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Wilbourn Family Funeral Home, 308 SW 3rd/PO Box 338, Lindsay, OK (2025)

09/09/2025

Phillip Randolph Mills was born on September 15, 1955, in Lindsay, Oklahoma, to Fred Wesley Mills and Vivia Oleta Mills. He passed from this life on August 26, 2025, at his home in Yukon, Oklahoma, at the age of 69.

Phillip grew up in Erin Springs, Oklahoma, where he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Whether tending to his garden, exploring new landscapes in his travel trailer, or feeling the wind on his face during a long ride on his motorcycle, he found true peace in the quietude of nature.

Phillip was a man with a big heart who had great love for his family and a quiet strength that touched all who knew him. Phillip will be deeply missed and remembered for his steady presence, his loyalty to family, and the kindness he extended throughout his life.

Left to cherish Phillip’s memory is his brother, Wesley David Mills and wife Lana of Bedford, Texas, his sister, Jana Foy Gibson and husband Chuck of Temple, Oklahoma, his nieces and nephews, Kari Mills Corbin of Decatur, Texas, Laura Mills White and husband Jay of Pryor, Oklahoma, Jared Mills of Pryor, Oklahoma, Leah Gibson Mathews of Elgin, Oklahoma, her boyfriend Jeremy Osborne of Lawton, Oklahoma, James Gibson and wife Alisha of Lawton, Oklahoma, as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews, and his good friend, Janice Carter of Yukon, Oklahoma.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Wesley Mills and Vivia Oleta Mills, his brother, Howard Wayne Mills, and his nephew, Jon Andrew Mills.

Phillip’s legacy lives on in the love of his family, his friendships, and the many memories they shared together.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Erin Springs Baptist Church in Erin Springs, Oklahoma.

Services are under the direction of Scott and Angel Wilbourn of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.wilbournfamilyfuneralhome.com

08/15/2025

Loyd “Bryson” Beebe was born on April 10, 1951, in Anderson, South Carolina, to Loyd Matthew Beebe and Ruth (Taylor) Beebe. He passed from this life on August 12, 2025, at his residence in Lindsay, Oklahoma, at the age of 74.

At the age of nineteen, Bryson made the choice to join the United States Air Force, and it was there that he was trained to become a dedicated serviceman and skilled professional. He proudly served his country with honor as a K9 military police officer from 1970 to 1975. While in the Air Force, Bryson also cross-trained in Air Traffic Control. Following his military service he pursued a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University, graduating in 1979.

After graduation, Bryson made the move to Fort Worth, Texas, to embark on a successful career as an air traffic controller. It was there that he met the love of his life, Mickey Casey, and they were married on April 3, 2001.

From his first day working at Meacham International Airport until the day he retired in 2006, Bryson continually used all the training and knowledge he had gained from his time in the Air Force. He was known for his work ethic and his dedication to excellence. It served Bryson well not only in his career, but in every aspect of his life. Though he took his responsibilities seriously, he was the biggest jokester. Bryson loved to laugh and bring joy to everyone around him, he truly was “The Man”!

Bryson and Mickey made the choice to move to Lindsay, Oklahoma, to be closer to family in 2023.

Bryson’s interests were varied and many. He enjoyed playing games and was especially fond of billiards. Bryson also liked to relax by reading a good book. But Bryson’s greatest treasure was his family. Above all else he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Bryson will be missed by all who knew him and will always be remembered for his love and dedication to his family and his country.

Left to cherish Bryson’s memory is his wife, Mickey (Casey) Beebe, his daughters, Jackie Dempsey, Allie Beebe and Stafford Farmer, Kory Beebe, Regina and Brian Archer, Ronny and Jeanna Neeley, Michelle Reynolds, and Stacy Reynolds, his sister, Peggy (Beebe) and Jack Haynes, his grandchildren, Erica and Jonathan Montgomery, Hunter Beebe, Amanda Ballard, Perry Jewell, Jonathan and Emilee Jewell, Connor Neeley, and Katie Neeley, his great-grandchildren, Matthew Ballard, David Ballard Aubree Ballard, Luke Ballard, Landon Jewell, Slayton Jewell, and Sayla Jewell.

Bryson is preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Ruth Beebe.

A memorial service to honor Bryson’s life is set to begin at 11:00 A.M., on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Wilbourn Family Funeral Home chapel.

Services are under the direction of Scott and Angel Wilbourn of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.wilbournfamilyfuneralhome.com

08/06/2025

Oglene (Curry) Gordon, was born July 14, 1931, in Welty, Oklahoma. She was the first child of Ogle and Gordie (McKinzie) Curry.

Oglene attended a one room schoolhouse in Welty until 3rd grade, when the family moved to Stonewall, Oklahoma, due to her father’s work in the oilfield. Later her family moved to Davis, Oklahoma, where she attended school and graduated in 1949. After graduating high school, she attended College at OCW (Oklahoma College for Women), now USAO, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, in the fall of 1949. Oglene was saved and baptized as a young girl and spent her summers as a teen working at Falls Creek Baptist Campgrounds.

Oglene and five other young ladies went to Oklahoma City in 1951 to apply for a job as a file clerk for the FBI in Washington, D.C. She was the only applicant who received a letter of acceptance and moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the FBI. Oglene enjoyed touring the east coast while she worked there. She said that she and her co-workers would often eat their lunch at the National Mall in front of the Washington Monument and then run the stairs to the top and back down for exercise.

Oglene got to see many sights while in Washington D.C. and loved to share stories about them. One story she shared was of looking up files of local Oklahoma bootleggers and discovering a man who was from Lindsay, Oklahoma. He used to fly whiskey into what was then a dry state and sell it from the kitchen window of his home.

Oglene returned to Lindsay, Oklahoma, in the fall of 1953. She was hired by then-superintendent Guy Robberson as the school secretary. She was the only secretary of Lindsay Public Schools, K-12, at that time. Oglene spent the summers working to finish her college degree in Chickasha, Oklahoma, during her tenure at Lindsay. She received her degree and teaching certificate with the goal of being the only “Old Maid Teacher” in her family.

Oglene met Bill Gordon in 1955, and they later married on October 3rd, 1957. They bought their current home on West Choctaw Street, where they raised their two boys and resided for the remainder of their days.

In 1959, Oglene took ten years off from her job at Lindsay Public Schools to raise her two babies. She returned to work in 1969 as the high school principal’s secretary. Oglene said she always loved the office and the association with her colleagues, but the students were her greatest joy. She quickly found it much more fulfilling than being in a classroom full of children. She held that position until choosing to retire in 1993, after thirty years.

Oglene’s greatest joy was getting to spend time with her family. She loved getting to attend her grandkids and great grandkids sporting events and cheering them on. Oglene was always there to celebrate every success whether big or small. One of her proudest moments was when her grandson, Mac, went to work for the City of Lindsay Fire Department.

Oglene is preceded in death by her parents, Ogle (Shennie) and Gordie Curry, her husband, Bill Gordon, her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Bridgette Curry, and her brother-in- law, Roger Bleakley.

Oglene is survived by her children, Terry and wife Lori Gordon, and Tony Gordon, her sister, Judy (Curry) Bleakley, her grandchildren, Miles and wife Shea Gordon, Mac and wife London Gordon, Cassie and husband Collin McElrath, her great-grandchildren, Jaaron, Trevin, Gracie, and Hattie Gordon, and Clare and Carter McElrath, along with many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A service to honor the life of Oglene is set to begin at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Lindsay, Oklahoma. She will be laid to her final rest at the Green Hill Cemetery in Lindsay, Oklahoma, following the service.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025 and Friday, August 8, from 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. and 1:00P.M.- 4:00 P.M. at the Wilbourn Family Funeral Home in Lindsay, Oklahoma.

Services are under the direction of Scott and Angel Wilbourn of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.wilbournfamilyfuneralhome.com

07/17/2025

Andrew “Drew” Kyle Lee Watson was born on May 6, 2008, in Hobbs, New Mexico, to Christopher Dale Schroeder and Merideth Elaine (Watson) Hubby. He passed from this life too soon on June 17, 2025, at the age of 17.

Drew grew up in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, and was a member of Renewing Life Church. As a boy he was a proud member of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Drew was also known for being a talented baseball player.

Drew enjoyed studying auto body work and had many varied interest and hobbies. He loved to drive fast, do burnouts, and play his music loud.

Drew is survived by his mother, Merideth Elaine Hubby, his grandparents, Terri and Felex Hoffman of Wynnewood, Oklahoma, his grandmother, Pamela Baker of Ardmore, Oklahoma, his brother, Fred Hubby of Wynnewood, Oklahoma, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

Drew is preceded in death by his father, Christopher Schroeder, his granddad, Corky Baker, and his great grandmother, Dollie Hoffman.

Visitation for Andrew Watson will be held at 3:00 P.M. today, July 17, 2025, at the Renewing Life Church in Wynnewood, Oklahoma.

A funeral service to celebrate Drew’s life is set to be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at Renewing Life Church in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. He will be laid to his final rest at Oaklawn Cemetery in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, following the service.

Services are under the direction of Scott and Angel Wilbourn of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.wilbournfamilyfuneralhome.com

06/27/2025

Margaret “LuAnn” Jones was born on May 10, 1951, to J.M. Virgil Jones and Edna Adine (Elkins) Jones in Bethany, Oklahoma. She passed from this life on June 25, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 74.

LuAnn lived in Bethany, Oklahoma, for most of her life and graduated from Putnam City High School. She went on to study at Oklahoma State University, where she received her associate degree. Following her degree, she chose to pursue a career in Physical Therapy.

LuAnn was a proud member of the Red Hat Society and was a people person through and through. She could often be found at the beauty shop and other places where people gathered, enjoying laughter and great conversation. In her spare time, LuAnn loved to do arts and crafts and was always up for a fun night of playing games with her friends.

Left to cherish the memory of LuAnn is her brother, Stevan Jones of Bethany, Oklahoma, and her good friend, Dale Wood of Bethany, Oklahoma.

LuAnn was preceded in death by her parents, J.M. Virgil Jones and Edna Adine (Elkins) Jones, her children, her angels, Stephanie and Christopher Steinberg, and her brothers, Charles Jones and Dan Jones.

LuAnn will be laid to rest at the Green Hill Cemetery in Lindsay, Oklahoma.

Services are under the direction of Scott and Angel Wilbourn of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.wilbournfamilyfuneralhome.com

06/10/2025

Paula Marie DeSpain was born January 22, 1962, to Paul Delbert Ramsey and Edith Carol Sibert (Sprouse). Paula passed from this life on June 7, 2025, at the age of 63, after a brief – but fierce – battle with cancer. She was a woman of many talents and endless determination, a true "jack of all trades," who touched the lives of everyone she met.

Paula was born in DeSoto, Missouri, and settled in Oregon for many years. Paula moved to Oklahoma in 2001, where she built a vibrant life surrounded by her family and community. She briefly relocated to Colorado from 2020 to 2021, before returning to the place she called home. Paula was active in her church, where her faith and kindness resonated deeply with those around her.

Paula had a zest for life and enjoyed fishing, kayaking, shopping, and playing games with her family. Her resourcefulness was unmatched; she could fix nearly anything, drove a school bus at one point, ran her own housekeeping business for years, and worked as a secretary. Most recently, she was DoorDashing – all of this to say she was a hustler (the good kind) who could never be accused of being lazy.

Paula’s sassy personality and sharp sense of humor remained undimmed, even during her final days. Paula kept her family smiling and was cracking jokes with her brother mere hours before her passing. Her resilience and spirit were a testament to her character, bringing light to even the darkest moments.

Paula will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her impact on those around her will live on in the memories and hearts of the people she cherished, and who cherished her in return.

Paula leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, survived by her three daughters, Kelly Phillips, Jacquie West, and Marquie Tucker, two sons-in-law, Shawn Phillips and Ryan Tucker, and five grandchildren, Addison, Alex, Natili, Mia, and Nora, who she adored wholeheartedly. She is also survived by her sister, Bonnie Ayers, and her brother, Eugene Ramsey.
Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Delbert Ramsey and Edith Carol Sibert.

A memorial service to honor the life of Paula is set to begin at 2:00 P.M., Friday, June 27, 2025, at Apostolic Worship Center in Norman, Oklahoma.

Services are under the direction of Scott and Angel Wilbourn of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.wilbournfamilyfuneralhome.com

06/04/2025

Montgomery “Monty” Paul McKinzie was born on January 27, 1968, at the Lindsay Memorial Hospital, to PJ and Wanda McKinzie. He was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome shortly after his birth. Monty became the family’s greatest treasure, not only to his parents, but to his siblings and nieces and nephews. He was surrounded by love and care his entire life. No one could have had more love or shown more love than Monty did.

Monty started school at age three, attending Whitebead School. From there he went to Pauls Valley State School and later advanced on to Pauls Valley High School, where he graduated in May of 1988. In addition to his diploma, Monty was given a card size graduation document, of which he was very proud. He was always pulling it out of his wallet to show. What a joy!

Monty moved to Oklahoma City from Lindsay with his mother in 1991. Shortly after moving to this new location, he began working at Mid Del Workshop in Midwest City, where he worked for over 25 years. Every two weeks, Monty would bring home a big paycheck of which he was very proud. He was a perfect example of a good employee. Monty loved working and the people he worked with, never complaining. When Monty was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2022, his job had to end due to his poor memory.

Monty lived with his mother until her passing in 2018, at which time he went to live with his oldest sister, Diana Jordan. He resided there until his passing at 12:12 P.M. on June 3, 2025.
Monty is profoundly missed by all those who loved him. Left to cherish Monty’s memory are his two brothers and sisters-in-law, his two sisters, his nine nieces and nephews, his twenty-one great nieces and nephews, and his great-great nephew.

Monty was very special. He always had a smile for everyone, he was very loving and never met a stranger. He loved playing video games and watching movies with his nieces and nephews, they would play for hours and hours. Although Monty was older, they grew up with him and have especially fond memories of their time together. His favorite sport was wrestling. Monty would stay up late every weekend having candy and a coke while watching his favorite wrestlers compete. He hated baseball and refused to even consider watching it. Monty’s favorite singer was Garth Brooks. He loved Dr. Pepper, chocolate, and spaghetti.

Precious memories, how they linger,
How they ever flood my soul,
In the stillness of the midnight,
precious sacred scenes unfold.

A graveside service to honor the life of Monty Paul McKinzie is set to begin at 11:00 A.M., on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Green Hill Cemetery in Lindsay, Oklahoma.

Services are under the direction of Scott and Angel Wilbourn of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.wilbournfamilyfuneralhome.com

05/27/2025

Geraldine (Geri) Cutler passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the age of 98. She was born to Frank Ferguson and Tessie May (Jackson) Ferguson on February 21, 1927, in rural Titus County, Texas. Her childhood was spent near Talco and Mount Pleasant, Texas. Geri moved to Oklahoma in 1940, and lived in several cities including Valiant, Oklahoma City, Lindsay, Marlow, and Edmond.

At Geri’s preference, there will be no service, but a visitation has been scheduled for Friday, May 30, 2025, from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., at Wilbourn Family Funeral Home for family and friends. Geri will be laid to rest at Greenhill Cemetery in Lindsay, Oklahoma, among her parents, Frank and Tess Ferguson, her husband, Dave Cutler, her daughter, Lin Cutler Friedemann, and her brother and sister-in-law, Louie and Mona Ferguson.

Geri is survived by her son, Richard and Sharon Cutler of Henderson, Nevada, her granddaughters, Angie Olson of Edmond, Oklahoma, Kandee and Luigi Mariani of Houston, Texas, Alexa and Eric McKinney of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Kim and Keith Kohorst of Henderson, Nevada, and Toni Trifunac of Henderson, Nevada. Geri especially enjoyed her twelve great-grandchildren, Nolan and Quintin Kohorst, Peyton and Aaron Trifunac, Pierce Bryant, Luke Olson, Katelyn, Cory, and Will Griesedieck, and Jackson, Avery, and Lucy Allen. Geri was also great-grandmother to two. In addition, Geri cherished her nieces and nephews, Kristi Ferguson and family, Geri and Mark Schubert and family, Trina Ferguson, Michael Ferguson, and Dustin Ferguson.

The family would like to thank the care teams at Companion Hospice and Golden Age Nursing home. A loving thank you is also due to Kathy, Janet, and Lenore, beloved friends.

A graveside service to honor the life of Geri is set to begin at 2:00 P.M., on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Greenhill Cemetery in Lindsay, Oklahoma.

Services are under the direction of Scott and Angel Wilbourn of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.wilbournfamilyfuneralhome.com

05/20/2025

Richard Eugene Phillips was born on February 15, 1953, to Harvey Elmer Phillips and Ona Marie (Williams) Phillips, in Kankakee, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Ona Phillips, his twin daughters, Sonya and Tonya Phillips, his sister, Judy Densmore, and his brother, Donnie Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Phillips, his two children, Melissa Mullett and husband Jim Mullett, Shawn Phillips and wife Kelly Phillips, his grandchildren, Johnathan Mullett, Anthony Mullett and wife Heather Mullett, Alex Phillips, Natili Phillips, Kylie Vanhorn, his great-grandson, Lucas Mullett, and his siblings, Norman Phillips, Janice Moore, Patti Tyler and husband Terry Tyler, and David Phillips and wife Marsha Phillips.

Biography for Rev. Rick Phillips
February 15, 1953 – May 19, 2025

A Life Poured Out in Service to the Kingdom

Rev. Rick Phillips, age 72, a devoted husband, loving father, gifted musician, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed from this life into eternal rest on May 19, 2025. His life was marked by unwavering dedication to God, heartfelt worship, and a deep love for people.

Born on February 15, 1953, Rick married the love of his life, Pam Phillips, on December 17, 1971. Their love was a true partnership in life and ministry, one that endured every season with grace, faith, and joy. Together, they raised their children in the presence of God and carried the gospel across the country with music and preaching that touched countless lives.

Rick and Pam were blessed with four children:
•Melissa Dawn (born July 19, 1973),
•Sonya and Tonya (twins, born September 18, 1975; Sonya passed on the day of birth and Tonya passed on October 2, 1975), and
•Shawn Richard (born July 31, 1978).

Though they faced heartbreaking loss, Rick and Pam never lost faith. Instead, their trials deepened their commitment to serve God with all they had.

In 1976, Rick turned away from a life in the entertainment industry and gave his heart completely to the Lord. That same year, he was baptized in Jesus’ Name and filled with the Holy Ghost, changing the course of his life forever. From the nightclub stage to the church altar, Rick’s music took on new purpose. He began writing gospel songs—his first two were “It’s Time for Sunday School” and “He Was More Than a Baby”, a Christmas song that has blessed churches for years.

Rick began his ministry in Bus and Children’s Ministry, often preaching and singing alongside his family. In 1979, he began using ventriloquism as a creative way to minister to children, introducing beloved characters like BJ, Eddie, and Uncle Walter. His unique approach to sharing the gospel—through gospel magic, music, puppets, and heartfelt preaching—reached hearts of all ages.

His ministry expanded quickly. In 1983, he preached his first revival in Lebanon, Missouri. In 1984, he pastored his first church in Camdenton, Missouri. In 1988, he followed the leading of the Lord and planted a Home Missions church in Newport, Oregon, which remains active to this day. He served in various roles throughout Oregon and California, including Sunday School evangelist at youth camps and camp meetings, where his heart for children and families continued to shine.

In 1997, the Phillips family moved to southern Oklahoma to pastor. They returned to evangelizing in 2006 before settling in Chouteau, Oklahoma, in 2011, where Rick pastored faithfully until his passing.

Rick began playing music at the age of 12, buying his first guitar with $2 and a BB gun. He taught himself to play entirely by ear, never learning to read music—but that never stopped him. His God-given talent was powerful and anointed, and his songs left a lasting imprint on every church and gathering he was a part of.

More than a minister, Rick Phillips was a joyful laborer in God’s harvest. A man who never hesitated to go the extra mile if it meant one more soul could be reached. A devoted husband who adored Pam, and a father who led his family with prayer and purpose. His voice, laughter, and presence will be deeply missed—but his legacy will continue to echo through the lives he touched.

We give thanks to God for all He accomplished through the life and ministry of Pastor Rick Phillips. Though our hearts mourn, we celebrate a life well-lived and a race well-run. Heaven has welcomed home a good and faithful servant.

A funeral service to honor the life of Richard is set to begin at 1:00 P.M., on Friday, May 23, 2025, at The Sanctuary in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

Services are under the direction of Scott and Angel Wilbourn of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.wilbournfamilyfuneralhome.com

05/17/2025

Nina Dee (Farley) Harris was born on March 29, 1934, to Perry Farley and Wilnor (Egelston) Farley, in Crescent, Oklahoma. She was the second born of twins and, until just recently, she claimed to be the oldest of the twins. Nina passed away May 15, 2025, at Noble Health Care Center at the age of 91.

Nina always told her son and daughter that she had lived a long and happy life.
In 1953, she graduated from Lindsay High School and went on to marry Elmer Harris. She was working in a café in Lindsay when she met Elmer. On what was to be their first date, he called her to say that he would be late due to a family emergency. Well, his best friend, Gail Langley, offered to take her home. Needless to say, that did not happen. Nina, Elmer, Betty, and Gail were lifelong friends.

Nina lived in Europe with Elmer for 3 years. Upon their return to Oklahoma, she opened a fabric store in Perry, Oklahoma. Several family members contributed to its success, mostly Deborah. Deborah started driving from Houston instead of flying. Nina was a wonderful seamstress and made all of her and her daughter’s clothes. When David, her son, complained that she didn’t make him anything, she and Deborah got together and made the ugliest pair of pants possible and made him wear them.

Nina would tell you that the favorite part of her life was her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and living in Colorado. It was always her and Elmer’s dream to retire there. They built a cabin about fifty miles from Montrose, Colorado, and lived there for about a year, before deciding to move closer to medical facilities. They then moved to Howard, Colorado, and were about twenty miles from town. Once the grandchildren were born, she and Elmer moved to Duncan, Oklahoma, to be closer and visit more often.

Nina was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Harris, her parents, Perry and Wilnor Farley, and her four brothers. She is survived by her two children, Deborah and David, her two grandchildren, Taylor and Abby, her two great-granddaughters, Charlotte and Sloane, and her three sisters.

Nina will be remembered for her sewing skills, her ability to pull a good joke, and to be on the receiving end of one too. We will all miss her.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Wilbourn Family Funeral Home Chapel.

A graveside service to honor the life of Nina D. Harris is set to begin at 2:00 P.M., on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Greenhill Cemetery in Lindsay, Oklahoma.
Services are under the direction of Scott and Angel Wilbourn of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.wilbournfamilyfuneralhome.com

05/08/2025

Larry Don Merrell was born on March 2, 1945, to James Cleburn and Alice Faye (Dacus) Merrell near Lindsay, Oklahoma. He passed from this life on May 1, 2025, at his home in Washington state surrounded by family.

Larry grew up in Oklahoma City with his parents and sister, Linda. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1963. Following high school, he attended Oklahoma Christian College and the University of Oklahoma. He then graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1968. In 1965, while still in college, Larry married Marsha Ann Castellow. To this union were born sons Steven Scott and Greg Alan. In 1975, Larry’s family changed and grew when he married Rosario Pedraza Cardenas. During this time Angelica Castaneda became the daughter of the family.

Upon graduation from Oklahoma State and completion of the U.S. Air Force ROTC program, Larry was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. He graduated as the top student pilot in his class and flew several varieties of aircraft during his 21 years of service. Larry completed various assignments for the military, both domestically and overseas. Although humble about his military service, he was truly committed to serving his country and serving as an Air Force Instructor Pilot and aviator.

Following retirement from the Air Force, Larry enjoyed supporting Rosa in her career. As a computer expert, he contributed significantly to postgraduate medical research programs and Navy medical health programs. He was an avid reader, enjoyed scuba diving, motorcycle riding, and kayaking. Larry liked to camp throughout the United States and Canada. He also lived and traveled throughout the world.

Larry was a devoted father and husband. He cared for his family and was eager to offer support at all times.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. and Alice Merrell, and his wife, Marsha.

Larry is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Rosa, and his children, Steven (and wife Laura), Angelica, and Greg. Survivors also include his grandchildren, Kylar, Trever (and wife Dylen), Trace (and wife Jessica), Sydni, Madi, Kaden, Torii, and Anna, his great-granddaughter, LaRue, his sister, Linda Rozzell, and her children, Ronnie, Holly (and husband Josh and children), and Tim (and wife Kendra and children).

A graveside service is set to begin at 2:00 P.M., on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Green Hill Cemetery in Lindsay, Oklahoma.

Services are under the direction of Scott and Angel Wilbourn of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.wilbournfamilyfuneralhome.com

03/20/2025

Ermalene (Henry) Godwin “Grandma Sweetie Pie” was born on October 10, 1935, and raised in Lindsay, Oklahoma. She Lived in OKC for 35 years and retired in Lindsay area after working for White Motor Corporation for almost 20 years.

In high school not only was she Salutatorian; she also captained the Lindsay Leopard’s Basketball and Softball teams. Ermalene was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching college and professional sports, especially her beloved OKC Thunder.

Ermalene served as President of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, where she helped raise funds for numerous community projects, including Lindsay EMS. She was also a member of the Lindsay Historical Society and contributed to fundraising efforts for the repair of the Lindsay Murray Mansion.

Ermalene had a passion for reading, cooking, gardening, and canning vegetables from her garden. She learned canning from her mother, Jessie, and proudly passed it down to her children and grandchildren.
Ermalene’s grandchildren affectionately named her Grandma Sweetie Pie, a name that perfectly captured her warmth and love. She embraced this title with joy, always making sure her family felt cherished and supported.
In Ermalene's own words, her greatest accomplishment was seeing her children and grandchildren grow up to become successful members of their community. Her life and actions were truly inspirational and exemplified the strength of kindness.

James and Ermalene were married in The First Baptist Church of Lindsay on June 24, 1953. They would have celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary this June.

Left to cherish Ermalene’s memory is her husband, James Godwin, her children, Pamela (Dann) Welch, Beth (Paul) Cossu, Terry (Gail) Godwin, Angie Godwin, and Greg (Johnett) Godwin, her siblings, Ellen Madden, Joyce Cornforth, Lloyd Henry and Carol Jean Gaddis, her grandchildren, Julie & Eli, Alicia & Phillip, Meghan & Jacob, Lauren & Ben, Madelyn & Eric, Stephen, Jessie, Cory, Tanner & Emily Anne, Jordan & Ryan, Hunter, Cecily & Caleb, Ashia, and Cooper, her great-grandchildren, Cruz, Tatum, Tucker, Hudson, Ryker, Sloane, Stella, Phoenix, Gus, Lyle, Sterling, Josephine, Ivy, Champ, Walt, and Henry.

Ermalene is preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Henry and Charlie Henry, her siblings, Ray Henry, Lois Ann McGee, and Annabelle Shockley.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Wilbourn Family Funeral Home Chapel.

A funeral service to honor Ermalene is set to begin at 2:00 P.M., on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Lindsay, Oklahoma. She will be laid to rest at the Green Hill Cemetery in Lindsay, Oklahoma.

Services are under the direction of Scott and Angel Wilbourn of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.wilbournfamilyfuneralhome.com

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