06/18/2025
Eira “E.O.” “John” Oscar Derryberry, a cherished member of the Panola community, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Born on February 13, 1940, in Walls, Oklahoma, Eira was the beloved son of Oscar and Maggie (Montgomery) Derryberry.
Eira's journey through life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his family and his faith. On February 20, 1960, he married, Elaine Adams, and together they built a life filled with joy and purpose.
Eira's legacy is carried on by his devoted daughter, Gwen McDonald, and her husband, Kenneth. His love and lessons will forever be cherished by his grandchildren: Angie McMillen, Ericka Killingsworth, Re*****on Derryberry, and Destiny Benson; and his adored great-grandchildren: Lariat Frazier, McKinney Lynn, Jayden Taylor, Tanner Killingsworth and wife, Heather, Macy Hardy and husband, Bryce, Remmie Derryberry, Wyett Benson, Caleb Killingsworth, and Rodney Killingsworth.
The family tree continued to flourish with the arrival of his great-great-grandchildren: Tanna Marie Killingsworth, Oaklynn Delaine Killingsworth, Raymon Logston, Madelyn Logston, Paisley Logston, Emma Killingsworth, Lilly Killingsworth, and the anticipated baby girl Frazier. Eira's sister-in-law, Nelda Derryberry, along with numerous other family members and a host of friends, also survive him.
Eira was preceded in death by his loving wife, Elaine (Adams) Derryberry; his parents, Oscar and Maggie Derryberry; his son, Allen Derryberry; his grandson-in-law, Paul Killingsworth; his siblings, Thomas Walter Derryberry, Albert Lee Derryberry, and Wanda Jean Horton; and his brothers-in-law, Kenneth Adams and Ted Adams, as well as his sisters-in-law, Katherine Fite and Francis Derryberry.
A proud graduate of Red Oak High School with the Class of 1958, Eira's early career took him to the uranium mines in Grants, New Mexico, where he also spent several years working at a sawmill in Eaglenest.
Eventually, he returned to Latimer County, where he served the community through his work on the Rock Island Railroad and in the maintenance department at Robbers Cave State Park.
After retiring from Robbers Cave State Park, he continued to serve his community by driving the Choctaw Nation Senior Citizen, District 6 bus for 10 years. He cherished the fellowship with the Choctaw Seniors it never felt like a job, but rather a joyful experience. For him and his wife, it was more like a vacation, and they truly treasured the time together.
Eira was a devout Christian and a dedicated member of the Panola Baptist Church. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, guiding him in his actions and his relationships with others. He was a man who lived by example, showing patience and kindness in every interaction. His love for his church was matched only by his love for his family, whom he supported and guided with a gentle hand and a warm heart. When he was just 5 years old, trips to Red Oak with his parents often turned into performances while at the Dominos Parlor, old timers would ask him to sing a song in exchange for a Coke. One of his favorite songs to sing was “Leaf of Love” by Tex Williams, a tune that reflected the warmth and tenderness he carried in his heart.
Eira's life was a reflection of the values he held dear, and his memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at the Jones Harkins Funeral Home Chapel.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2025 at the Panola Baptist Church officiating will be Rev. Ryan Brown. The burial will follow at North Rock Creek Cemetery in Red Oak.
Pallbearers will be Jason Adams, Justin Adams, Delbert Derryberry, Curtis Derryberry, Steve Derryberry, Rodney Derryberry, Ronnie Gray, Doug Barnett, and Terry Barnett.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Hodge, Tommy Brown, Members of the Panola Baptist Church, the Rock Island Railroad Crew, and the Maintenance Department at Robbers Cave State Park, and The Choctaw Senior Citizens of District 6.
