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McCarn Funeral Service, 500 Dallas Street, Talihina, OK (2026)

04/30/2026

Joella (Blassingame) Johnson, 90, of Clayton, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026. She was born August 15, 1935 in Tuskahoma, Oklahoma to Helen (Bryan) and Elva Blassingame. Joella had a lifelong love of horses, time on the ranch, and the peaceful country way of life. She owned and operated a beauty shop for many years, a business she took great pride in. She enjoyed her time there with those she worked alongside, as well as the many people who came in not only for beauty services but also to visit, share stories, and catch up on local news. It was a special place of connection and community for her and for many others. Joella found her love in 1994 with Dick Johnson and they married in 1997. The two of them meant the world to each other and were married for 24 wonderful years. Those who knew them best knew the love she had for him and saw the affection in his eyes every time he looked for her. They spent their time together laughing and joking non-stop, playing games, and being best friends. After some time in retirement, she told Dick that she wanted to move to Spring, Texas, to be closer to family, and she spent about a decade there. The two of them were inseparable. After Dick passed away in 2021, she decided it was time to come back home. Clayton and its people had always truly been “home” to her.

She was known for her caring nature and deep devotion to her church. She had a lifelong love of painting and made beautiful art. She cherished her family deeply and valued the close relationships in her life. She also had many dear friends whose love and support meant so much to her and her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick Johnson; parents, Helen and Elva Blasingame; grandparents James and Mary Blasingame and Dee and Annie Bryan.

She is survived by her son, Stephen Johnson, and his wife Joy Johnson; stepdaughters, Kristin Johnson and Megan Daves, and her husband Matthew Daves; grandchildren Kathryn, Emily, and Seth; and great-grandchildren Kehlani and Kyro, along with a host of cousins from both sides of the family and extended family members and loved ones.

Honorable Mentions- Angela and Lyndon Howze, Wanda Williams, Donna Gee, Pat Howze, Bonita Wilkins, Sherry & Chet Endres, Monna & Larry Dennis.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on May 2, 2026, at McCarn Funeral Chapel in Clayton, Oklahoma.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all who helped care for Joella during the last couple of years. All of you who helped make her life possible up here are also special, and it could not have been done without you. Our love and appreciation is with all of you.

04/27/2026

With profound grief in our hearts we announce the passing of Deanna "Grandma Renegade" Smith, on the 21st of April, 2026, and in so doing, acknowledge her rich and storied life. Her occupations ranged from sewing Raggedy Anne dolls & teddy bears, wedding photographer, paralegal, breeding tropical birds, then owning and operating her own natural gas contracting company. She mothered countless wayward children, loved live music and dancing, wrote poetry about loved ones, was such a good shot that she was referred to as "Annie Oakley," and never once admitted to her children - even in adulthood - that Santa Claus was not real.

Deanna was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, spending the majority of her life in Austin, Texas after moving there in her youth to raise her family and build a home which brought support and comfort to so many. In 2022 she retired to Talihina, Oklahoma, where she found peace and solace in the shadow of the Kiamichi Mountains.

She is mourned by countless left behind, including two children, Montanna Smith & Trinity Smith; two grandchildren, Zen Yates & Atticus Munoz; her siblings, Alan Carey, Dean Carey, Joann Carey (Brumley) Elizabeth Carey, and Shane Carey.

Deanna's legacy of compassion, integrity, service, and excellent marksmanship will be carried on by surviving loved ones currently residing on her family homestead. Details regarding her Celebration of Life will be communicated via post.

04/23/2026

Our Staff is readily available to assist in all areas of Funeral Services. We have licensed insurance agents on staff to assist with life insurance and burial insurance. We also offer headstone sales, and professional headstone cleaning services. Come by and meet our staff and let us assist you in any questions you may have.

04/07/2026

Vickie Darlene (Conley) Bryant, age 64 of Talihina, Oklahoma passed away from this life on April 7, 2026 in Talihina, Oklahoma. Vickie was born on August 1, 1961 in Clayton, Oklahoma to Celia Irene (Scott) Conley and Franklin Delano Conley. Vickie Bryant lived the kind of life people talk about long after the room goes quiet- a life full of warmth, laughter and a whole lot of home made rolls.
Vickie had a gift you can't teach; she never met a stranger. Whether you were family, friend, or someone she'd just met in passing, you were treated like you belonged. She had a way of making people feel seen, fed, and cared for-often all at the same time.

She is survived by her husband, David Bryant; daughters, Rebecca Jost (Lony), and Heather Diaz (Anthony). Her greatest title, though was "Nana" as she lovingly called by her grandchildren - Josey, Wyatt, Lynleigh, and Addison- who knew firsthand what it meant to be completely and unapologetically spoiled. And while Nana loved them all deeply, family tradition (and a little good-natured teasing) will forever insist that Wyatt was the favorite - though Nana would probably argue she just had a "condition" -something like love mixed with a touch of rabies that made her so crazy about each of them. Vickie also leaves behind her sisters, Sally, Laura, Wanda and Cathy, along with many nieces and nephews who were lucky enough to experience her kindness, humor, and open door heart.

For years, Vickie worked in the kitchen at the Talihina Public School, where she did far more than serve meals- she fed hearts. The kids loved her, and she loved them right back. To many, she was more than just a familiar face in the lunch line -she was comfort, consistency, and care in the middle of their day. Outside of work, Vickie found joy in the simple things; gardening, baking her famous rolls and cinnamon rolls (which had a way of showing up exactly when someone needed them most), and pouring love into her family. Her home- and her kitchen - were places where people gathered, laughed, and felt safe. And if you ever stopped by, there was a good chance you might find her in one of her well-earned naps- because loving that hard and feeding that many people is exhausting work, and she had it down to an art form. Vickie loved big. No conditions, no holding back. And if you were lucky enough to be on the receiving end of that love, you knew it.
Her legacy isn't just in the family she leaves behind, but in the countless lives she touched with a kind word, a warm meal, or a simple act of generosity. The world feels a little less cozy without her - but a whole lot better because she was here.

She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at McCarn Funeral Service in Talihina.

A memorial service will take place at 10:00AM Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 at the Talihina School Auditorium. Services have been entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service.

04/06/2026

Albert Lee Cannady left this world for his heavenly home on April 4, 2026. Albert was born on January 14, 1944, in Albion, Oklahoma to Ethel Adaline (Woolsey) and Douglas Steve May Cannady. He will be remembered for the love and kindness he shared with family, friends, and all who knew him. Albert’s life was a testament to faith, compassion, and the strength of his character.
Albert was a man of strong values, hard work, and a caring heart. He took pride in mentoring young men, sharing his wisdom and guiding them with strong determination and a stern hand. Tough love was his motto but on the ride home he was your best friend. He loved his ranch, dedicating many years to cultivating it, and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including hunting, tending to a good brush pile, and creating memories filled with laughter and joy.
Later in life, Albert discovered a love for travel, delighting in visiting new states and exploring different places. He was a person who loved to have fun, and his smile could light up any room. Those who knew him remember his warmth, his guidance, and the countless ways he touched the lives of others.

Albert is survived by his wife, Tammie of the home; children, Alesha Britton and husband Floyd, Albert Cannady Jr., Ashley Kennedy and husband Justin, and Blake Wagner and wife Jayda; grandchildren, Taylor Cannady, Chastain Ybarra and husband Colton, Dakota Cannady, Rylie Wagner, Parker Wagner, Chisum Kennedy, Fowler Kennedy, Drayper Kennedy; numerous great grandchildren; siblings, Everett Cannady, Lestena Gott and husband Jimmy, and Charlene Knight and husband Alan; special friends, TJ Grey and Jimmy Jones; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many extended family.

Albert is preceded in death by his parents, Ethel Woolsey and Douglas Cannady; step-father, Lester Tallant; sisters, Elsie Reamey and Jane Willess; brother Charles Cannady.

Family night will be on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at McCarn Funeral Service in Talihina.

Graveside services will be on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 10:00AM at Albion Cemetery with Bro. Danny Harris officiating. Services have been entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service.

04/03/2026

Shawnetta M. Hanlon was born on November 14, 1964 in Phoenix, Arizona. She passed from this life into eternal life on April 2, 2025 at Clare House in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 61.
Shawnetta was the second oldest child of four children born to Paula Mushaney. She carried that role her whole life with sparkle and sass. Shawnetta loved boldly and laughed often. She married the love of her life, David V. Hanlon on Feb. 6, 1990. Once he died in 1992, no one could ever compare or fill his shoes and love and protect her like he did.
Throughout her life she was always present for her family which was her biggest joy. Sharmellow, as they called her, delighted in her grandsons, Dakota and Kolby. She loved baking cookies with them each Christmas and making their favorite cupcakes for their birthdays. For forty-four years she continued to make Michelle her cherry-chip cake mix or as in later years turned into cupcakes without fail, since Michelle's first birthday. She shined and made everyone's birthday feel like a huge celebration. Her love and giving spirit will live on through all those who have been blessed to know her.

Shawnetta is survived by her daughter, Michelle Elmore and her "favorite" son in law, Keith; two grandsons, Dakota and Kolby Elmore; sister, Marty Sisk and husband Donnie; brother, Shane Paycheck and Sam. She was blessed with many nieces and nephews and she adored them all.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David V. Hanlon; mother Paula Mushaney; grandmother, Edna Hoopes-Milner; uncle and aunt, Randall and Margaret Durant; brother, Scott Mushaney.

The family would like to give thanks for all the love and donations made to honor and help Shawnetta during her several weeks in the hospital, recovery, and hospice house. Your generosity and community outreach has been heart warming. May the Lord bless you all.
We would also want to acknowledge and show appreciation to Clare House in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The love and care given there during her final days was unbelievable. If you'd like to help their facility help other families in the future, you can donate at Clare House 918-893-6150 or email info@clarehouse.org or website Clarehouse.org In loving memory of Shawnetta Hanlon.

Pallbearers are Kolby Elmore, Bryce Barnett, Lane Bandy, Ryan Emmert, Nashoba Watson, Jaycob Mangrum, and Josiah Watson.
Honorary Pallbearers are Keith Wilcox, Jeremiah Presson, Donnie Sisk, Keith Elmore, Shane Paycheck, and Mitchell Paycheck

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at McCarn Funeral Service in Talihina.

Services will be on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10:00AM at Talihina Assembly of God Church with Keith Elmore officiating.

Burial will be on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 1:00PM at Fort Smith National Cemetery.
Service have been entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service.

03/30/2026

Raymond Leslie Fitzgerald, age 82 of Arlington, Texas passed away from this life and into Heaven on March 25, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. Raymond was born July 17, 1943 in Talihina, Oklahoma to Walter and Naomi (Chesser) Fitzgerald. Raymond married his best friend and sweetheart, Patsy Ann (Johnson) of Whitesboro, Oklahoma on May 22, 1970. Raymond graduated from Talihina High School in 1961. After working different jobs after high school he then served 2 years in the United States Army which included 18 months in Korea. He then attended and graduated from Oklahoma State Tech in Okmulgee, Oklahoma for Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. Raymond was “Mr. Fix It.” If you had something broken - he had an answer and wouldn’t give up until it was fixed or working again. This trait is something he passed down to his son and grandsons.
Raymond came from a large family and enjoyed visiting and catching up with them (and of course enjoying a cup of coffee) every chance he got. One of his favorite things to do was to go to his brother Carrol’s cabin during deer season with some of his brothers, and nephews. Raymond retired from Dallas County in 2005 as a lead AC tech. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He was known for tracking down deals on goats and sheep with nothing but his trusty Mapsco. Raymond was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Patsy (Johnson) Fitzgerald of the home; children, Stanley Fitzgerald and wife Michelle of Whitesboro, Vicky Brinlee and husband Kevin of Alvarado, TX; grandchildren Jeremy Wade Fitzgerald of Panama, Jonathan Blake Fitzgerald and wife Sarah of Panama, and Emily Brinlee Rice and husband Cody of Arlington, TX; brothers, J.B. Fitzgerald and Dewey Fitzgerald and wife Diana; and many nieces & nephews and cousins.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Naomi Fitzgerald; siblings, Marion Fitzgerald, Mae Bell, Georgia Parmley, Pauline Rose, Reba Holt, Herman Fitzgerald, Harry Fitzgerald, Gladys Moore, J.W. Fitzgerald, Alma Goltz, and Carrol Fitzgerald.

Pallbearers are Alan Fitzgerald, Luke Fitzgerald, Charles Fitzgerald, Billy Price, Phillip Judkins, and Jay Johnson.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at McCarn Funeral Service in Talihina, Oklahoma.

Services will be on Friday, April 3rd, 2026 at 10:00AM at Victory Baptist Church in Talihina, Oklahoma with Bro. J.D. Weido and Bro. Danny Harris officiating. Services have been entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service.

03/22/2026

Rev. Howard Jewell Tyson entered Heaven’s Gates on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in McAlester, Oklahoma, with his loving family by his side. He was born on October 27, 1932, in Bokchito, Oklahoma, to Lynch Tyson and Inez (Fulson) Tyson Andrews. After graduating from Atoka High School, he continued his education at Eastern Oklahoma College. He then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. His career included a foreman for the Rubber Plant, and a machinist at National Oil Well for many years. Rev. Tyson faithfully served as a pastor at Center Point Ministry of Ministries in Alderson, Oklahoma. First and foremost, he loved the Lord and dedicated his life to ministry. As an ordained minister, he had the privilege of officiating many weddings and baptizing numerous individuals, leaving a lasting spiritual impact on his community. In addition to his ministry, Rev. Tyson enjoyed working with his hands. He found great satisfaction in fixing small engines, especially lawnmowers, and took pride in landscaping. In his pastime, he would be found watching some of his favorite shows, Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, and Matlock. He was a devoted husband of twenty years to previous wife Freida Tyson, and a dedicated family man who cherished time spent with his loved ones. Rev. Tyson will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his legacy of faith, service, and kindness will live on in the hearts of many.

Rev. Howard Tyson is survived by his daughters, Tannya Johnson (CJ), and Ramona Fair (Willie); numerous grandchildren and a few great grandchildren; brother Joseph Tyson; sister, Versie Traylor (Vernon); nephews, Sonny Tyson (Faye), James Tyson (Beverly), Alford Lennox, Erick (Geno) Dulin, and Little Jay; nieces, Josephine (Charles Sr.) Burton, Kimberly (Kimmy) Traylor, Matoy Dulin, June Tyson; friend Randy Stevens, as well as numerous extended family and friends.

Rev. Howard Tyson was preceded in death by his parents, Lynch Tyson and Inez Andrews; step father, Z.L. Andrews; sisters, Julia Dulin, Cora Robinson, and Bessie Dillard; brother, L.J. Andrews; grandmother, Julia Dunford; nephews, Gregory Tyson, Frank (Buddy) Dillard, Vernon Traylor Jr., Tony Dulin.; niece, Jackie; great nephew Joseph (Boo) Tyson; Ruben (Mighty) Dillard Jr.; special sister-in-law, Callie Tyson married to Joseph Tyson.

Pallbearers are Sonny Tyson, James Tyson, Charles Burton Sr., Charles Burton Jr., Tremayne Lennox, Cory James.
Honorary Pallbearers are C. Johnson, John D. Walker, Stephen Smitherman, Clay E. Smitherman, John E. Walker, and Greg Smitherman.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at McCarn Funeral Service in Talihina, Oklahoma. Services have been entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Tabernacle of Praise in McAlester, Oklahoma with nephew Sonny Tyson officiating. Interment will be held at Blue Branch Cemetery in Bokchito, Oklahoma at 3:00 PM following the service.

03/21/2026

Marion McCurtain, age 90, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, in McAlester, Oklahoma surrounded by his family. He was born on July 27, 1935, in Howe, Oklahoma to Ida (Payne) and Jackson McCurtain.
Marion proudly served his country in the United States Army, carrying that sense of duty and pride with him throughout his life. He was also deeply proud of his Choctaw heritage, which remained an important part of his identity.
He was a familiar and friendly face around town, known for enjoying a good cup of coffee and lively conversation at the local diner. Marion had a gift for storytelling and loved sharing memories of his childhood and his time in the Army with anyone willing to listen. He never met a stranger. He found joy in the simple pleasures—back-roading with friends, going out to eat, and spending time in the community he loved.
Above all, Marion was a family man. He took great pride in his family and cherished the time he spent with them.
He will be remembered for his warmth, his stories, his sense of humor, and the connections he built with those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Marion is survived by his children, Glenda McCurtain, Sharla McCurtain Gonzalez, Marion McCurtain Jr., and Michelle McCurtain; grandchildren, Cody McCurtain, Krista McCurtain, Joshua Morris, Ashlyn McCurtain, Megan Walker, Ricky Morris, Tiffani McCurtain, Robin Gonzalez, Ashleigh Edgar, Matthew McCurtain, Timothy McCurtain, Michael Lewis, and Bradly Lewis; twenty four great grandchildren; four great - great grandchildren; as well as numerous extended family and a host of friends.
Marion is preceded in death by his parents, Ida and Jackson McCurtain; wife, Ina McCurtain; daughter, Beverly Morris; brothers, Ambert McCurtain and Alex McCurtain.
Visitation will be on Monday, March 23rd, 2026 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at McCarn Funeral Service in Talihina.

Services will be on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 2:00PM at Victory Baptist Church in Talihina with Bro. Danny Harris officiating. Interment will follow at New City Cemetery in Talihina. Services have been entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service.

03/18/2026

Our beloved mom and Nanny, Juanita (James) Lewark, passed away on March 14 and went to her eternal home in Heaven. Juanita was born September 18, 1935, in Wickes, Arkansas, to Ellis and Nellie James. Her father ran cattle on a ranch outside Clayton, Oklahoma. And her mother taught school, with Nita and her siblings in a one-room schoolhouse until they reached high school. Inspired by her mother, Nita also became an elementary school teacher and carried a lifelong passion for education, teaching whenever she had the opportunity.

She was married to William Lewark for 52 years. Together, they spent decades moving around the United States following Bill’s Air Force career. Bill often joked that their relationship contained “two chiefs and no Indians,” but the couple were united in their efforts to serve God by caring for their family, supporting their churches and communities, and helping others as God led them. Nita was probably best known for her passion for missions, animals, and her wonderful country cooking. No one ever went hungry in her presence. Her love of family, faith, and animals was passed down through her family through the many examples of service and commitment she showed to both her family and to Jesus.

She was a quiet woman, a trait she inherited from her mother. She often sat and listened to the conversations around her table, quietly taking it all in while making sure everyone’s glass was full and no one left hungry. Her home was always open—whether it was missionaries, traveling guests, or anyone in need of a place to stay, there was always room with Nita. She also took great pride in sharing, teaching, and continuing to learn about her Choctaw heritage, carrying it with honor and passing it on to those around her.

She was truly the matriarch of the family, the one who held everyone together, and the one who could even check Dad/Papa when no one else dared. She wasn't afraid to grab a rifle and shoot any snake in her way. If you ever had the opportunity to help feed her animals, she provided custom meals with a side of love (and cornbread). In so many ways, she defined the strength, grit, faith, and generosity that made her generation great.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ellis and Nellie James; her husband, William Lewark; her brother Ellis James; her sisters Mary Crain and Virginia James; son-in-law Robert Hague; mother-in-law Billie Lewark Wood; brothers-in-law Don Crain, Mike Lewark and Danny Bryant; sister-in-law LaHoma Jo James and a niece and several nephews.

She is survived by her children Terry Hague of Wichita, KS; Larry Lewark (Esther) of Dayton, OH; and Mary Reisig of Wichita, KS; grandchildren Nathan (Emily) Reisig of Wichita, KS; Austin (Liz) Reisig of Grant, NE; Rachael (Josh) Kame of Springfield, OH; and Billy (Sydney) Lewark of
Englewood, OH; nine great-grandchildren; brother Charlie (Gloria) James of Boerne, TX; sister-in-laws Janet Lewark Tongier and Mary Lewark of Pittsburg KS; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Baptist Church in Clayton, OK on March 21st at 10:00 with graveside service at the A.L. Stephens Cemetery to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Southern Baptist missionaries Mark and Melynda Wint, whom Terry knows personally, who share love and the gospel along the East coast of Africa in a mostly Muslim area using drug rehabilitation and job training; occupational therapy, clinics and home visits for special needs families; and training for local pastors and
churches. Services have been entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service.

https://www.imb.org/give/project/coastal-chainbreakers-team/

https://lifelineanimalplacement.org/

03/09/2026

Ernest D. (Ernie) Ables passed from this world on March 7, 2026 at the age of 92. He was born January 13, 1934 in Hugo, Oklahoma to Annie (Cooper) and Ernest Ables. He was preceded in death by his parent, brother and sister, first wife, Juanita and a son, Brian Ables. Survivors include his wife, Lucille of the home; son, Christopher Ables; daughter -in-law, Latasha Ables; four grandchildren, Krishana and Darius Ables, Jordan and Jaci Frost; two great grandchildren, Kingston and Kamar; step son, Tracy Frost; daughter in law, Heather Frost.

Ernie spent the first 20 years of his life on the family farm in the Shoat Springs community southeast of Hugo. He attributes his work ethic to life on the farm where he harvested peanuts, picked cucumbers and tomatoes, and bailed hay to supplement the family income. His first paying job was off-bearing for a bailing crew where the power was supplied by a horse walking in circles. After graduating from Hugo High School in 1952, he took his first non-farm job as a clerk and soda-jerk in Grave's Drug Store in Hugo. He volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1954, did basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas, did advanced training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia and completed his military duty in West Germany. After being honorably discharged, he attended college on the Korean G.I. bill at Oklahoma State University where he obtained a B.S. Degree in Zoology / Wildlife Management. From there he attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he earned his M.S. and PH.D in the fields of Zoology and Wildlife Ecology.
Ernie had always as a child had dreams of visiting other countries, especially Africa. Those dreams became realities when he and Juanita spent a year in 1966-67 radio tracking impala antelope in Northern Kenya, East Africa. Upon returning from Kenya, he joined the Wildlife Faculty at Texas A & M University where the African work continued at a greater pace. He and Juanita once again lived and worked in Kenya, but Ernie's duties also took him to Tanzania, South Africa and Burkina Faso in West Africa. In total he visited the dark continent five times. In 1993, due to Juanita's need for a drier climate, they moved to Idaho where Ernie spent the remainder of his professional career at the University of Idaho. He taught there and Administered academic and research programs for 25 years. As an academic administrator, he emphasized improvement of instruction among the faculty and always reminded everyone that computers were tools, not surrogates or substitutes for the real world. While at the University of Idaho, his interest and participation in international activities continued. He taught courses and training programs and coordinated exchange visits for scientist in Honduras, South Korea, Thailand, Burma, Indonesia, and China. He taught a 1- month wildlife management course in China in 1980, the first of it's kind in that country by a westerner. A second visit to China in 1987 took him to Wolong Panda Preserve and to Kernning where the famous WWII Flying Tigers were based.
Ernie was also active in his professional organization, The Wildlife Society. He served on numerous TWS Committees and as president of the Texas Chapter and of the Idaho Chapter of TWS. Upon his retirement he continued to keep active in the wildlife field, volunteering his time when and where it was needed. This included conducting problem related research for the National Park Service and doing wildlife surveys for the U.S. Forest Service on the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma. Finally a goat on his feet put an end to his active lifestyle. In his final years, he could only look at his wall full of awards and plaques and remember fondly a very rewarding life and how fortunate he had been since dragging hay bales away from a horse - powered machine. He marveled at the hand of fate that led him from playing barefoot in the school yard of his youth to walking along the Great Wall of China and from hunting rabbits with a sling in Oklahoma to facing off a charging elephant in the wilds of Africa.

Pallbearers are Jerry Pearce, Don Wolverton, John Slater, Charles Covington, Sonny Tyson, and Jack Cosper

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at McCarn Funeral Service in Talihina.

Services will be on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 11:00AM at Talihina First Baptist Church with Bro. Sonny Tyson and Bro. Justin Turney officiating.

03/06/2026

Justin Albert Kirkes, age 49 of Buffalo Valley, Oklahoma passed away from this life on March 4th, 2026 to join his heavenly band. Justin was born on March 19, 1976 in Talihina, Oklahoma to Bonnie Janelle (Burnett) and Jimmy Darrell Kirkes. Justin graduated from Buffalo Valley High School in 1994 and went to paint and body school in Tulsa, OK. He held various jobs but the most important decision was that he accepted Christ as his Savior. He never met a stranger and enjoyed spreading the Word of God. He loved to play the drums at church. He was a pastor at Tate Chapel for several years. The "love" of his life was his two girls. He loved to build sound systems for people. Justin will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Justin is survived by his two daughters, Tristyn and Aubrey of the home; parents, Jimmy and Janelle Kirkes; brother, Heston and wife, Demarae; nephew, Ryder; niece, Lyla; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and other extended family and a host of friends.

Justin is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, George and Elizabeth Burnett, Albert and Johnnie Kirkes.

Pallbearers will be George Espinel, Adam Mirick, Casey Henry, Jason Brewer, Kevin Peters, Tyler Kirkes, Ryder Kirkes, Shannon Ben.
Honorary Pallbearers are Nathan Lucas, Tom Lucas, Kirk Anderson, Waylon Goad, Rodney Tate, Jamie Brown, Blake May, Zachary May, Ryan Kelley, Michael Burnett.

Visitation will be on Monday, March 9th, 2026 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at McCarn Funeral Service in Talihina.

Services will be on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 10:00AM at Buffalo Valley School Gym with Bro. Joshua Bull and Bro. Jeremy Bull officiating. Interment will follow at Sardis Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service.

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