Loretta Mae Wood

In Memory of Loretta Mae Wood

Loretta Mae Wood passed from this life on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Tidwell Living Center. She was born on August 21, 1946 to Raymond Lester Kennedy and Lucille Juanita Kennedy in Wilburton, Oklahoma. She graduated high school in Stanton, Texas in 1964.

Throughout her life, Loretta held a variety of occupations, including sewing machine operator, bookkeeper, and waitress. She loved sharing stories of her waitressing adventures while working at Herman’s Steak House, which are still a great source of laughter for her family and friends. Later in life, Loretta served as Human Resource Supervisor for Country Style Home Health, where she retired at the age of 72.

Loretta will be best remembered for her unwavering faith and love. Through all of life’s challenges, she remained steadfast in her relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a devoted prayer warrior, praying continuously for her family, friends, and even strangers.

Years ago, Loretta taught Sunday School at Son Shine Fellowship Church then later became a member of Old Glory Church. Most recently, she attended The River Church with several family members and cherished every opportunity to worship there.

Her hobbies included reading books, working crossword puzzles, and collecting stamps.

Loretta is preceded in death by her loving husband, Roger Wood; her parents, Raymond and Lucille Kennedy; and her brother, Roger Dale Kennedy.

She is survived by her five children: David Stewart and wife Teresa of Sherman, Texas;

Lawrence Wood and wife Beth of Wilburton; Gary Wood of Wilburton; Loretta Tohkubbi and husband Wayne of McAlester; and Juanita Johnson and husband Rocky of Wilburton. She also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were deeply loved and brought her great joy.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the River Church in Wilburton, Oklahoma. Arrangements have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

Mary Ellen Ganger

In Memory of Mary Ellen Ganger

Mary Ellen Ganger, 74, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Mary had been a resident of the Spanish American War Veterans Colony for the past 18 years, a place she proudly called home. She was a dedicated member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 145 for 16 years, an organization that held a special place in her heart.

She is survived by her children:

Sons: Caleb Ganger of the home; Dallas Knight and Vicki Levett of McAlester; and Sam Samples and Charlotte Smith of Cashion, OK.

Daughters: Tami Goldman of Shawnee, OK; Christy and her wife Michelle Ware of Eugene, Oregon; and Casey Ganger and Keith Porter of Cushing, OK.

She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eugene; her parents, Oliver and Belva Williams; and her brothers, Willie Williams and Jimmie Williams.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Foster Hall, located at the USWV Colony, 831 S.E. 172nd St., Wilburton, OK.

She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Harvey Wayne McGee

In Memory of Harvey Wayne McGee

Harvey Wayne McGee, 64, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at McAlester Regional Hospital.

Harvey was born on July 30, 1961, to Eugene and Nelda (Guthrie) McGee in Talihina, Oklahoma.

No formal services will be held at this time. Arrangements are under the care of Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Cleona (Toni) Thornton

In Memory of Toni Thornton

Cleona (Toni) Thornton, 82, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on August 28, 2025 in Fort

Smith, Arkansas. 

Cleona (Toni) Thornton was born on April 10, 1943 in Toronto, Kansas to Harry Guy and Laura Cleona Garrison. She grew up in Kansas and Oklahoma and later settled in the Wilburton area with her family. 

Toni will be remembered for her love of missions and faithful service to her church, Calvary Baptist in Wilburton. She loved her family, especially supporting her grandkids. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, crafting, sewing, and telling others about the love of Christ. 

Toni is survived by her daughters, Yvette & Joe Bray and LaDonna & Paul Enis; her son, Stephen Thornton & Lindsey Jones; her grandchildren: Ryan & Justin Enis, TJ Bray & Natassia Zink, Andrew Enis, Emily & Derek Vetter, Taylor & Anna Bray, Stevie Thornton, and Spencer & Miranda Bray. Her legacy will continue through her nine great-grandchildren: Carson, Hadlee, Rozlynn, Calhan, Finley, Myles, Maeva, Lana, and Norah. She is also survived by her sister, Laura Shepherd; along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, James Thornton; her daughter, Mary Yvonne Thornton; her granddaughters, Amanda Bray and Stephanie Enis; her great-granddaughter, Ryleigh Enis; her parents, Harry and Laura Garrison, and her brothers, Paul, Don, Jim, Leonard, and Bob.  

The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4 at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel.

A service celebrating Toni’s life will be held on Friday, September 5, at 11am at Calvary Baptist Church in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Willard Francis officiating. Interment will follow at Lutie Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather and honor her memory.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Enis, TJ Bray, Andrew Enis, Emily Vetter, Taylor Bray, Stevie Thornton, and Spencer Bray.

Toni was a blessing to all who knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed by so many. Toni was a blessing to all who knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed by so many.

Connie “Flo” DeBord-Knight

In loving Memory

Connie “Flo” DeBord-Knight born July 31, 1943 in Ardmore, Oklahoma passed away peacefully at home following an extended illness on August 11, 2025 at the age of 82 years 1 week and 4 days. 

     Flo married the love of her, the late LA Knight, September 29,1990 in Wilburton, Oklahoma. Flo was a devoted wife and homemaker. 

    She was a loving mother to Charles Wesley “Chuck” Seymour Jr, Teresa Lynn, the late Ruby Ann Alton, and the late Chance Wesley Knight whom her and LA adopted after their daughter passed away. 

    Flo gave her life to God while attending SonShine Fellowship Church of Wilburton. While there, Flo became a dedicated Sunday School teacher until she retired. Later in life Flo faithfully attended Wilburton First Assembly of God church as long as she was able including virtual services after she was unable to leave home. Numerous kids grew up referring to her as “Mama Flo” because of her loving and nurturing nature. 

     Flo was preceded in death by her father, Wesley Brooks DeBord; her mother, Ruby Foster DeBord; her husband, LA Knight; her 4 brothers, Wesley Albert DeBord, Donald Eugene DeBord, Wesley Earnest DeBord, and Junior Clyde DeBord; her 3 sisters, Ruby Lou DeBord, Margaret Ann DeBord-Redmon, and Audie Jeanette DeBord-Gentry; her daughter, Ruby Ann Alton; her adopted son, Chance Wesley Knight; and granddaughter, Brandi Brooks Mize. 

     Flo is survived by her son, Charles “Chuck” Seymour Jr and wife Pam of Lone Grove, OK; her daughter, Teresa Lynn of the home; a brother, Jimmie Leroy DeBord and wife Melissa of Lone Grove, OK; grandchildren, Amy and husband Nicky Shrum of Wilburton, OK, James “Deuce” Bish II and fiancée Hope Lewis of Wilburton, OK, Charles “Trey” Seymour III and fiancée Sheree Lewis of Moore, OK, Candice and husband Joe Potter of Ardmore, OK, Mandy Seymour of Ardmore, OK, Emily Seymour of Ardmore, OK, Angela Morrow of Lone Grove, OK, and Jessica Morrow of Lone Grove, OK; along with numerous great grandchildren including Zoe and Matthew Hicke who had helped take care of her in later years. 

James “Deuce” Bish II, Matthew Hicke, Nicky Shrum, Lane Goodsell, Jon Davoult, and Wade Paxton Sr. will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Greg Houston, Charles “Chuck” Seymour Jr, Marlin Zaste, Steven Yandell, Charles “Trey” Seymour III, and Joe Potter. 

     A viewing will be held Friday, August 15, 2025 from 1:00-2:00p.m. for family only and 2:00-6:00 p.m. for friends at Waldrop Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday August 16, 2025 10:00 a.m. at Wilburton First Assembly of God with Reverend C. Lynn Bullard officiating. The burial will follow at Leflore cemetery.

Steve Bernardi

In Memory of Steve Bernardi

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Steve Bernardi, who died peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the age of 88. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather.

Steve graduated from Hartshorne High School in 1955 and attended various colleges and universities. Most of his life was spent working at the Pittsburg County Water Authority. He helped construct the building in which the water plant still stands today. Later, Steve transitioned to working at the Army Ammunition Plant. He maintained the quality of the drinking water both for Pittsburg County and the Army Ammunition Plant. Prior to working in Oklahoma he worked in California and New Mexico.

Steve was a man of many talents.  He loved to negotiate for a new car, usually getting the best of the salesman. While working a full-time job, Steve also maintained a herd of cattle. Working cattle with Steve was always interesting, especially when he had the help of his three daughters, Dawn Anna, Janice, and Cynthia. He was the ultimate girl dad before “girl dad” was a thing.

Steve and his wife, Norma, stayed very active during their 62 years of marriage. They enjoyed dancing at the VFW, traveling, working out, and taking many trips to Carlsbad, New Mexico, the place where their love story began. 

Steve spent his life surrounded by a loving family and many friends, never meeting a stranger. He always had a smile and something positive to say to everyone he met. He is survived by his wife, Norma; children, Janice Weaver and Cynthia Valenzuela. He also leaves behind five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Dawn Anna Nightengale; five brothers, Johnny, George, Clifford, Ray, and Roy Bernardi; his parents, John and Nellie Bernardi; along with various other family members.

The family will be receiving visitors Monday, Aug 11, 2025 at Adamson Baptist Church, located on Adamson Road, from 5pm to 7pm.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025 at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, 290 NW Church Street, Krebs, OK.  

Pallbearers are Brian Weaver, Shay Calvert, Kyle Bernardi, Tobe Irwin, Jeff Irwin, and Randy Irwin. Honorary Pallbearers are Jimmy Weaver, Joe Benedict, Frank Bernardi, Thomas Irwin, and Mickey Nolan.

Virigina Marie Willhite-Crotzer

In Memory of Virginia Willhite-Crotzer

Virigina Marie Willhite-Crotzer, age 59, of Wister, Oklahoma passed away on August 3, 2025.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. Her love and laughter will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply; her husband, Jeffery Crozter of Wister, Oklahoma; her father and stepmother, Harold Jackson Jordan and Linda Lee Jordan of Wister, Oklahoma; her brothers, John Paul Jordan of Roland, Oklahoma and William Jake Jordan of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and her stepsister, Cynthia Renee Allen of New Orleans, Louisiana. She is also survived by her children, T.C. Willhite of Mountainburg, Arkansas, Christopher David Willhite and wife Telena Willhite of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Allen Michael Willhite of Clarksville, Arkansas; her grandchildren, Raven Virigina Willhite of Fort Smith, Arkansas, London Hazel Willhite of Poteau, Oklahoma, Xander Willhite of Van Buren, Arkansas, and Anthony Willhite of Clarksville, Arkansas; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Virginia is preceded in death by her mother, Elsie Jordan; brother, Harold “Dennis”; Jordan III; sister, Kathryn Jordan; and grandmother, Lorainne Baker.

A memorial service will be held by her family on August 16, 2025. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

Billy Daryl Fazekas

Bill Fazekas

(September 28, 1941 - July 6, 2025)

Billy Daryl Fazekas, 83, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Viewing and Visitation will be on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton. Funeral services are set for 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Highbridge Baptist Church in Wilburton with Rev. Larry Mays and Rev. Doug Miller officiating. Burial will follow Highbridge Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Dusty Fazekas, Dylan Fazekas, Dalton Fazekas, Dayson Fazekas, Daylon Fazekas, Bruce Douglas, Robert Thompson, and Luke Underwood. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Bruton and Kenny Doshier.

Bill was born on September 28, 1941 in Wilburton, Oklahoma to Johnny and Lavon (Boddy) Fazekas. He worked as a band and history teacher at Wilburton Public Schools for 32 years. Later, he spent 25 years driving a van for Ki Bois Community Action, with people around town calling him “the Ki Bois man”.

Bill was a dedicated member of Highbridge Church and deeply loved the community of Wilburton. He touched the lives of many with his kind spirit and ever-present smile.

Bill is survived by his nephew, Frankie Fazekas and wife, Chandra; his nephew, Jonathan Fazekas and wife, Sarah; and his niece, Lori Douglas and husband, Bruce. He is also survived by 5 great nephews, 2 great nieces, 1 great-great nephew, and 3 great-great nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Lavon Fazekas; his brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Marolyn Fazekas; and his baby sister, Sharon Fazekas.

Reno Starr Alton

Reno Starr Alton

(February 10, 1966 – June 22, 2025)

Reno Starr Alton, 59, passed away June 22, 2025, at the age of 59. A longtime resident of Wilburton, Oklahoma, Reno was born February 10, 1966, in Williston, North Dakota. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Melissa Junell officiating. Interment will follow at Damon Valley Cemetery under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Ryver Muse, Kirk Muse, Cassey Taylor, Larry Knight, Dylan Cantrell Shelton, and Dakota Cantrell will serve as pallbearers. Honorary bearers are Pete Owens, Robert Prater, Marlin Zaste, Jim Dukes, Jimmy Dukes, Davis Pulis, and Rick McCormick.

Reno served in the United States Air Force from 1985 to 1993 as a Jet Engine Mechanic. After the Air Force, he worked in the Oil Field most of his life, eventually moving to a Safety job. Later he worked for several years as a truck driver for PGT.

Reno loved spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids. He loved reading army books and preferred the company of his dog, Buddy, to most people.

Reno is survived by his wife, Wanda Alton of the home; daughter, Trelanda Muse and husband Kirk of Wilburton; and son, Jeremy McCormick of Wilburton. He was the grandfather of three grandchildren: Ryver Muse, Ruger McCormick, and Ronan Muse. He is also survived by his beloved pet, Buddy; brother, Marlin Zaste of Wilburton; sister, Summer Mills of Utah; in-laws, Sybil and Jim Dukes of LeFlore, Barbara and Robert Prater of Checotah, Rick McCormick of Wilburton, David and Terri Pulis of Mannsville, Oklahoma, and Jerry and Julie McCormick of Anadarko, Oklahoma; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Bonnie Knight; his brother, David; and his sister, Swanee.

Rickie Hunnicutt

In Memory of Rickie Hunnicutt

Rickie Hunnicutt was born on September 27, 1956, and passed away at his home on June 6, 2025.

He is survived by his daughter Gina and her husband Ted Daniels of Quinlan, TX; his son Jeremy Hunnicutt of Wilburton, OK; and his daughter Brandy and her husband Cameron Ballantine, also of Wilburton, OK. He is also survived by his grandson Carl Ballantine, his brother Robert Hunnicutt of Wilburton, OK, and many nieces and nephews.

His greatest joy was spending time with his grandson Carl. Rickie was a loving father, brother, and grandfather who will be missed immensely.

The family will hold a private ceremony at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.