. She lived on a farm in Mulhall until the death of her father, when she moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma. She graduated from Stillwater High School in 1956 and attended Oklahoma State University. She heard about Ronald Garner from friends months before she met him. When she eventually met him, they immediately hit it off. On their first date, Ron ran out of gas and they had to walk back to campus. But Rosey was unfazed and the two quickly fell in love. They were married on June 14, 1958 and moved to Red Oak, Oklahoma where they had three children: Rebecca, Roger, and Ronda. 

Rosey graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1967 with her degree in Elementary Education. She began her career as an educator at the Lone Prairie Headstart, but Rosey knew her real purpose was to love and empower her students. As Ron’s job took the family to new locations, Rosey faithfully taught and encouraged elementary children in Iola, Kansas and around Oklahoma in El Reno, Maple community, and Red Oak. Ron bragged that Rosey was a master at teaching students how to read and that she had an unwavering love for her young students. When asked what she did when she was rushed by students who wanted hugs, Rosey responded, “I hug ‘em back.” 

Ron became a Dean at Conners State College in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Rosey worked at the college library where she was the assistant librarian until she retired in 1997. When Ron became the President of Conners, Rosey took on the role as host. Together they hosted hundreds of students in their home and each one got to enjoy Rosey’s homemade cookies. She baked thousands of cookies over the years and became known as “the cookie lady.” But the cookies were only the symbol of what students actually got from times spent at the president’s house. College students who were far from their families got the comfort of a loving home and the listening ear of a couple who wanted to know them and support them. 

Rosey was always going somewhere. Her love for travel is seen around her home where she proudly displays items that she collected from the 26 countries that she visited across four continents. Ron and Rosey had a deal that Rosey could go anywhere in the world that she wanted if Ron could go to the pasture. But Ron was always there to greet Rosey when she returned. Rosey’s travel friends were often jealous when Ron would pick up Rosey at the airport with a bouquet of roses. 

In 2000, Ron and Rosey moved back to the family ranch in Red Oak, Oklahoma. Rosey was a faithful and caring volunteer for Red Oak First Baptist Church. She began the Baptist Breakfast Club and modeled servant leadership for kids in the church as she partnered with them to deliver breakfast to the housebound community. Through the years, Rosey served as the church treasurer, took care of babies in the nursery, listened to memory verses at the Wednesday night children’s program, and directed VBS where she counted thousands of pennies and nickels for the kids’ VBS fundraising competition. She loved her Sunday school class, The Prayer Warriors, and organized countless trips for the ladies to enjoy together. The Sunday school class became so active that the church finally bought a van to transport them on their adventures. Rosey also loved volunteering at the Red Oak library and was proudly named the Oldest Member of the Red Oak gym where she worked out three times a week. 

Rosey was an avid softball and baseball fan. She would keep a handwritten schedule that included OSU women’s softball, the Kansas City Royals, and LA Dodger games. She kept score on all the games and knew all the players like they were her own grandkids. 

Rosey was known to many as “Ma.” She was an involved grandmother and great-grandmother. Every Christmas for many years, Ma made pajamas for her grandkids and sent a newsletter to family and friends to keep everyone up-to-date on important events and milestones. She was a strong and consistent presence for her family and a true matriarch. Her Spaulding spaghetti and no-bake cookies were a favorite. And, every year without fail, Ma would send family members a custom-made birthday card that she would print at home. She profoundly loved her family and frequently hosted gatherings at the Garner family ranch, which became a haven for the entire family.

But Rosey’s most important, and favorite, role was being Ron’s wife. Rosey and Ron had an affectionate love for each other that is a testimony of God’s design for marriage. They supported one another’s dreams and goals, they stood together through good times and bad, and they were kind to each other. Their love story is a legacy that their friends and family cherish. There’s no question that Ron loved Rosey and that Rosey loved Ron. 

Rosalie is survived by her husband, Ronald Garner; her siblings, Mary Bowden and John Jones; her sister-in-law Teresa, her three children and their spouses, Rebecca and Randy Adams, Roger and Vivian Garner, Ronda and Page Cole; her beloved grandchildren and their spouses Michael and Jennifer Garner, Ronald Adams, Erin Cole, Sara and Jason Pyle, Lauren and Soji Adesanwo, Nathan and Katherine Cole, Amelia and Scott Mason, and Benjamin and Jessica Cole; and her many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and the hundreds of children who she loved and invested in at church and around the state of Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her brothers-in-law, Bill Garner and George Bowden; her parents, Homer and Dora Jones; and her stepfather Tom Cowan.

Services for Rosey will be at Red Oak First Baptist Church on Tuesday, June 2, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Red Oak library or the Red Oak cemetery by sending your donations to PO Box 511, Red Oak, OK 74563.

Joe Dean James

In Memory of Joe James

Joe Dean James, 67, passed away in Wilburton, Oklahoma surrounded by the love of his family. Joe was born on April 30, 1959, to Johnny and Norma James. On July 10, 1979, he married the love of his life, Paula James, and together they built a life centered around family, hard work, and love.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished every moment spent with his family. He especially loved hunting and fishing with his sons and, after retirement, spent much of his time proudly following his grandchildren to ball fields and basketball courts.

Joe worked for Dillard and Sons Construction for 16 years before beginning a 22-year career with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. He retired in 2021. Joe was known as a hardworking man who believed in the value of an honest day’s work, a lesson he passed down to his sons.

He is survived by his wife, Paula James, of the home; his sons, Kyle Moody and wife Crystal of Kiowa, Jesse James and Jessica of Wilburton, and Isaac James and wife Jackie of LeFlore. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Bryce James and wife Murron, Makinsie Pebley, Gage James, Hunter James, Reese James, and Joleigh James.

Joe is also survived by his brothers, Johnny Frank James and wife Judy of Hartshorne, and Jacky Wilkett of Wilburton; his sisters, Betty Sartor and husband Junior of Poteau, Linda Cohen of Hartshorne, and Stacie James of Poteau; his mother-in-law, Mary Laudermilk of Hartshorne; and several special nieces and nephews including Justin and Catrina Wilkett and their daughter Jayce, Johnny and Christie Wilkett, and Jackson and Cassidy Wilkett.

Joe also shared a special friendship with Brian and Lori Ryles of Red Oak.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Norma James; his fathers-in-law, Buddy Laudermilk and Paul Moody; his niece, Kim Wilkett; his great-nephew, Dillon Wilkett, and nephew Naconna Bennett.

Joe will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, deep love for his family, and the countless memories made in the outdoors with the people he loved most. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Memorial services for Joe will be held at the Choctaw Nation Community Center in Wilburton on May 23, 2026 at 10:00 am.

Amibeth Susanne Brogden

In Memory of Amibeth Brogden

Amibeth Susanne Brogden was born on August 4, 1977 in Seattle, Washington. She passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Amibeth was a lively, loving soul whose warmth and vibrant personality touched countless lives. She lived a full and varied life, from being a child gymnast to working for U.S. Customs in London, England. She also spent time as a movie extra, homemaker, and devoted mother; not only to her own children, but to many others she welcomed and cared for along the way. Amibeth had a gift for bringing people together, often holding court around the table with stories, laughter, and unforgettable conversation. She never met a stranger and made lasting impressions on nearly everyone she encountered.

She is survived by her husband, William Brogden of Hinton, Oklahoma; her father, Terry Wilson, mother, Trisha Wilson, and brother, Matthew Wilson, all of Wilburton, Oklahoma; her sons, Tyler Luster of Hinton, Oklahoma, and Tristen Luster of Wilburton, Oklahoma; nieces, Jackie Wilson of New Waverly, Texas, Heather Wilson, and Hailey Endres; nephew, Hunter Endres; great-nieces, Averi Wilson and Allie Norrid; and great-great-nephew, Kowen Yarbrough, all of Trenton, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Toni Wilson, and her husband, Adam Luster.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

Phil A. Gwin

In Memory of Phil Gwin

Phil A. Gwin, 81, passed away on May 1, 2026. Born in 1944 in LeFlore, Oklahoma, he was the son of Jess and Wilma Bristow (Merton) Gwin. Phil was the oldest boy among nine siblings and was raised with the values of hard work and resilience.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sibling: Kenneth, Bruce, Ellen, Helen and her twin sister, Agnes, who passed away at birth.

Phil attended LeFlore High School where he enjoyed playing basketball. Over the years, he worked many trades and wore many hats. He spent 19 years working at Rocky Flats and also worked in construction, cattle, horses, and alfalfa. Phil never shied away from hard work and spent his life doing whatever needed to be done to provide for those he loved. He was a provider, entrepreneur, and survivor in every sense of the word.

Phil loved the outdoors and found joy in fishing, hunting, and spending time in outdoors. Although Oklahoma was always home, he felt a deep connection to the mountains of Colorado. He also enjoyed gathering around a domino table with family and friends, where laughter and stories were always shared. To those who knew him best, Phil was a real-life “John Wayne”. He truly was the last of his kind.

He is survived by his companion of six years, Alice Folsom; his children, Teresa Gwin (Yobany Marquez), Terry Montgomery (Debbie), Tova Lile (John), Denise Gritton (Orbrey), and Penelope King (Brian); Alice’s children, Kimberly Lane (Richard), Jeromy Storment, and Kristina Little (Kenneth); his siblings, Robert Gwin (Regina), Mary Roybal, Rita Gwin (Johnny Bales); along with sisters-in-law, Bobbie Gwin and Renata Gwin.

Phil also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends who will deeply miss him.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Baldwin Cemetery with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating.

Pallbearers will be Orbrey Gritton, Brian King, Robert Gwin, Elden Gwin, Jack Long, and Johnny Bales.

Laverne “L. J.” Howe

In Memory of Laverne “L. J.” Howe

Laverne “L. J.” Howe, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on April 18, 2026, at his home in Red Oak. He was born on December 2, 1941, in Lawler, Iowa. L. J. was truly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

L. J. married the love of his life, Norma, on April 9, 1966, in Killeen, Texas. He often said it was love at first sight when he first saw her, and together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army for 21 years, retiring in 1984. Following his military service, L. J. worked various jobs before fully retiring in 2004.

L. J. was a man who cherished his family above all else. He was incredibly proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and found great joy in each of them—even when distance made visits difficult. He had a great sense of humor and was known for his ability to fix just about anything, especially vehicles, and for his talent in building things. He also loved sharing stories from his younger years, including his well-remembered high school prank of moving an outhouse several feet one foggy night.

He is survived by his loving wife, Norma Howe, of the home; sons, Bryan Howe of Red Oak and Darren Howe and wife Valerie of North Adams, Massachusetts; daughter, Kathy Howe of Red Oak; sister, Eileen Wander of South Elgin, Illinois; brothers, Duane Howe of Galesville, Wisconsin, Eugene Howe of New Lisbon, Wisconsin, Kenneth Howe of Springhill, Florida, Vincent Howe of Galesville, Wisconsin, and Larry Howe of Hayward, Wisconsin; along with six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Esther Howe, and his brothers, Robert Howe and Gregory Howe.

Pallbearers will be Bryan Howe, Nick Hill, George Hawthorne, Rusty Hill, Richard Hill, and James Ellison.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, at Baldwin Cemetery under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

L. J.’s life was one of dedication to his country, his family, and the simple joys that made life meaningful. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Wanda June Winton

In Memory of Wanda June Winton

Wanda June Winton, age 94, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, passed away on April 8, 2026. She was born on October 23, 1931, in Wilburton, Oklahoma, to Harvey and Georgia Pate.

June lived a long and meaningful life rooted in family, friendship, and community. She will be remembered for her kind spirit, enduring strength, and the many relationships she cherished throughout her life.

She is survived by her brother, Raymond Pate and wife Joyce of Krebs, Oklahoma; her sister, Rosa Foster and husband Mickey of Fort Worth, Texas; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Georgia Pate; her sister, Billy Sue Knox; and her brother, Harvey O’Neal Pate.

The last five years of June’s life were spent at Tidwell Living Center, where she was cared for with exceptional kindness and compassion. She formed many meaningful friendships there and was truly treated like family. It was a place of comfort, dignity, and love, and her family is deeply grateful for the care she received.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Doug Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Lutie Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Visitation will be held prior to the service on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers will be the past employees of Kiamichi Electric, in recognition of the connections and friendships she built over the years.

June’s life was a testament to the value of kindness, connection, and community. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Judith Bornheim

In Memory of Judith Bornheim

Judith Bornheim was born on April 24, 1949, in Astoria, Oregon, to Fred Johns and Evelyn Bales. She passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

At the age of 14, Judith moved to Bengal, Oklahoma, where she built a life filled with love, family, and lasting friendships. On June 9, 1982, she married the love of her life, Jimmie Bornheim. Together, they shared 44 wonderful years of marriage. Judith made her home in McAlester, Oklahoma, where she continued to cherish time with her family.

Judith is survived by her devoted husband, Jimmie Bornheim; her sons, JR and Sonja Donoley of Wilburton, Oklahoma, and Scott Bornheim of Iowa Falls, Iowa. She was a proud grandmother to Bill (TJ) and Brooke Donoley of Guthrie, Oklahoma; Hunter and Maggie Donoley of McAlester, Oklahoma; Cody Donoley of Wilburton, Oklahoma; Chet and Hayleigh Donoley of Wilburton, Oklahoma; Jason and Liliann Young of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Jordan and Jeffery Neering of Hartshorne, Oklahoma; Braxton Bornheim of Iowa Falls, Iowa; Colt Bornheim of Laurel, Iowa; and Delaney Bornheim of Laurel, Iowa.

She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Pepper Donoley of Guthrie, Oklahoma; Tinley Young and Langston Young of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Hartley Jo Neering of Hartshorne, Oklahoma.

Judith is further survived by her siblings, Terry and Debbie Johns of Wilburton, Oklahoma, and Pam Nowell and Mike Hale of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; daughter-in-law, Diane Donoley of Wilburton, Oklahoma; brothers-in-law, Carl and Becky Bornheim of Krebs, Oklahoma, and Bruce and Lori Bornheim of Alderson, Oklahoma; along with numerous extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Johns and Evelyn Bales; her stepfather, Lance Bales; her beloved son, Tiger Donoley; her brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Becky Johns; her brother-in-law, Ronnie Nowell; her father- and mother-in-law, Jimmie and Betty Bornheim; her sister-in-law, RoseMary Carruthers; and her nephew and niece, Robert and Kitsy Johns.

Viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30, 2026 at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

A service honoring Judith’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Willard Francis officiating. Burial will follow at Peachland Cemetery in Bengal, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be Cody Donoley, Chet Donoley, Bell (TJ) Donoley, Hunter Donoley, Jason Young, and Roberto Julian.

Judith will be remembered for her deep love of family, her strength, and the lasting impact she made on all who knew her. Her memory will be treasured always.

Mary Ernestine Brown

In Memory of Mary Ernestine Brown

Mary Ernestine Stapleton Brown, the first-born child of John and Louise Stapleton, was born on September 13, 1941, in Yuma, Arizona, just three months before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Two years later, when her father was drafted into the Navy, she moved with her mother to her grandparents’ farm near Jarrell, Texas. Even as a toddler, Mary’s spirited personality shone through—at just two years old, she caught and tried to pluck a live chicken so her grandmother would cook fried chicken.

After the war, Mary moved with her family to Barlow, Kentucky, where she attended first grade. She often followed her father to the mines where he worked, playing nearby in the tailings. After the birth of her sister, LaVerne, the family returned to Yuma, Arizona, where Mary lived until the age of fifteen. During those years, her family enjoyed camping and prospecting, creating memories she carried throughout her life.

Mary met David Luther Brown while visiting relatives, and at the age of fifteen, the two eloped and were married in Las Vegas, Nevada. They made their home in Plainview, Texas, where they were blessed with five children, one of whom passed in infancy. In 1969, the family moved to a farm near Red Oak, Oklahoma, where they welcomed three more children.

Mary was a devoted homemaker who poured her love into caring for her family. She prepared large meals, sewed clothing for her children, and created a warm and welcoming home. The family attended Cedars Church of Christ and later Red Oak Assembly of God, where Mary was known for helping make peanut brittle for the church’s Fall Festival.

Mary had many talents and interests. She loved cooking, embroidery, sewing, and painting. A woman of strong faith, she spent time reading and studying her Bible. She also enjoyed flowers, learning about edible and medicinal wild plants, working puzzles, and completing word searches.

After the passing of her husband at the age of sixty-four, Mary showed her strength and independence by obtaining her driver’s license at sixty-five. She briefly worked at a restaurant in Wilburton, Oklahoma, and later at the Red Oak Library. In 2012, she moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma, to be closer to her youngest daughter who had twins. While there, she attended Temple Baptist Church and was active in the senior adult program. In 2020, she moved to Seminole, Oklahoma, where she attended First Baptist Church of Seminole.

Mary deeply loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was especially excited about becoming a great-great-grandmother. One of her final wishes was to speak with each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren before departing this life on March 24, 2026.

She is survived by her children, Laura Blakemore of Osawatomie, KS; Marcella and Tommy Williams of Fanshawe, OK; John and Joyce Brown of Sallisaw, OK; Anna Wyatt of Norman, OK; David Brown Jr. of Red Oak, OK; and Alice and Cheyenne Allison of Seminole, OK; her sister, Flora LaVerne Goodwin of Phoenix, AZ; 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way, and 3 great-great-grandchildren with one on the way; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, David Brown; her parents, John and Louise Stapleton; her sisters, Janie Bell and Lacy Nell Stapleton; her daughters, Leona Brown and LaVerne Brown; and her grandchildren, Melissa Celia and Mike Hoel.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Don Stelzer. Burial will follow at Cedars Cemetery in Red Oak, Oklahoma. Pallbearers will be Tommy Williams, Cheyenne Allison, David Williams, Matthew Williams, James Williams, and Jesse Wyatt. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

James “Jimmy” Henry Sutmiller

James “Jimmy” Henry Sutmiller, born January 4, 1943, in Wilburton, Oklahoma to Herman and Thelma (Wilkett) Sutmiller, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 2, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Jim attended Lutie Elementary School and later Panola High School, graduating with the Class of 1960. After graduation, he began working in the oil fields, traveling across Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, and Alaska. He spent many years working on Prudhoe Bay and the Kuparuk oil fields in Alaska before retiring from the oilfield in 1999.

Jim loved sharing his oilfield stories with anyone who would listen, because he truly never met a stranger. Even through many years of pain, he always managed to tell a story, crack a joke, and bring a smile to those around him.

Jim was a man of faith who was raised in a strong Christian home. Although he did not attend church regularly, he believed deeply in the Lord Almighty. Many mornings were spent at the kitchen table reading his Bible while enjoying a cup of coffee.

He enjoyed watching classic westerns such as Gunsmoke, Yellowstone, and Wagon Train, along with sci-fi movies and Oklahoma City Thunder basketball. One of Jim’s greatest passions was riding his motorcycle. In the summer of 1999, he and his wife Kathy made a memorable motorcycle trip from Alaska all the way to Oklahoma.

Jim loved country music, especially the song “The Dance” by Garth Brooks, which was his favorite. He also had a creative spirit and enjoyed writing songs and poetry for family and friends. One of his most treasured writings was a beautiful Mother’s Day poem he wrote for his mother.

He loved spending time outdoors, whether fishing in a pond, lake, or chartering a boat in Alaska. He also enjoyed hunting moose and caribou. Jim had a playful and mischievous side as well. In his younger years, he and his cousin Johnny once rode their horses through the school building,  a story that never failed to bring a laugh.

Jim married the love of his life, Kathy Brown, on November 1, 1978, in Anchorage, Alaska. Although married, they spent the first thirteen years of their marriage apart, with Jim working in Alaska’s oil fields while Kathy taught school in Oklahoma. It was truly a testament to the strength of their love.

Jim affectionately called Kathy “Mama,” and she lovingly called him her “Sugarbear.” Together they shared 47 precious years of marriage.

Early in their marriage, they lived in Yukon, Oklahoma for fifteen years. But Alaska continued to call them back. In the summer of 1991, they moved to Wasilla, Alaska, where they made their home for the next twenty-nine years. After retirement, they returned to Oklahoma in May 2020 to be closer to family and settled in Mustang, Oklahoma.

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Raney; his parents, Herman and Thelma Sutmiller; sisters Louise Gregory, Pat Arthurs, Kaye Bragg, and infant sisters Yvonne and Betty; and brothers Bill Sutmiller and Joe Sutmiller.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Kathy Sutmiller of the home; daughter Sandy Tomlinson of Wilburton; son Brad Sutmiller of Wilburton; stepson Stacy Brown of Oklahoma City; granddaughters April and Krystal Tomlinson of Wilburton; great-granddaughter Kylie Lalli of Wilburton; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jim will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Waldrop Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at Center Point Cemetery.