Parks Brothers Funeral Service - Stroud

10/07/2025

We were honored to sponsor and serve at tonight’s Bridges Across Route 66 class. What an amazing group! We had the best time!!!
We love to serve our community!!

09/29/2025

Norma Jo Warden, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 26, 2025. She was born on November 1, 1946, in Prague, Oklahoma, to Buck and Clessie Willingham.

Norma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She spent her life caring for her home and family, playing a vital role not only in managing the household but also in the family’s construction business and working farm. Her tireless work ethic and selfless heart touched everyone who knew her.

She especially loved spending time in Eureka Springs, antique shopping, and tending to her flower garden. Whether at home or away, Norma found joy in staying busy outdoors and creating beauty around her. Her grandchildren were truly her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Norma will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering dedication to her family, and the way she always took care of everyone around her.

Norma is survived by her daughter Sheila Maxwell, grandchildren Mitchell Maxwell and wife Keshia, Jacki Keller and husband Seth, and Sarah Toothman and husband Colby; great grandchildren Bradley, Sadie, Ryker, Alijah Grace and Liam; sisters Sharon Cox and husband Hiram and Shirley Willingham; as well as many other extended family and friends.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband Richard Dean Warden; parents Clessie and Buck Willingham; and brothers Bobby Lee Willingham and Raymond Willingham.

View Norma Jo Warden's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/24/2025

Jessie Geraldine Wright, 85, of Stroud, Oklahoma, passed away on September 22, 2025. She was born October 17, 1939, in Stroud to Leo and Wilda Alley and was a lifelong member of the community.
A 1957 graduate of Stroud High School, Jessie built her life around family, faith, and the simple joys she treasured. On December 29, 1968, she married Clifford Wright, with whom she shared more than five decades of love and partnership. Jessie worked 31 years for the City of Stroud.
Jessie was happiest outdoors—working in her yard, tending flowers, or simply “running around” and keeping busy. She enjoyed the excitement of horse races. Jessie also cherished the friendships she found in her Sunday school class and helping with funeral meals. Known for her reserved nature, she had a quiet strength and a gentle spirit that touched everyone who knew her.
She will be deeply missed by Clifford, her family, friends, and all who loved her.
Jessie is survived by her husband of 56 years, Clifford Wright; son Eddie Wright and wife Brenda; son Kevin Wright and wife Nancy; brother Leo “Sonny” Alley Jr; niece Lou Cooper; grandchildren Randy Wright, Jamie Inman, Amanda Tuttle, Bailey Clovis, Zachary Wright, Gage Wright, and Heidi Bounds; many great grandchildren; as well as many other extended family and friends.
Jessie was preceded in death by parents Leo Sr. and Wilda Alley; son Jerry “Randy” Wright; daughter Jaelyn Inlow; son Steven Wright; brother Delano Alley; sisters Norma Seitsinger, Betty Reed, and Leona Alley.
There will be a come and go viewing Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 10am to 8pm with family here to greet friends from 6pm-8pm at Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud, OK. A funeral service will be Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Stroud First Baptist Church with burial to follow at Stroud Cemetery, Stroud, OK.

View Jessie G. Wright's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/17/2025

Come see at Senior Day The Oklahoma State Fair . Free event and free admission to all seniors!

09/12/2025

Mrs. Nita Talbert served others in the capacity of a nurse for 40 years and today one of the Oklahoma Nurse Honor Guard teams came to honor her with the Nightingale Tribute. It is such a great and moving tribute to someone who gives so much of themselves. Nurses are special people.

09/12/2025

Kathleen Hecker

Kathleen Hecker, a lifelong resident of Prague, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at her home on September 12, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 21, 1929, in Prague, the daughter of Samuel Hopkins Thompson and Roxie Ethel (Hobbs) Thompson.

While Glenn Elwood Hecker Jr. was serving in the U.S. Air Force, Kathleen met the love of her life. The two were married on May 3, 1952, in Prague, where they built their home and raised their family. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership that lasted until Glen’s passing on February 14, 2015. Together, they raised five children—Trey, Susan, Carol, Rita, and Jeannie—who were the joy of her life.

Kathleen dedicated many years of service to BancFirst of Prague, where she developed lasting relationships and retired as a Vice President. She was also a faithful member of Pleasant Home Baptist Church, where she found great strength in her faith and community.

A skilled seamstress, knitter, and crocheter, Kathleen’s hands were rarely still. She was especially known for her handmade washcloths, which she gifted generously to anyone who would accept them. Her heart was fullest when her home was filled with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered around her table enjoying one of her home-cooked meals. She was a genealogical encyclopedia for the Prague and Paden areas, keeping her sharp mind engaged by preserving family and community history.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Glenn Elwood Hecker Jr.; her son-in-law, Dennis Cannon; her great-great-grandson, Ezekiel Guillory; her brother, Onis William Thompson; her sisters, Lorene Young and Ednamae Marsh; brothers-in-law, Sy Young, Harold Garner, and Noel Marsh; and sister-in-law, Juanita Thompson Coffey.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Glenn E. Hecker III (Trey) and his wife, Cecilia; four daughters, Susan Cannon, Carol Smith and her husband, Les, Rita Martin and her husband, Terry, and Melanie “Jeannie” Goodner and her husband, Mark. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren—April Cannon, David Cannon and wife, Mindy, Samantha Day and husband, Brett, Kerry Smith and wife, Sarah, Clint Smith and wife, Lindsey, Candice Smith and husband, Jerry, Shayne Smith, Megan Hecker, Madeline Hecker, Samuel Hecker, Jennifer Blocker and husband, Chad, and Julie Blackwell and husband, Duncan. Her legacy continues through her many great-grandchildren—Alexis Cross, Braden Cross, Kane Rogers, Harli Rogers, Seth Rogers, Hannah Day, Tyler Day, Gracin Cannon, Alivia Cannon, Holden Cannon, Brooklynn Guillory and her husband, Spencer, Lukas Smith, Faith Smith, Dallas Smith, Hannah Smith, Jentezen Smith and his wife, Isabella), Lyla Smith, Russell Smith, Addie Evans, Noah Evans, Cooper Smith, Brody Smith, Graham Smith, Magnolia Smith, Emilia Linn, Glenn Smith, Madison Blocker, Allison Blocker, Emerson Blocker, Ezra Blackwell, Owen Blackwell, Eamon Blackwell, and Wyeth Blackwell—as well as her great-great-grandchildren, Rozalynn Cross and Kayce Rogers. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will deeply miss her.

View Kathleen Hecker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/11/2025

We are excited to spotlight and to celebrate fellow Lion, Steve Lankford, as our Lion of the Day.

Steven Lankford joined the Prague Lions Club in 2025 and is passionate about serving his community. He works as a Care Specialist at Parks Brothers Funeral Service, where he focuses on funeral prearrangements, monument design and sales, and aftercare services. Steven is a proud father to his son, Jacob, and grandfather to his beloved granddaughter, Evelyn. He enjoys spending time outdoors and cheering on his favorite teams—the Buffalo Bills, LA Dodgers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Actively involved in various Chambers of Commerce and civic organizations across Lincoln County, Steven’s favorite part of being a Lions Club member is the opportunity to give back to the community he loves.

09/08/2025

View Nita Jeffus Talbert's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/26/2025

Lorna Mae Geist

Lorna Mae Geist, of McLoud, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at home on August 24, 2025, at the age of 78. She was born on August 20, 1947, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the daughter of Alfred LaVaughn Straw and Marguerite (Kennedy) Straw. After the loss of her mother at a young age, her beloved aunt, Florence Frazier, stepped in to help raise her with love and guidance.

On July 20, 1968, Lorna married the love of her life, Brian J. Geist, in Olathe, Kansas. They shared nearly 47 years of marriage until his passing on January 15, 2015. Together they raised three daughters, who were the joy and pride of her life: Deanna, Shawn, and Danielle.

Lorna’s life was rich in love, service, and faith. For nearly 40 years, she was a faithful member of Faith Community Church of God in Shawnee, where she also taught Sunday School. She worked many years at Meeker Nursing Home, where she was known for staying long after her shift ended, simply to sit with and comfort the residents. She later ran her own home daycare, where countless children fondly called her “Nanny,” and she kept track of their lives long after they were grown.

Her home and heart were always full. She loved decorating for every holiday—especially Christmas—when her house would sparkle with as many as five trees and her treasured snowman collection. One of her favorite traditions was the “grandkid tree,” lovingly adorned with ornaments commemorating her grandchildren’s milestones. She was also a gifted cook, making everything from scratch, and a devoted shopper with a special fondness for “GW”—her affectionate name for Goodwill.

Lorna was preceded in death by her parents, her aunt Florence Frazier, her husband Brian Geist, her sister Wava Fern Guinn and Wava’s husband Jacky. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness in her family: three daughters, Deanna Moore and husband Kevin, Shawn Sprouse and husband Shane, and Danielle Morphew and husband Robert; eight grandchildren, Nicole Collins and husband Tim, Dale Moore and wife Shai, Kyle Moore, Shane Tackett and wife Amariah, Joel Tackett, Chad Tackett and wife Katelyn, Shelby Beal and husband Bo, and Brielle Cook and husband Aaron; twenty great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; her brother, Jimmie Straw; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Lorna was one of a kind—full of goodness, always counseling and caring for others, and deeply devoted to her family. If she knew you, she loved you. She had a gift for expressing her love in unique ways, often saying, “A hug is with two arms, one is just a lean.” She was known for being able to remove any stain from any piece of clothing, for her love of reading and travel—especially the mountains of Alaska—and for her tireless devotion as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Above all, Lorna’s family was her world. She often referred to her beloved late husband as “My Brian,” and the bond they shared continues in the family they built together.

View Lorna Mae Geist's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/26/2025

08/19/2025

Nelda Ann Simon

Nelda Ann (Bradshaw) Simon of Prague, Oklahoma, entered into eternal rest on August 16, 2025, in Prague, at the age of 81.

She was born on May 20, 1944, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to Homer Gale Bradshaw and Opal Ola (Haun) Bradshaw. Nelda grew up in Meeker and Prague, attending Meeker High School. On November 10, 1961, she married the love of her life, Paul Edward Simon, just outside of Meeker. Together they shared a lifetime of love and devotion until Paul’s passing on March 31, 2022. In July of 2015, they renewed their vows at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Prague, where Nelda had become a faithful member.

Nelda and Paul were blessed with five children: Lisa Kim, Paul Edward Simon Jr. Allen Wayne, Tami LeAnn, and Peter “Eugene,”. As a wife and mother, she devoted her life to raising her family, instilling in them the values of love, kindness, and faith.

Throughout her life, Nelda worked hard and cared deeply for others. She was employed for 25 years with Blue Bell before becoming a CMA/CNA, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. With compassion and dedication, she served in nursing homes across Prague, Stroud, Cushing, Chandler, and Jones, blessing countless lives with her gentle care.

Nelda found joy in life’s simple pleasures—fishing, playing bingo, quilting, and the companionship of her beloved cats. She carried a warmth and kindness that touched everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul; her daughter, Lisa Kay Barrett; Her son, Paul Edward Simon Jr.; her son-in-law, Laurens “Shorty” Vanderstraeten; grandson, Clayton Douglas Robison; great-granddaughter, Aria Lucille Whitson; and two brothers, Riley Bradshaw and his wife, Francis and their daughter, Sandy, and Oliver Zane “O.Z.” Bradshaw.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Peter “Eugene” Simon and Allen Wayne Simon; her daughter, Tami LeAnn Vanderstraeten; ten grandchildren, Lynn Smith, Kenneth Simon, Lisa Mitchum, Alicia Wilson, Misty Barrett, Stella Whitson and her husband, Nicholas, Sandy Collins, and Lillie Collins, Annette Sparks and her husband, Dakota and Tina Simon; twenty-four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Delores “Dee” Bradshaw; along with a host of extended family and dear friends.

Nelda will be remembered for her faith, her devotion to family, and her generous spirit. Her legacy of love will continue in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

View Nelda Ann Simon's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/18/2025

Donna Kay Smith

Donna K. Smith, 66, a longtime resident of Prague, Oklahoma, passed away on August 16, 2025. Donna was born and raised in Prague and spent most of her life there before moving to Shawnee to be closer to her family. She was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones, especially her great-grandchildren. Her granddaughter Kylee shared a special bond with her “Ninnie” and will forever carry her wisdom and love close to her heart.

Donna never missed a chance to celebrate her Czech heritage and was a proud supporter of the annual Kolache Festival in Prague. It was one of her favorite traditions, and she made sure to be there every year, rain or shine.

She is survived by her son Harris “Bear” Smith, Daughter, Shawna Smith, husband, Albert Crawford of Shawnee; grandchildren, Kylee Smith, Kolton Crawford and girlfriend Alexis Clark, Kristen Crawford and boyfriend Kemarion Huntley, and Kaygon Crawford; and great-grandchildren, Laila Sam, Penelope Guzman, and Logan Lawrence. Sister Diane VanCuren of Prague; Brother Tim Holik and Cyndi Holik of Prague and many more family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Ruby Holik.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Lifespring Hospice Care for their compassion and support, Shawna’s best friend Cassandra Ward for her constant love and help, and to Kylee’s best friend Alaura K-J for always being by their side.

To know Donna was to know unconditional love, a warm laugh, and a fierce loyalty to family. She will be remembered not only as a mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and “Ninnie,” but as the heart of her family-the one who made sure everyone felt cared for and loved. “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”

View Donna Kay Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/07/2025

Jennifer Megan Massey

Jennifer Megan Massey of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away on August 6, 2025, in Oklahoma City at the age of 49.

Jennifer was born on February 3, 1976, in Winfield, Kansas, to Stanley Edward and Mara Elaine (Niimi) Kerr. She spent her early years in Sudan, Kansas, and Bartlesville, Oklahoma, before relocating to Hawaii, where she graduated from high school. Her adventurous upbringing shaped the warm, creative, and generous woman she would become.

In 1999, Jennifer met the love of her life, Richard David Massey. The couple built a lasting bond that spanned over two decades, growing especially close in the last ten years. Jennifer had two beloved children, Kaitlyn Kerr and Greyson Massey. Jennifer’s life revolved around her children—she was a fiercely devoted mother whose love and support never wavered.

Jennifer was known for her joyful spirit, patience, and boundless generosity. She never harbored anger and was quick to forgive, always offering grace to others. Her kindness and willingness to help anyone in need left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

An avid and accomplished video gamer, Jennifer found joy and community in the world of Final Fantasy, where she maintained nine fully maxed-out characters and earned recognition in the gaming community. She was admired for her skill and often sought out for her guidance and mentorship by fellow gamers.

Jennifer also had a unique and passionate love for condiments—her refrigerator was always stocked with a wide variety of sauces, reflecting her playful and curious spirit.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Massey; her children, Kaitlyn Kerr and Greyson Massey; her parents, Stanley and Mara Kerr; her brother, Brandon Kerr; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ronald and Karen Massey; and a host of aunts, uncles, extended family, and friends who will miss her deeply.

View Jennifer Megan Massey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/05/2025

📣 NOW HIRING: Funeral Ambassador (On-Call Position)
Parks Brothers Funeral Service is seeking a compassionate, dependable Ambassador to join our team.

🕊️ This on-call position includes:
• Guaranteed daily stipend when scheduled
• Evening, overnight, and weekend availability required
• Physical ability to lift and maneuver is essential
• Reliable transportation required
• Dress code required

📍 Assisting at multiple locations:
Prague • Meeker • Chandler • Stroud • Asa Smith Funeral Service (Harrah)

📄 To Apply:
Download and complete the application form (linked in this post) or contact us by:
📧 Email: info@parksbrothers.net
📞 Phone: 405-567-2237

We are proud to continue “A Family Tradition” of service and care — and we’d love for you to be a part of it.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK81LmG6f2hmyuLEyep2OoN6NReLIa80E7YlU5LWzUOUZ2XA/viewform?usp=header

07/29/2025

https://www.parksbrothers.net/obituaries/samuel-matthews

View Samuel William Matthews's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/28/2025

Gene Ray Howell

Gene Ray Howell, lovingly known as Ray, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, in Prague, Oklahoma, at the age of 82. He was born on February 16, 1943, in Temple, Oklahoma, to Eugene Thomas Howell. He was lovingly raised by his mother, Lois, and stepfather, Red Fowler.

Ray spent his early years in Temple before moving to Atoka, Oklahoma, where he attended Atoka Public Schools. It was there, during his junior year of high school, that he met the love of his life, Billie Gail Benefield. The two were united in marriage on October 13, 1962, in Atoka, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned more than six decades.

Following high school, Ray proudly joined the United States Navy, serving four years before transferring to the United States Army to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. As a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, he bravely flew missions in service to his country. After his military career, Ray continued to fly professionally, working for Evergreen both internationally and domestically, where he played a vital role in aerial wildfire suppression. Later, he brought his skills home to Oklahoma, flying for MediFlight and helping save lives across the state.

In 1986, after years of living and working in various places, Ray and his family settled in Prague, Oklahoma, which he would proudly call home for the remainder of his life.

Ray was a man of quiet strength, dedication, and unwavering service—to his country, his family, and his community. He was a past member of the Masonic Lodge and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). In his later years, he found joy in time spent with his beloved family and his loyal dog, Diesel.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Thomas Howell; his mother and stepfather, Lois and Red Fowler; and his sister, Barbara Ann Howell.

Ray is survived by his devoted wife, Billie Gail Howell; four daughters, Cindy Howell, Jennifer Howell and her husband Brian Strickler, Lisa Howell and her husband Randall Brown, and Ginger Howell and her husband David Argo; ten grandchildren, Timothy Hogan, Emily Hogan, Joey Hogan, Markie Carlock, Madison Podest, Stormy Blake, Phillip Blake, Jacob Blake, Audrey Lemmings, and Gavin Lemmings; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his uncle, Pete Corgill, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and his faithful canine companion, Diesel.

Ray Howell will be remembered as a hero, a family man, and a skilled pilot who lived a life of purpose and pride. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

View Gene Ray Howell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/22/2025

Frances Teters was born southwest of Stroud on March 18, 1939, to LeRoy and Merle (Brown) Teters. She attended Oak Grove Schools and later transferred to Stroud Schools. In 1956 Frances became one of the first patients to receive a Corneal Transplant from the Dean McGee Eye Institute. This type of surgery was groundbreaking for its day, and she always said she was fortunate to have gotten this kind of help. Throughout her life she had two more transplant surgeries. Frances graduated from Stroud High School in 1958 and went on to Capitol Hill Business College. After one semester there she decided to come home.
In May of 1959 her uncle and cousin introduced her to Charles S. Hixon. Their first date was at Springlake Amusement Park. They were married on July 15, 1959, and moved to Kendrick for a short time. In early 1960, they moved to a property three miles south of Stroud and lived there their entire married life. To this union two children were born, a baby girl in 1968 and a daughter, Martha, in July of 1969.
Frances was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Stroud. A member of the Adult Four Sunday School class, Frances loved her church and class members. During her attending there she taught children’s Sunday School for several years. Frances worked for Stroud Public schools at the Middle School for over twelve years and many students remember her letting them in to retrieve forgotten books or other items from their lockers.
Frances loved puzzles and games, especially playing “Moon” with her family and friends. She also liked to research her genealogy. She and Charles took many trips to Missouri or Arkansas to “look up” the records she needed. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Stroud Senior Citizens, at one time helping them with the “Meals on Wheels” deliveries.
Charles preceded her in death in 2011. She was also preceded in death by a baby daughter, her parents, brother Robert (Bobby), and sisters Florence Evans and Betty Powers.
Frances is survived by her daughter Martha of Midwest City, Brothers Lloyd Teters of Stroud, Roy Teters and wife Wilma of Sparks, Sister Darla Horton and husband Bill of Anahuac, Texas and brother-in-law Delmer Summers of Kendrick. Many nieces and nephews, and a multitude of other family and friends. She is also missed by her loyal canine companion Jasper Leon
The family would like to thank Debbie Garrett, Vicki Keim, Bronwyn Howard, and Peggy Garner for the care and love that they gave Frances over the years. Special thanks to the staff of Stroud Nursing and Rehab and Traditions Hospice.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Oklahomans for Special Library Services or the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children in her name.
A visitation will be held Thursday, July 24 from 10am to 8pm with family here from 6-8pm, and also Friday, July 25 from 10am to 8pm. A funeral service will be Saturday, July 26, at 10:00 AM at Stroud First Baptist Church with burial to follow at Stroud Cemetery.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.parksbrothers.net. Care services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud, OK.

https://www.parksbrothers.net/obituaries/frances-hixon

View Frances Louise Hixon's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/21/2025

**Location has been changed to Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Stroud.**

Lawrence Jerome “Jerry” Ring passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Jerry was born to Bert and Opal (King) Ring on Monday, November 9, 1931 in Okmulgee, OK. Jerry graduated from Hominy High School in May,1950 and then married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jean Corbell, on his birthday, November 9, 1950. Jerry served honorably in the U.S. Army from June 18, 1952 – March 08,1962. While stationed in Ft. Bragg, NC, they had Colleen Gayle in 1954, followed by Carrie Lynn being born while stationed in Germany,1957.
Jerry wore many hats while in service, including both the Green Beret, as an Army Ranger in Special Forces and Maroon Beret, as he was Airborne Forces. The most horrific hat he wore was being a P.O.W. for 13 months. However, his most treasured hat was the helmet of a Paratrooper. Jerry was attached to the U.S. Army 101st, 82nd, and 11th Airborne Divisions. He made 402 jumps from the C-119 and 35 skydives, totaling 437 jumps. One of the 437 jumps was during combat, which earned him the star he wore proudly in the center of his airborne patch. He was a member of the Oklahoma All Airborne Chapter, 82nd Airborne Association, and a part of the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team. One thing he enjoyed every year was having the honor and privilege to be Honorary Pinner at the jump school in Frederick, OK. Jerry pinned wings on graduates from all over the United States and many foreign countries. Jerry’s war achievements go beyond words, amongst his many earnings, he received two Purple Hearts during battle and the highest award of Valor that a solider can receive. On March 25, 2022, Jerry was able to take an extra special road trip to Ft. Benning, GA in order to pin his actual jump wings onto his oldest grandson, Chad’s uniform. Jerry then took Chad’s wings and wore them proudly on his airborne hat, to this day. This was yet a very important and special moment for Jerry and Chad.
Jerry then went on to OBU from 1962 to 1965, majoring in both Philosophy and Psychology, with minors in Religious Education, including Bible and Greek language. After the service, Jerry also wore many more hats, including Ordained Minister, Youth Pastor, and song leader, as well as employee hats for Phillips 66, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, and Zebco.
He enjoyed art and was an outstanding artist, even publishing a series of comics, and was an avid reader. He was most passionate about God’s Word and Theological Studies, including Eschatology. He loved teaching Bible study at Prairie Point Assisting Living Center in Stroud. Jerry loved to spend time with his family – they came first. He was well liked by all he met. Although he is securely resting in His Savior’s arms (and probably leading music for an angelic choir), he will be sorely missed here on earth by his friends and family.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Opal Ring; his brother, Albert Ring; his former wife, Betty Shadley; and his special friend, Mrs. Cecil Lankford.
Jerry leaves behind his daughters, Colleen Patterson (Lloyd) of Ponca City, Carrie Kaup (Mike) of Tonkawa; grandchildren, Ashley Miller, Amie Huster, Chad Patterson (Amber), Rachael Young (Matt), and Levi Kaup (Shelby); as well as his “Grandotters” Cherie Lindsey, Elysia Wages, and Melody Hightower; his great-grandchildren, Alyda Alvarez (Peter), Lexie Huster, Logan Huster, James ‘Wyatt’ Patterson, Alexander Kaup, Amelia Kaup and several other extended family members, and innumerable lives he touched during his life.
There will be a come and go visitation Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 9am - 8pm at the funeral home. Funeral Service will be Friday, July 25, 2025 at 11am at Parks Brothers Funeral Service Stroud. A guest book is available to share your memories on-line. Please visit www.ParksBrothers.net. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team at wwiiadt.org or by contacting Jessi Romero at (918) 960.1005.

https://www.parksbrothers.net/obituaries/lawrence-ring

View Lawrence Jerome "Jerry" Ring's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.