Shipman Funeral Home & Crematory

11/21/2025

Janet Denise Gray (Parks), age 60, of Warner, Oklahoma, was born February 2, 1965, in Chandler, Arizona, to Alpha “Jean” Wilson and Carl W. Parks. She passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Janet worked as a commercial driver in the transportation industry. She enjoyed gardening, tending to her flower beds, and pursuing a variety of crafts.

She is preceded in death by her biological father, Carl Parks; her stepfather, James Albert Combs; and her sister, Dana Newton.
Grandparents Norman and Lucille Wilson. Aunt and uncle Vernon and Pat Wilson.

Janet is survived by her mother Alpha “Jean” Combs, sisters Debbie Maher and Terry Oliver of Muskogee, OK, and Becky Johnson of Texas; brothers Randy Parks of Muskogee, OK, and Tony Parks and wife Nina of Winslow, AZ; nieces Elisa and Allan Branaman of Medora, IN, Jessica Parks of Muskogee, OK, Tonya Parks of Winslow, AZ, and Yolanda and Danny Bailon of Winslow, AZ; nephews Dewayne and Denni Maher of Muskogee, OK, Andrew Maher and Azalee of Muskogee, OK, Josh Parks and Sheila of Coweta, OK, Stoney Combs and Amy of Ft. Gibson, OK, and Brett Wills of Texas; along with several great-nieces and great-nephews. Aunt and uncle Lloyd and Betty Wilson of Chandler, AZ. Uncle and aunt Harold and Sheila Combs of Okemah, OK. She is also survived by special friends Bill Clinton and Marsha of Porter, OK, and a host of extended family members, friends, and cousins.

A memorial service to celebrate Janet’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Three Rivers Cowboy Church, 4230 S. Country Club Rd., Muskogee, OK, with Pastor Bill Clinton officiating.

11/21/2025

Serving as a Certified Life Celebrant, the four things I have learned that those left behind cherish the most:

One, memories. Oh, to hear the stories and the sound of joy and laughter that surround the stories that created the memories.

Two, pictures that captures those special memories and show how their life unfolded.

Three, the presence of their loved ones. And with the holidays here, it’s easy for the sadness to creep in. But we remember our loved ones with hearts of gratitude for the memories we have, and the new lives our loved ones are living.

The fourth is something materialistic. It doesn’t have to be something big. Just a shirt or anything that when the days come and the tears won’t stop flowing, you have something tangible to hold, embrace, knowing that your loved one is closer than you can ever imagine.

We all know that to live is to die and that we all will leave this world one day. When? That’s the big mystery, we don’t know and it can be scary. But as we acknowledge that, yes we’re not going to live here forever.

We can then begin leaving our mark on those around us, so that when we leave, our loved ones have what their hearts need to survive until we all reunite.

Life Celebrant Anita J Shipman

11/18/2025

Services You Can Trust….Providing Funeral, Burial & Cremation Services for Generations ♥️

11/17/2025

David Leo Hays, Chief Master Sergeant, United States Air Force (Ret.), dedicated 30 years of honorable service to his country. His career took him across the globe with assignments in Greenland, Germany, Louisiana, Southeast Asia, Tucson, and Omaha. During his early years in the Air Force, David met his first wife, Shirley, and the two were married on March 25, 1965.

David discovered a lifelong passion for cooking and delighted in sharing his creations with family and friends. Many of his cherished recipes continue to be passed down through younger generations, keeping beloved family traditions alive.

After retiring from the Air Force, David and Shirley returned to Wagoner, where he worked for Wagoner County Abstract for 20 years before fully retiring. Following Shirley’s passing, David later reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Norma, and the two married on February 26, 2017.

David was a huge OU Sooners and St. Louis Cardinals fan. If either team was playing, he could always be found cheering them on—and if they were losing, everyone knew to tread lightly. The first OU football game that David got to watch from heaven was them beating Alabama in a nail-biter.

David and Shirley also enjoyed collecting Department 56 Christmas Village pieces, spending countless hours attending events and hosting gatherings with the Oklahoma Department 56 Club.

He was preceded in death by parents John and Ethel Hays; wives Shirley Hays and Norma Hays; sister Wanda L. Posey; and nephew John Lowell Hays.

He is survived by his son John; stepchildren Teri, Ralph, Kathy, and Mark; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings Dennis, Betty, Laverne, Mike, Arlene, Frank, and Ron; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Family will greet guest on Monday, November 17, 2025 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Shipman Funeral Home in Wagoner, Oklahoma.

Service will be at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Shipman Funeral Home Chapel in Wagoner, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery.

11/14/2025

Ms. Roxana Lea Moore, known affectionately as Roxy by her loved ones, was called to her eternal home on November 12, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a sudden and unexpected illness. Roxy was born on Christmas Day in 1966, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, a fitting entrance for a woman whose heart mirrored the generosity and warmth of the holiday season.

Roxy was the cherished daughter of the late Donald C. Sisco and Jessie (Corkey) Sisco, and a beloved sister to her late sibling, Tami Abla. Her vibrant spirit lives on through her adoring children: sons Robert Crossland (40) with his wife Ashley (40), Rusty Crossland (35) with his wife Amanda (43); and daughters Julie Crossland (39), Deztiny Guyton (28) with her husband Dae'shon (26), Angie Moore (27), Jessie Moran (26) with her wife Stephanie (29), Emily Moore (21), and Lisa Moore (17). She was a doting grandmother to Hailey Crossland (19), Ethan Visor (16), Kylie Visor (13), Austin Crossland (13), Gunner Crossland (8), Malia Guyton (5), Dae shon Guyton Jr.
(4). Malaysia Guyton (3), Ava Guyton (2), and Colter Crossland (6 months) who will miss her deeply.

Despite facing the challenge of an early departure from formal education. Roxy's resolve led her to complete her GED, exemplifying her belief in the power of perseverance and the importance of second chances. This belief was the cornerstone of her life's work as a foster parent. Over the years, Roxy opened her home and heart to over 1.000 children, providing a safe haven and unconditional love. Her dedication to nurturing those in need did not go unnoticed, as she was honored with the prestigious Citizen Of The Year award in 2024, a testament to her profound impact on the community.

Roxy's selflessness extended far beyond her immediate family. She was a beacon of hope at the Methodist Mission, where she dedicated countless hours to supporting the food bank and ensuring those less fortunate had a meal to enjoy. When the winter chill set in. Roxy could be found making and distributing food to the homeless, her kindness a shield against the cold.

Christmas was Roxy's favorite time of year. not for the gifts or the glittering decorations, but for the joy and love that seemed to fill the air. She lived her life as if every day were imbued with the spirit of the season, giving selflessly and spreading cheer to all she encountered.

Roxy's legacy is one of unwavering love, boundless generosity, and a deep commitment to the welfare of others. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the countless lives she touched. Roxy Moore was a living embodiment of the idea that to give is to receive, and her memory will forever be a guiding light to all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace, and may her example continue to inspire acts of kindness and compassion in us all.

Per Roxy's wishes, no public services will be held. Please in lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you make donations in Roxy's name to the Methodist Mission in Checotah, OK

11/13/2025

Floyd E. “Gene” Walker, age 87, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Gene was born on December 20, 1937, in Branson, Missouri, to Hazel Alice (Johnson) Walker and Floyd Arthur Walker.

Gene proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Air National Guard. A skilled builder of model airplanes since the age of seven, he carried his passion for craftsmanship throughout his life. He loved classical music, motorcycle riding, and spending time with his family and beloved pets.

Gene was known for his wonderful sense of humor and always had a joke or funny saying to share. He especially delighted family and friends with his spot-on Donald Duck impression—alas, his “quacker” has now been silenced.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Floyd Walker; his brother, Harlan Jesse Walker; and his former spouse, Sandra Donnietta Walker.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Susan E. Walker of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter Terri Patrick and Glenn of Bixby, Oklahoma; daughter Charissa Reece and Steve of Verdigris, Oklahoma; son Donald Walker and Sonia of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; and stepson Tim Dombrow and Kristi of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is also survived by grandchildren Krissi Gibson and Rex, Kandis Blair, Kaycie Weber and Kirk, Jill Naus and Matt, Amanda Crothers and Ray, Cody Reece, Caroline Farnsworth and Jeremiah, Kyle Dombrow, and Alex Dombrow, along with fourteen great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and an abundance of pets who will miss him dearly.

A ceremony to honor Gene will be held Wednesday, November 19th at 12:30 P.M. at the Shipman Chapel in Wagoner. And will be laid to rest with military honors at 2:30 P.M., located at Fort Gibson National Cemetery.

11/13/2025

Beautiful service today for Ruth Stevenson ♥️

11/12/2025

“Do Not Judge the Bereaved Mother”

Do not judge the grieving mother, her pain runs far and deep,
Her heart’s a wound that never heals, a promise she must keep.
You see her smile, you see her stand, you see her cook and care,
But you will never feel the weight of all the grief she bears.

She wears a thousand faces, mother, healer, friend,
Protector of her other ones, yet broken to no end.
She still makes meals, she still keeps home, she still wipes every tear,
While silently she fights a storm that rages year to year.

She’s breathing, yet she’s dying too, with every rising sun,
Each morning proves her child is gone another day begun.
Her body may seem young and strong, her spirit’s ancient, worn,
For sorrow ages faster still than any years she’s borne.

She walks, she talks, she works, she prays, she somehow finds her way,
But pieces of her soul are gone, she’ll never be the same.
She is, but is not, all at once, a paradox of grace,
For half of her lives here on Earth, the rest in Heaven’s place.

So do not judge the mother’s eyes when silence fills her tone,
She’s walking through a world that hurts while calling Heaven home.
For though she’s here, her heart still flies where angels softly roam,
And one sweet day, beyond the veil, her child will call her home.

Written by: Marlena L Bowdery
Many Phases And Faces Of A Mother's Grief

11/11/2025

Richard Gene Geltz, Jr. affectionately known as Ricky to his friends and family, left this world on November 10, 2025, at the age of 69. Born on May 4, 1956, in Cedar Rapids, IA, Ricky grew up with a spirit of adventure and a heart full of laughter. His final days were spent in Wagoner, OK, where he was surrounded by the love of his family. After a courageous battle with cancer, Ricky passed away, leaving behind a legacy of joy and passion for life.

Ricky was preceded in death by his father, Richard Gene Geltz Sr., his grandparents, his stepfather, Larry Bradley, and his nephew, Jonas Geltz. He leaves behind his beloved mother, Beverly Upshaw, his son, Toby Geltz, his daughter Rachelle Zisumbo and her husband Sage, his step-son TJ Blocker and wife Diane, his brother Robin Geltz, and his sisters Kathy Rowe, Lisa Logsdon and her husband Rusty, and Teresa Chuculate and her husband Derek. Ricky's memory will also be cherished by his numerous grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins, who will miss his humorous and adventurous spirit.

Ricky's professional life was characterized by his dedication and hard work as a forklift operator at M&M Lumber, where he was a respected employee for several years. His reliability and expertise made him a valuable member of the team. However, it was outside of work where Ricky's true passions lay.

A Christian by faith, Ricky was baptized on August 1, 1969, and his faith was an important cornerstone in his life. His love for the outdoors was evident to all who knew him, and he pursued this passion through the art of falconry. Ricky was an accomplished falconer, a hobby that allowed him to form a unique bond with hawks and falcons. His knowledge and skill were admired by many in the falconry community.

Ricky was also an avid fisherman, often found by the water's edge, rod in hand, enjoying the serenity of nature. A true sports enthusiast, he channeled his competitive spirit into cheering for the Yankees and engaging in spirited foosball matches, where he was known to be quite the formidable opponent.

Those who knew Ricky will remember him for his sense of humor, which was as infectious as it was endearing. He had the remarkable ability to light up a room with his jokes and to make anyone he met feel comfortable and welcome. His adventurous soul led him to many escapades, each one adding to the rich tapestry of stories he loved to share.

Ricky was a loving father, son, brother, and friend. His passing leaves a void in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him. Yet, his zest for life and the countless memories he created will continue to inspire and comfort his family and friends for years to come. Ricky's legacy is one of laughter, adventure, and love—a legacy that will not be forgotten.

As we bid farewell to Richard Gene Geltz, Jr. we celebrate the life of a man who embraced the beauty of the world with open arms and who shared the warmth of his heart with everyone he encountered. Ricky's story is not one of sorrow but a beautiful reminder to cherish every moment and to live life with passion and kindness.

No services planned at this time.

11/11/2025