William (Red) Musgrave

In Memory of William (Red) Musgrave

An amazing man, William (Red) Musgrave was loved by so many. Even though he will be greatly missed, anyone who knew him knows he was ready to be with his wife, Francis, again. He also said himself that he had lived a great, full life. This is still a sad time, but he is happy and celebrating with pride for all he has accomplished.

William went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 10th, 2024 at the young age of 92. Born to D.D. and Othel Musgrave on April 17, 1931 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Othel Musgrave; father, D.D. Musgrave; wife, Frances Musgrave; brother, Victor Musgrave; son, Larry Musgrave, and great-great granddaughter, Tynlee O’Hern.

William is survived by his son, Howard and wife Betty Musgrave of Kingston, Oklahoma; daughter, Teri and husband J.D. Holt of Wilburton; daughter, Teresa and husband Robert Ketcher of Wilburton; and daughter, Sheri Rodriguez of Wilburton. He is also survived by 2 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, 9 great grandsons, 4 great granddaughters, 2 great-great grandsons, and 4 great-great granddaughters.

Viewing will be from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Damon Valley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his great grandsons.

Bobby Cecil Lay

In Memory of Bobby Lay

Bobby Cecil Lay, age 71, passed from this life on earth on January 30, 2024 at his home in

Mcloud, Oklahoma surrounded by his loved ones.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at Gowen/Cambria Community Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Rick Storms officiating. The service is under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Chance Lay, Darrick Storms, Dustin Beckett, Matt Williams, Clark Boling, and David Demontigny.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Donnie Lay Sr, Don Lay, Ronnie Lay, Steven Lay, Gary Lay, Mike McCool, and Donnie Lay Jr.

Bobby was born in Henryetta, Oklahoma on November 8, 1952 to Cecil and Thelma (Wilson) Lay. He married the love of his life Shali (Dollins) Lay on October 27, 1984. They later went on to have two children, Chelsea and Chance Lay.

He spent his working days as a fence contractor and continued building fences up until he had his stroke in 2013. Even then he still went on the job with his son, Chance and his brother,

Donnie and made sure to supervise to insure they were getting things done to his satisfaction.

Bobby was a man who loved his family and the outdoors. If he wasn't fishing tournaments with his wife, Shali or nephew, Mike he was working or spending time with his family.

He is survived by the love of his life Shali, Daughter Chelsea Lay and fiancé Darrick, Son Chance Lay and 4 wonderful grandchildren Payslynn, Lakeley, Cash and Rallee. Bobby is also survived by his brother Donnie Lay and wife Pat of Mcloud, OK, Don Lay and wife Sue of Arkoma, OK, Ronnie Lay of Wilburton, OK and two sisters Betty Trench and husband Matt of Moore, OK, Wanda Ryan and husband Jim of Leflore, OK. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other close family members.

Preceding him in death are his parents Cecil and Thelma Lay, His sisters Sue Toy and JoAn

Bond, and his Brother Monroe Lay. He is also preceded in death by his father in law and several

other family members.

Willa Joy Ruth

In Memory of Willa Ruth

Willa Joy Ruth, 89, peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at her home at the V.F.W. home sites.

Willa was a life member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary. She had been a member for 62 years and enjoyed being involved.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald; her sons, Melvin Herschberger and wife, Kathy of Russell Springs, Kansas, Monty Herschberger and wife, Phyllis of Poteau, Oklahoma, Linden Herschberger and wife, Morine of Erie, Colorado, and Tom Herschberger and wife, Linda of Blue Earth, Minnesota; along with her sister, Jessie May Shawver of Cleburne, Texas. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Willa is preceded in death by her parents, Bill Brown and Alta May Brown; daughter, Donetta Payson; sister, Wilda Weber; and brother, Bill Brown all of Kansas.

A memorial service with family and friends will be held at a later date in her childhood home of Russell Springs, Kansas. Arrangements have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

Danny Lee Mikels

Danny Lee Mikels was born April 4th, 1967, to Charlotte Wright Mikels in Lynchburg, VA and departed from this life January 28th, 2024 in Chickasha, OK at the age of 56.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating. The burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Richard Massey, Mathew McGinnis, Kevin Morman, Glenn Flener, Bryan Flener, and Daniel Flener.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Chris Clawson, Sean Stidham, Ezequiel (Chink) Buenrostro, and the crew of rig 548.

Danny attended Rustburg High-school in 1985 then went on to the Army Reserves. He moved to North Carolina where he met his wife, Tammy. Danny and Tammy were married December 13th, 1995 and were married for 28 years. Shortly after, they moved to Oklahoma. Danny worked for Glenn’s Automotive for 10 years before going to work in the oilfield for 16 years.

Danny lived life to the fullest and was always happy. He was a loving man that loved his family dearly. Danny loved to spend time with his grandkids more than anything. Danny enjoyed teaching his granddaughter how to fish, shoot, drive, and to become the person she is today. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends. He would help anyone he could without any questions. Danny was loved by everyone he met.

Danny is survived by the love of his life, Tammy Mikels; daughter: Christa Morman and husband, Kevin Morman: Son: Richard Bradley Massey and fiancé, Lindsay Williams; Grandchildren: Danni Faye, Cayde Massey, Kenneth Morman, Danni Massey, Kaydance Morman, Chance Nichols, Chris Morman, and Emily Williams; Mother: Charlotte Wright Mikels; Mother-in-law: Jeanette Pugh; Sisters: Donna Adcock and Anna Marie Mikels; Sister-in-law: Tracy McGinnis; nieces: Amy Mikels, Kelly McGinnis, and Calie Floyd; nephews: Mathew McGinnis, Michael Morrison, Joseph Morrison, and Jacob Danos; several close relatives, friends, and his loving dog, Bindi.

Danny was proceeded in death by his grandfather: Rasworth Wright; Grandmother: Alice Wright; Father-in-law: Kenneth Pugh; and sister-in-law: Terry Morrison.

Martha Ann Clawson

In Memory of Martha Ann Clawson

Martha Ann Clawson, 81, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away at her home on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Willard Francis officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Toby Clawson, Colby Clawson, Jimmy Clawson, Brian Davidson, Shelby Hollan, Greg Reed, Michael Southard, and Jesse Southard.

Martha was born on October 4, 1942 in Bengal, Oklahoma to Alfred and Louise (Pace) Owens. She married Thomas Clawson on March 18, 1963.

Martha worked and retired from Robbers Cave State Park as a housekeeper. She enjoyed crocheting, fishing, hunting, and spending as much time as possible with family.

She is survived by her children: Thomas Clawson Jr. and wife, Sheryl, Lorisa Johnson, Katrina Calvin and husband, Johnny, and Codie Ann Clawson and husband, Delbert; grandchildren: Jennifer Clawson, Jessica Clawson, Thomas Clawson III, Crystal Widger and husband, David, Michael Southard and wife, Emily, Jesse Southard and wife, Junghyeon, Levi, Josef, Shelby, and Angel and husband, Matthew; great-grandchildren: Toby, Colby, Jenna, JP, Saxon, Trenton, Temperance, Kayden, Domanic, Ayla, fur baby Dubu, Makayla, Malani, and Joseph; her sister-in-law: Marie Owens; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Martha is preceded in death by her husband: Thomas Clawson Sr.; her parents: Alfred and Louise Owens; brothers: James Owens and Ricky Owens; great-granddaughter: Jayme Ray Clawson; and sons-in-law: Charles Southand and Lawrence Johnson.

Billie Sue Houston

Billie Sue Houston, age 59 years, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, passed away in her home with her beloved husband and daughter by her side on Friday, January 19, 2024 after a battle with metastatic cancer.

Billie was born on September 2nd, 1964 to Billy Wayne & Martilla Saulsberry in Anchorage, Alaska. She grew up loving horseback riding, cruising the strip with her friends, and graduated from Service High School in 1982. In 1986, she gave birth to her only child, Tiffany Ketchel. Billie & Tiffany were inseparable through the years to follow, and she put her whole heart into being a fun, loving, and supportive mother.

In 1991, Billie met Clarence Houston in Greenwood, Arkansas. Billie & Clarence fell in love and married in 1992. After a few years in Arkansas, Billie & Clarence moved to Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma where they spent the next 20+ years raising Tiffany and running their own businesses. Billie was a longtime member of Keys Baptist Church in Keys, OK, and enjoyed a spiritual closeness with the Lord. In 2019, Billie & Clarence moved briefly to Spring Branch, Texas, so that she could be closer to her daughter and her grandson, Robert. After four years in Texas, they returned to Clarence’s childhood hometown of Wilburton, OK.

Billie was quick to make close friends at every job she held throughout her career. Holding a degree in accounting from Northeastern State University, Billie worked various accounting roles at manufacturing plants and most recently in the energy sector, a field that she loved as she felt she was carrying on the legacy of her hardworking father who helped build the oil pipeline in Alaska. She kept in touch with many of her work friends over the years, as well as childhood friends dating all the way back to elementary school. She was truly one of the sweetest, kindest, and funniest souls you could ever meet. She had a tender heart for animals, especially her dogs, chickens, and goats. She enjoyed getting outdoors and living the rural life at a slower pace but was always up for an adventure.

Billie is preceded in death by her parents: Bill and Martilla Saulsberry; her brothers: Corbet Smith, Carl Smith and Don Smith; and her sisters: Doris Hern and Jenny Kort. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Lee Houston of Wilburton, OK, her daughter, Tiffany Ketchel, and grandson, Robert Galindo IV, both of San Antonio, TX, and three sisters- Claudene Christian (ID), Linda Barnett (AK), and Pat Saulsberry (OK).

Memorial services will be held at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, OK with visitation on Sunday, January 28 at 1-2 pm for family and 2-4 pm for friends, and a funeral service on Monday, January 29 at 2:00 pm.

John D. Reynolds

In Memory of John Reynolds

John D. Reynolds, 88, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away at his home on Friday, January 19, 2024.

John was born on November 15, 1935 in Eufaula, Oklahoma. He married Helen Stepp in Kingman, Arizona on December 10, 1955.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen Reynolds; sons, Jerry Reynolds of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Lonnie Reynolds of Biloxi, Mississippi; daughters, Karen Stites of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Sharon Thomas of Fayetteville, Arkansas; brother, Chesley Reynolds; sisters, Kelly Reynolds, Delores Thompson, and Alta Thompson; along with 5 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson.

He is preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers.

There will be no formal service at this time. Arrangements entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

Roy Wayne Griffith, D.V.M.

In Memory of Roy Wayne Griffith, D.V.M.

Roy Wayne Griffith, D.V.M., was born March 18, 1934 to Roy C. and Velva Goodson Griffith in McAlester, Oklahoma and departed from this life January 21, 2024 in Wilburton, Oklahoma at the age of 89.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 27, 2024 at Bowers Baptist Church in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Waldrop officiating.

Wayne attended high school in Hartshorne, graduating with the class of 1952. He then attended Oklahoma A & M College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. He was awarded the state office of Junior Master Farmer and the prestigious Robert Kerr Scholarship while attending Oklahoma A & M College. It was in Stillwater that he met and married Carolyn Ann Knowles on Leap Year, February 29, 1956. The couple then attended the University of Idaho where he was granted a fellowship in Animal Nutrition. He went on to graduate from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinarian Medicine in 1962. After graduation, he established his veterinarian medicine practice in Wilburton, practicing for over fifty years in the community and surrounding counties. He was best known as “Doc” and was well respected as a skilled professional by both clients and colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Velva Griffith; sister, Betty Wyatt; and brother, Emmitt Griffith.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children, Dr. Sharon and Tony Little, Kelly and husband Arthur Taylor, Keith and wife Sharon Griffith, and Dr. Kent and Cindy Griffith; grandchildren, Justin Little, Chad Little, Rory Little, Jason Taylor, Jonathan Taylor, Melinda Griffith, Duane Griffith, Kyle Griffith, Kevin Griffith, and Amanda Griffith; great-grandchildren, Emily, Olivia, Ava, Sophia, Noah, Ian, Zoe, Everett, Benjamin, Kenleigh, Maddy, Preslee, Chloe, and Hailey Rose.

Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Corbet Wayne Saulsbury Smith

In Memory of Corbet Smith

Corbet Wayne Saulsbury Smith, 63, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. 

A private graveside service was held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the Old Miners Cemetery in McCurtain, Oklahoma under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home. 

Corbet was born on August 22, 1960 in Modesto, California to Dee and Martilla (Atkins) Smith. 

He is survived by his sisters: Billie Houston of Wilburton, Claudene Christian of Idaho, Linda Barnett of Alaska, and Patricia Saulsberry of Oklahoma. 

Corbet is preceded in death by his parents: Dee and Martilla Smith; his brothers: Carl Smith and Don Smith; and his sisters: Doris Hern and Jenny Kort.

Thurman (Roy) LeRoy Phelps Jr.

In Memory of Roy Phelps

Thurman LeRoy Phelps Jr., 66, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023 at his home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Roy was born to Thurman Leroy Phelps Sr. and Edith Mae (Gill) Phelps on September 10, 1957 in Hartshorne, Oklahoma. He married Nette Joe Phelps on June 3, 1978.

He is survived by his wife, Nettie Joe Phelps of the home; his son, David Phelps of Wilburton; his grandson, Alex Phelps of Wilburton; brothers, Walter Phelps and wife, Betty of McAlester and Ronald Phelps of Wilburton; sisters, Thelma McCullough of Union City, Oklahoma, Carolyn Coil of Wilburton, and Mary Phelps of Wilburton; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Raymond Phelps.

A service will be held at a later date with arrangements entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.