Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home, Inc.

03/18/2026

Mike Calfy

Funeral Services for Mike will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Church of the Nazarene, Walters, OK, at 10:00 a.m. Interment in Walters cemetery under the direction of Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home, Walters. A prayer service will be held at the Church of the Nazarene, on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

Michael (Mike) Monzell Calfy, Sr (affectionately known as “Pappy”) was born to Victor Lee and Zella Mae (Myers) Calfy in Walters, OK on June 16, 1943, and departed this life at his home in Walters, OK, on March 17, 2026, at the age of 82 years, 9 months, and 1 day after a courageous battle with heart and lung disease and cancer.

Mike attended Walters school until the 11th grade. At harvest time, families would pull their kids out of school to work in the cotton fields. When Mike returned to school he was told he would automatically be failed, even though his grades were passing, due to new education laws regarding absences. Even though he never received a diploma, he proceeded to become a successful business owner and contractor.

Mike married Lena Ann Chockpoyah on July 6, 1962, in Walters, where they made their home and raised their 4 children. In his early years, he pulled cotton with a gunny sack for “$1 a hunnerd” and helped Claud Daniel gather watermelons for 30 cents an hour. He later worked in the oilfield and went on to farm and do carpentry alongside his brother Jim. In the late 1960s, Mike, together with his brothers Frank and John, founded Calfy Bros Building Center on Broadway, later building its current location in 1975. Over the years, he spent much of his time constructing tribal housing, serving as the lead builder of his crew and, in his own words, a “workaholic.”

He enjoyed camping, fishing, and boating while his kids were growing up. He also enjoyed and participated in competitive bowling. He has always loved gardening. Every year he spent hours plowing and planting a huge garden of corn, squash, beans, turnips, beets, pumpkins, and watermelons to share with others.

In the mid 1990’s, he began attending the Emerson 1st Church of the Nazarene. Lena followed him to Emerson and became their pastor. He was later baptized by his wife at Emerson.

He was adopted as an “honorary” Comanche by elders Martha Wereyavah, Helen Goodeagle, Phyllis Frederick, and Ruth Simmons. During this time, he began studying and learning the Comanche language. While taking classes he befriended June Tahpay, who originally told him white men can’t sing Comanche but ended up inviting him to sing with her. He has spent the last 30 plus years singing Comanche hymns and cultivating a genuine love for the Comanche tribe and language.

He is preceded by parents Victor and Zella Calfy, his wife Lena Calfy, 6 brothers; Bill, Vic, Rex, Jim, Frank, & John Calfy, and two sisters; Aluretta Tunnell and Zella Mae Jarrell.

He is survived by 4 children and spouses, Mike Jr. and Lori Calfy of Edmond, OK, Shiela and Dan Swanner of Oklahoma City, Fonda and Jim Keesee of Walters, Chris Fletcher and Brittanni of Walters, OK; a sister, Ila Cowan; 3 sisters-in-law Jeanie Rickets, Geraldine Gray, and Jessie Foster; 2 brothers-in-law, Eddie and Rose Chockpoyah and Fred Chockpoyah; 15 grandchildren, Victoria Calfy, Danny Swanner, Dylan Swanner, Robert Hardy, Brandon Keesee, Chase Keesee, Jordan Keesee, Amy Calfy, Leanne Calfy, David Calfy, Rommel Amante, Olivia Fletcher, Hagen Fletcher, Kinley Fletcher, and Parker Fletcher; 8 great-grandchildren, other relatives and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Comanche Language and Cultural Preservation Committee at 1608 NW Euclid Ave, Lawton, OK 73507

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03/17/2026

Teresa (Collins) McClung

Funeral Service at Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home Chapel, Walters, 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026, Rev. Tara Brown officiating with interment in the Paradise Valley Cemetery following under the direction of Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home, Temple, OK.

Teresa Charlene (Collins) McClung was born to Ralph M. and Mary Lucille (Age) Collins on February 9, 1955 in Duncan, OK and departed this life in Duncan, OK on March 14, 2026 at the age of 71 years, 1 month and 5 days.

Teresa grew up on a farm east of Temple, OK, graduating from Temple High School in 1973. She married Larry Alton Wrape and to the union 3 children were born. Early on she worked at First State Bank in Temple before the family moved to Walters. In the 1980’s she opened Teresa’s Flowers beginning a long career in floral design. She moved to Comanche for 4 years working at Pat’s Flowers then returned to Walters, working at Greer’s Flowers in Lawton while attending Cameron University. She received her Bachelor of Computer Science in the mid 1990’s.

Having met Sonny McClung, Teresa and daughter Jamie moved to Paradise Valley in 1996. She and Sonny married in 1998 and in 2001 the couple purchased Lawton Floral West. Teresa ran the shop until 2018, a year after the loss of Sonny. She then worked at Ramon’s for a time then moved to Pennsylvania, living with her sister for a year. She returned to Temple and worked at the Nutrition Center from 2021 to the present.

Teresa enjoyed plowing while growing up on the farm. She loved going to Coffee at Hop-N-Sak, visiting with people, watching Wheel of Fortune, and loved her dog, Cowboy. She also enjoyed attending the Presbyterian Churches in Temple and Walters.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Earl “Sonny” McClung in 2017; her parents, Ralph and Lucille Collins; a brother, Curtis Collins; and 2 sisters, Janet Collins and CJ Collins.

Survivors include 2 sons, Keith Wrape and Jason Wrape both of Temple; a daughter, Jamie Wrape of Temple; a granddaughter, Honesty Lucas and Elija of TN; a great granddaughter, Ivy Lucas; her nieces and nephews, Rodney, Brian and Jeffrey Collins, Valarie Clark, Ryan Early and Kimbra Early.

03/17/2026

Edward Dewayne Calfy

Funeral Services at First Baptist Church, Walters, OK, Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., Rev. Brad Spurlock officiating with burial in the Walters Cemetery under the direction of Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home.

Edward Dewayne Calfy was born to Robert Edward and Ella Fern (Hales) Calfy on November 27, 1946 in San Angelo, TX and departed this life in Walters, OK on March 13, 2026 at the age of 79 years, 3 months and 14 days.

Ed grew up at Walters. He graduated from WHS in 1965 and then attended Cameron College. He was employed for a time at Cotton Electric but decided to farm instead. He married Pattie Jacquetta (Van Ness) Hancock on January 11, 1974. Ed worked as an electrician for a couple of years in the mid to late 70’s during the building of the Goodyear plant and then returned to farming and ranching full-time.

He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church. Besides farming and ranching, Ed enjoyed spending time at the coffee shop, often opening up Mac’s at 5:00 am. He enjoyed doing stained glass work and even took violin lessons with Cayla when she was young. He enjoyed going on scenic trips with Pattie and loved going to unusual places in Oklahoma, with a lot of them being while going to watch his grandsons wrestle. He also loved family time down at the creek, cooking out and playing with the kids on the rope swing. Ed was an expert marksman, never missing with a .22 rifle and liked watching old westerns on TV. He was a friend to all and always willing to help anyone in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Fern Calfy; his brother, Robert Calfy; his sister, Susan Franklin; and a stepson Justin Hancock.

Survivors include His wife, Pattie Calfy of the home; 2 sons, Kevin Calfy of Duncan, Jason Hancock and Melessa of Walters; a daughter, Cayla Wrape and Kent of Walters; a sister, Louise Sparks of Walters; 9 grandchildren, Kristian Wrape of Duncan, Kacie Bennett of Walters, Tarah Hancock and Segan of Edmond, Jordan Clark and Michael of Mustang, C**ton Wrape and Marisa of Walters, Canaan Hancock and Erin of Lyme, NH, Gus Wrape and Emily of Walters, Jase Hancock and Hunter Hancock, both of Walters; 11 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; other relatives and friends.

Memorial Donations can be made to St. Jude, the Baptist Home for Children, the Walters Ministerial Alliance, or the charity of your choice.

02/26/2026

Judy Estelle McMasters

Funeral Services for Judy will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Hart-Wyatt Chapel, Walters, OK, at 2:00 p.m.

Judy Estelle (Cosper) McMasters was born on May 26, 1943, and departed this life in Lawton, OK on February 24, 2026, at the age of 82 years, 8 months, and 29 days.

Judy grew up in Long Beach, CA where she “loved the beach but not the water”. While attending a dance she met Howard Fletcher McMasters Jr and it was love at first sight. They married May 6, 1964, and to the union 4 children were born. They made their home in several states through the years including Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Maryland, Arizona, and New Mexico before eventually settling in Walters, OK. Judy did clerical and secretarial work in various industries such as nursing homes, hospitals, and retail.

Judy enjoyed working in the yard, watching football, NASCAR, and decorating cakes. She also loved holidays, but most of all she loved bragging about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gordon B and Jule (Armin) Cosper and a son Howard Fletcher McMasters III.

She is survived by her, husband, Howard Fletcher McMasters Jr.; a daughter, Kell Cheré Walker of Dundalk, MD; 2 sons, William Kelley McMasters of Colorado Springs, CO and Robert T McMasters of Walters, OK; a brother, Bill Cosper; 10 grandchildren, Christopher Walker of Dundalk, MD, Cindy McMasters of Colorado Springs, CO, Vince McMasters of Lawton, OK, Devin McMasters of Dundalk, MD, Stephen Walker of Dundalk, MD, Kristy McMasters of Burkburnett, TX, Cheyenne McMasters of Fort Bragg, NC, Zane McMasters of Ocala, Florida, Logan McMasters of Lawton, OK, and Jaden McMasters of Walters, OK; 5 great-grandchildren, Dylen McMasters and Nathan McMasters both of Lawton, OK, Aurora McMasters of Dundalk, MD, and Margaret McMasters-Guiendon and Meredith McMasters-Guiendon of Fort Bragg, NC.

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02/14/2026

Janet A. Wicker

Funeral Service at Hart Wyatt Funeral Home Chapel, Walters, OK on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Brantley Tillery officiating. Interment in the Letitia Cemetery east of Lawton.

Janet Anne Wicker was born July 10, 1944, in Jackson, MI, to Josephine and Ernest Cavanaugh and departed this life in Lawton, OK on February 12, 2026, at age 81.

Janet came to Lawton in 1962 and attended Lawton High School. She then attended Lawton Beauty school in 1963 and received her cosmetology license that same year. She married Donald Wicker in 1967 and adopted her daughter Dana in 1969 and son Kevin in 1970.

Janet earned her GED in 1979 and enrolled in Cameron University. She graduated in 1984 with a sociology degree and started her social work career with DHS. In 1989 she was promoted to supervisor of treatment and foster care. In 1989 she became an adjunct professor at Cameron and taught night classes in the sociology and criminal justice department. She retired from DHS in 2004 after 20 years of service. In 2010 she became an outreach social worker with Delta Nutrition.

Janet had a passion for helping others, especially children and the handicapped. She was a volunteer and board member of the Greiner School for the handicapped and was a member of the Junior service league. Janet was truly one of a kind - energetic, fun-loving and full of life. She had a spark about her that could light up any room. She lived boldly, loved deeply, and made sure the people around her felt special.

One of Janet’s greatest joys in life was her love for dogs. Her home was always filled with happy paws, wagging tails, and the comforting presence of four-legged friends who adored her just as much as she adored them. She loved sharing her famous fudge with family, friends, doctors’ offices and her pharmacy.

Janet loved her family fiercely and was a devoted daughter, sister, mom, grandma and friend who showed up with unwavering support. Her warm and vibrant personality created memories that will be treasured forever and never forgotten.

She was preceded in death by her brothers Darwin Cavanaugh and Dennis Cavanaugh and grandson Clayton Wicker.

She is survived by her daughter and son in law Dana and Billy Franklin; son Donald Kevin Wicker; granddaughter Hailey Franklin; and sisters Paulette and Ed Ferguson Broken Arrow, OK, Sherry and Tim Hills, Broken Arrow, OK.

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02/09/2026

Edward Leroy Brush

A Memorial Service will be held at Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home Chapel, Walters, Friday, February 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., Rev. Paul Metcalfe officiating.

Edward Leroy Brush was born to Tommy Lee and Margie Lou (Upton) Brush on May 9, 1964 in Lawton, OK and departed this life in Lawton on February 7, 2026 at the age of 61 years, 8 months and 29 days.

Ed was nine months old when the family moved to Mineral Wells, TX. He attended Lamar elementary, Mineral Wells Middle School and High School, graduating in 1983. He worked for Brittons Merchandising Co. He moved to Lawton in 1997 and continued working for Brittons. He was also employed by Frito Lay and Sara Lee for a time.

Ed married Sondra Jean (Parker) Meyer on September 19, 2009 in Walters, OK where they made their home. He drove a truck for Prime Trucking for several years and then went to work as a correctional officer at the Department of Corrections in Lawton.

Ed enjoyed playing football in high school. He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, riding motorcycles and 4-wheelers. He brought lots of animals home through the years. He loved spending time with his grandkids.

He is survived by his parents, Tommy and Margie Brush of Lawton; his wife, Sondra Brush of the home; 5 children and their families: daughter Jennifer Hair and Anthony of Granbury, TX, and her kids, Jude Strasser, Hayzlee Hair and Hayden Hair; son Kaleb Brush of Mineral Wells, TX; son Dawson Brush and Brooke of Lawton, kids Charlotte Rose Brush, Wesley and Alexander Dickey, and Brody Leroy McCaine Brush on the way; son Brandon Meyer of Walters; and son Christopher Meyer of Walters and his daughter Leighton Meyer. Ed is also survived by his sister, Judy Petree and Jimmy of Bridge Creek, OK; other relatives and friends.

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02/08/2026

Raymond Dale Vardell

Funeral services for Raymond will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Hart-Wyatt Chapel, Walters, OK at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Walters cemetery under the direction of Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home, Walters. A prayer service will be held in the Hart-Wyatt Chapel on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Raymond Dale Vardell was born to Howard and Bonita June (Cooper) Vardell on October 15, 1965, at Lawton, OK and departed this life in Oklahoma City, OK on February 4, 2026, at the age of 60 years, 3 months, and 20 days.

Raymond grew up in Walters and went on harvest with his family for several years, from Texas to the Canadian border. After graduating from Walters High School, he went to Tulsa and began his lifelong career as a welder working for Piping Engineering in Tulsa and then did welding for TD Williams until he retired and moved back to Walters in 2016.

Raymond loved to take care of his family and friends. He liked to cook and would feed anyone that happened to stop by. When he made friends, they often became like family for life. Aside from spending time with family and friends he also enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, anything to do with his guns, and trying to play the guitar.

He is preceded in death by his mother Bonita Cooper Anderson and his brother Howard Dean "Dino" Vardell.

He is survived by his father, Howard Vardell and wife Jo “Dotie” of Walters; significant other, Donna Ouellette; his children, Angie Moore of Mannford, OK, Joe Earls of Sand Springs, OK, Ashley Jordan of Mannford, OK and Journey Brown of Walters, OK; a brother Gerald Wayne Vardell and Shirley Chitwood of Wichita Falls, TX; a sister, Andy Jester of Walters, OK; grandchildren, Britton Dugan, Lindsey Hill and husband Blake, Lane Moore and wife Emilee, Austin Earls, Jesse Earls, Lexi Earls, and Bryce Williams; great-grandchildren, Boston, Bowen, Copelyn, Luxlee, Lennox, Clover, Fisher, and Silas; many other relatives and friends.

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02/07/2026

Claudine Cunningham

Funeral Services at First Baptist Church, Temple, on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., with interment in the Temple Cemetery. Visitation at Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home, Temple, on Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

Claudine Collins Cunningham was born to Elmer and Blanche Estelle (Massingill) Collins on October 4, 1954, in Temple, OK and departed this life in Oklahoma City, OK on February 5, 2026 at the age of 71 years, 4 months and 1 day.

Claudine grew up at Temple. She married Ralph Holt in 1971 and to the union a son, Michael Joseph Holt was born, passing away a few hours later. She and Ralph made their home on Beaver Creek until Ralph’s passing in 1986. She worked at convenience storers and for Haggar’s until its closing.

Claudine married Clyde David Cunningham on July 21, 1988. She then attended nursing school, receiving her LPN in 1991 and later her RN in 2012, working at Duncan Regional Hospital for 25 years, retiring in 2016. The couple made Temple their home for 15 years and then moved to Walters for 15 years before returning to Temple.

Claudine was a Christian and a member of First Baptist Church in Temple. She enjoyed playing and competing in darts. She also enjoyed dancing, going on cruises and sold Pampered Chef. She loved spending time with her family and loved kids.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer Collins and Blanche Collins Tuck; her first husband, Ralph Holt; her infant son, Michael Joseph Holt; 2 brothers, Lee Roy Collins and James Mark Collins; and a sister, Evon Blake.

Survivors include her husband, Clyde Cunningham of Temple; 2 brothers Buster Collins of Temple; Tony Collins and Lawana of Whitesboro, TX; 2 sisters, Cricket Richmond and Walt of Temple and Ruby Hendrix of Temple; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

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01/30/2026

Patricia Ann Zachary

Patricia Ann Zachary, 86, of Walters, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, in Walters.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Walters, with Don Crow officiating. Interment will follow in the Walters Cemetery, under the direction of Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home.

Patricia Ann (Simmons) Zachary was born on June 25, 1939, south of Walters, Oklahoma, to Ralph Garland and Ruby (Long) Simmons. Pat spent her childhood growing up south of Walters along West Cache Creek and later near the Red River in the Taylor Store community, before her family made their permanent home in Walters. She belonged to the Walters High School Class of 1957.

Pat married the love of her life, Leo Allen Zachary, on August 25, 1956, at First Baptist Church in Walters. Together, they raised three children and made their home in Walters, living in the same home for 66 years - a place filled with family, learning, and love.

Teaching was Pat’s calling, so she followed in the footsteps of a few of her special aunts and pursued her career in education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Cameron University in 1972 and later her master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1985. She earned her teaching certificate in 1972 and completed her student teaching in Temple, Oklahoma. She taught briefly at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Lawton before beginning a long and devoted career at Walters Elementary School, where she taught multiple grades before becoming what was her true calling, the elementary librarian. Known for fully bringing stories to life by taking on each book’s characters as she read, Pat captivated her students and left a lasting impression on countless children over the years.

After retiring from Walters Public Schools in 1996, Pat continued her service in education, working with the Oklahoma State Department of Education and then the Oklahoma Department of Libraries before retiring. Even in retirement, she couldn’t stay away from the classroom and volunteered for several years reading to elementary students - something that brought her great joy.

Pat was a faithful member of the Church of Christ, where she was active in many roles, including teaching the Ladies Bible Class. She cherished her quiet mornings, often found sitting by her east window watching the birds with a cup of coffee and her Bible. She served more than 15 years on the Walters Public Library Board and 5 of those as board president. She enjoyed playing Mahjong, reading anything by Agatha Christie, and watching mystery shows and MASH. She loved traveling the world, having visited all but two continents.

Above all else, Pat treasured her family. Known lovingly as “Nana,” she adored every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leo Zachary; and two grandchildren, Rena Zachary and Jeremy Miller.

Those left to cherish her memory include her three children, Jody Zachary and Becky of Oklahoma City; Nikki Miller and Ray of Walters; and Jeff Zachary and Penny of Walters; six grandchildren, Erin Simpson and Shannon of Wichita Falls, Texas; Kera Logan and Ty of Walters; Jacob Zachary Ray Miller of Walters; C**ten Zachary and Macey of Walters; Payten Leo Zachary of Walters; and Jennifer Morgan and Heath of Walters; nine great-grandchildren, Ethan Miller; Gage and Kylie Simpson; Halle, Ryder, and Trip Hanson; and Annabelle, C**t, and Jackson Zachary; along with many special cousins and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the Walters Public Library, Walters Education Foundation, or the Walters Cemetery Association.

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01/27/2026

Steve Laminack

Funeral Services at Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home Chapel, Walters, OK on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., Rick Beard officiating with burial in the Fairview Cemetery, Randlett, OK. There will be a visitation at the Hart-Wyatt Chapel in Walters on Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Roy Steven Laminack was born to Leroy and Mary Ellen (Miller) Laminack on August 2, 1948 in Wichita Falls, TX and departed this life in Wichita Falls, TX on January 24, 2026 at the age of 77 years, 5 months, and 22 days.

Steve grew up on a farm south of Randlett until the family moved to town. He graduated from Big Pasture High School in 1966. Steve married Karen Kay Baber and moved to Guymon Oklahoma to attend Panhandle State where he was in the ROTC. To the union a daughter, Lisa, and a son, Scott, were born. They moved to Burkburnett, TX in 1969 and he went to work for Conoco Oil. They moved to Greenville, TX in 1971, working for Explore Pipeline. They returned to Cotton County living at Cookietown, OK and he went to work at PPG on July 8, 1974. They moved to Burkburnett in 1975.

Steve married Gloria Beth Brown on June 8, 1975 at Lawton, OK and to the union a son, Brad, was born. They made their home in Wichita Falls, TX but soon moved to Devol, OK. They lived on Deep Red until September of 1987 when they moved to the current home on the Red River. He retired after 35 years from PPG on April 1, 2009 and continued ranching. Gloria preceded him in death on February 13, 2017. He was also preceded by his parents.

Steve loved spending time with his grandkids’ going to games, livestock shows, and rodeos. He enjoyed checking the cows on his side-by-side and over the last several years he enjoyed spending time and traveling with Donna.

Survivors include 3 children, Lisa Elliott and Kurt of Charlie, TX; Scott Laminack and Regina, and Brad Laminack and Nona all of Devol; 2 brothers, Wayne Laminack and Gari of Randlett, OK, Rick Laminack and Gay of Devol; a sister, Jean Taylor and Neal of Randlett; 6 grandchildren Maegan and Kailyn Howard of Ft. Worth, McKenna Laminack of Devol and Katelyn Laminack of Amarillo, Landry and Lincoln Laminack both of Devol, many other relatives and a host of friends.

Memorial Donations can be made to Fairview Cemetery, Randlett, OK.

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01/15/2026

Robert Sims

Funeral services for Robert Ruffie Sims will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the First United Methodist Church, Walters, OK at 2:00 p.m. with Rev Brantley Tillery officiating. Interment in Walters Cemetery under the direction of Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home, Walters.

Robert was born to Hugh Sims and Gladys Cabelka Sims on January 16th, 1938 on a farm east of Geronimo, OK, and passed to his eternal home on January 14th, 2026 at his residence east of Walters.

Robert’s early childhood years were spent on the family farm with chores shared by two brothers and a sister. As the school years approached, he joined them on the daily walk to Phipps country one-room school. He loved to tell stories about this school. He was enrolled at Geronimo Public Schools in 1948 and graduated in 1955.

In late 1956 he was talked into a blind date by a friend and it blossomed into the love of his life. On October 5th, 1957 he and Barbara Cowherd were married at Valley View Church east of Walters. To this union three children were born, David, Michelle and Caryn.

After high school Robert worked at several filling stations around Lawton and a friend told him about an opportunity to work in Mineral Wells, Texas at the Army Primary Helicopter School. He applied and went to work in April 1957. He worked for Southern Airways of Texas for 16 years and when the Army closed Ft. Wolters he moved his family back to Oklahoma and he worked many more years in aircraft maintenance at Ft. Sill. When the Army moved aircraft out of Ft. Sill, Robert put in a small engine repair shop at his home and worked on lawn mowers for 19 years before his health caused him to close the shop.

Robert was very involved with his kids sports, coaching Little League and Little Dribblers while in Texas.

He was a member of the Walters First United Methodist church, Lawton Antique Car Club, involved in square dancing in the 1980’s-1990’s. Roberts main hobby was restoring old cars and his pride and joy was the 1927 Model T Woody Wagon, which he said was “built one piece at a time.” He and Barbara would frequently be seen driving one of his many cars during local parades and car shows.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his brothers Raymond and Daymond and his sister Florence.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara of the home; 3 children David (Natalie) Sims of Pottsboro, TX, Michelle Sims of Benbrook, TX and Caryn (Kenny) Pacheco of Lawton, OK; his grandchildren Scott (Tiffany) Sims, Kyle (Hailey) Pacheco, Kayla (Dillon) Thompson and Virginia Sims; his great-grandchildren, Alayna Compass and Presley Pacheco; his brother, Edward (Eva) Sims; and nephews Dale (Ruth) Sims and Terry (Trish) Baughman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Walters United Methodist Church Saturday Meal Program P.O. Box 446 or Walters Cemetery Association P.O. Box 485.

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01/06/2026

Russell Earl Coats

A joyous Celebration of Life Memorial Service to honor Rusty’s life and legacy will be held at Union Valley Baptist Church, 189028 US-277, Randlett, OK 73562, Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., Chaplain Greg Baxter officiating.

Russell Earl “Rusty” Coats was born to Robert Earl “Bob” Coats and Dixie Jo (Wilson) Coats on September 8, 1953 and departed this life in Lawton, OK on January 2, 2026 at the age of 72 years, 3 months and 25 days.

Rusty grew up in Walters. He was active with FFA and wheat harvesting. He graduated from WHS in 1973. Through the years he made his home in Wichita Falls, Walters, Irvine, CA, Eldorado, KS, back to Walters, then to Lawton. He married Jan Sprouse Coats on March 6, 2015 in California in Redwood Forest and they made Lawton their home.

Rusty worked a short stint for the Walters Fire Department, then started his career as a welder, welder foreman/supervisor in refineries and chemical plants for 40 plus years for Piping Engineering, ST Piping, and Worldwide Welding. He enjoyed scuba diving, riding horses, snow skiing and camping with his children and friends. He and Jan enjoyed traveling, trail riding in their UTV’s, and serving as work-camp hosts at Snowbank campground in Montana, Taylor Park, CO and Morganton Point, GA. After Retirement he enjoyed gardening and woodworking.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Dixie Coats, and his sister, Pamela Coats.

Survivors include his wife Jan of the home in Lawton; his brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Leta Coats of Randlett; 4 children, Josh Coats and Amanda of Fletcher, Jodie Coats of Irving, TX, Jared Coats and Megan of Wichita Falls, TX and Kaylee Coats of Colorado Springs; 3 stepchildren, Jamie Reitz and Dennis of Norman, OK, Jerry Blomgren of Claremore, OK, and Jordan Simon and Sam of Wayland, MI; 13 grandchildren, 10 great grands; his best friend, Allen Boucher of Burkburnett; other relatives and a host of friends.

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