OBITUARIES, September 2024

 

Rickey Joe Skinner a resident of Henryetta passed this life on September 5, 2024 in Henryetta at the age of 66. Born March 28, 1958 in Dallas, TX to Harvey Joe and Billie Berneice (Pierce) Skinner.

Preceded in death by his parents, Brothers Billy Skinner and Westley Watkins. Sister Shirley Jones and a Great granddaughter Ashley Skinner.

Survived by his wife Bea Williams
Sons: Robbie Skinner and Eric Skinner and his wife Angella
Daughter: Christina Skinner
Sisters: Betty Skinner, Ann Skinner, Cathy Skinner and Lizzy Skinner
Many grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Services are pending with the Rogers Funeral Home.

Bill Lydell Sumka a resident of Henryetta passed this life on September 4, 2024 at the age of 60. Born January 5, 1964 in Claremore, Ok to Benjamin and Lucille (Smith) Sumka). Bill was baptized at Middle Creek #1 by Pastor Johnson Walter Roberts. He attended schools in Ryal and Graham and going on to further his education at the American Technical Institute in Tulsa, OK. He worked on body, paint and frame for cars and trucks at a body shop in Tulsa. He loved to cook having worked at the Henryetta Daylight Donut Shop and cooked next door at the Colonial Restaurant. His passion for music lead him to sing gospel music and play the guitar in many local churches.

He is preceded in death by his parents Benjamin and Lucille Sumka. Brothers, Marvin Sumka, Martin Sumka, and Benjamin Sumka Jr. Sisters, Diane Greyson and Juanita Sumka. A niece, Ladonna Sumka.

Survived by his sisters: Jeanetta Sumka, Doris Sumka and Abby Prentiss
5 Nieces, 5 Nephews, 7 Great nieces and nephews and 3 Great Great Nephews.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm, Friday, September 6, 2024 at the Rogers Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mark Smith, officiating. Interment will follow at the Westlawn Cemetery under the direction of the Rogers Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Edward F. Friesen will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Prague, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at the Boley Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Edward Friesen, born to John and Katherine Friesen on October 22, 1942, in Morris, Manitoba, Canada, passed away peacefully at his home in Boley, Oklahoma, on September 3, 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren. He was 81 years, 10 months, and 12 days old.
Ed moved to Mexico with his parents at the age of 6, where he received his education and also met his sweetheart. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Kornelsen, on January 7, 1968. Together, they had a family of nine children, one of whom passed away in infancy.
Ed accepted Jesus as his Savior in his late teens and was baptized on July 31, 1960. His faith was central to his life, and he was ordained as a minister in November 1986. Throughout his life, he expressed a deep desire for his children and grandchildren to follow Jesus.
In March 1977, Ed moved his family from Mexico to Oklahoma, where he instilled the values of hard work, perseverance, and essential life skills through his actions. While in Mexico, he began his career by transporting equipment between the United States and Mexico, eventually dedicating many years to farming. Despite the economic challenges of relying solely on the land for income, Ed remained steadfast in his commitment to farming, making it his primary source of livelihood. His persistence and dedication were key to navigating the uncertainties of agricultural life.
Ed enjoyed a variety of hobbies, which included participating in outdoor grilling and cookouts. Being involved in family activities was always a highlight even if it meant sleeping in a tent. He always wanted to be included where the action was happening. Ed had a passion for rebuilding tractors, demonstrating a keen eye for restoring value to old equipment.
He cherished his grandchildren and great grandchildren; he was often seen holding one or more on his lap.
Throughout his life, Ed faced several significant health challenges. He was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 44. He underwent four surgeries, which temporarily shifted farm responsibilities to his teenage sons. During the wheat harvest, his father from Canada came to help, and the community also rallied to assist with haying.
In September 2007, Ed faced a major setback after a head-on collision that significantly slowed him down. A few years later, he endured a tire explosion that damaged his hearing. However, Ed was not a quitter; he persevered, and God blessed him with relatively good health despite these challenges. His final battle with cancer involved numerous trips to the doctor for radiation and immunotherapy treatments, but unfortunately, these efforts were not successful.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty; four sons: Jim and Irene Friesen of Checotah, OK; Dennis and Elizabeth (Pearl) Friesen of Checotah, OK; Ronald and Rosie Friesen of Boley, OK; and Lloyd and Brenda Friesen of Boley, OK. He is also survived by four daughters: Sandra and Wayne Plett of Boley, OK; JoAnn and Kenneth Dueck of Cove, OR; Janet and Jake Doerksen of Keota, OK; and Marlys and Abram (Abe) Enns of Paden, OK. Ed was a proud grandfather to 44 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Ed was one of ten siblings, including Elmer Friesen of Australia, and Helen and Joseph Kornelsen of Mexico, along with Norman and Alvina Friesen, Leo Friesen, Rosalyn Loewen, Marie and Bill Letkeman, and Kathryn and Wilbert Loewen, all residing in Manitoba.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Katherine Friesen; two brothers, John and Ronald Friesen; a brother-in-law, Henry Loewen; one infant daughter; and three infant grandchildren.
Ed Friesen will be remembered for his unwavering faith, dedication to family, and the love he shared with all who knew him.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who prayed for the family, and brought meals during this difficult time of his final illness and passing.

Serving as pallbearers will be Kevin Friesen, Joshua Friesen, Riley Friesen, Ashton Friesen, Kenley Plett and Justin Dueck.

Services will be under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home, Okemah, Oklahoma.

Online condolences may be made at www.ParksBrothersFuneralHome.com.

Victor Lucien Mariano, Sr., longtime Okmulgee resident, passed away Sunday evening, September 1, 2024 at his home. He was born March 11, 1948 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Victor Salvatore Lucien Mariano, III and Mary Rosalie (Annalora) Mariano. Vic grew up in Slidell, Louisiana and while attending high school there he met his wife to be, Glenda. They were married on May 29, 1965 in Livingston, Alabama. Vic and Glenda moved to Okmulgee in 1977. Vic worked at Anchor Glass for thirty-four years before retiring in November of 2010. After retiring, Vic loved fishing, bargain shopping and collecting coupons. He loved helping others when in need and will be remembered for his heart of gold.

Vic was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Anthony Sirey, Ricky Mariano and Andrew Mariano. Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Glenda Mariano of the home, sons, Victor Lucien Mariano, Jr. and wife Melonie of Mesa, Arizona and Michael Tyrone Mariano and wife Diana of Okmulgee, grandchildren, Victor Lucien Mariano, III of Mesa, Arizona, Ashton (Mariano) Dexter of Mesa, Arizona, Michael Anthony Mariano of Muskogee, Oklahoma and Luke Kelly Mariano of Okmulgee, great grandchildren, Layla Rose Mariano, Luca Michael Dexter, Layton Rae Mariano, Bodie Lucien Dexter and Anthony Tyler Mariano and six brothers and sisters, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Vic’s Life will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the McClendon-Winters Life Celebration Center, 310 E. Sixth Street, Okmulgee. The family suggests memorial contributions in Vic’s memory to the Okmulgee Humane Society P.O. Box 663, Okmulgee, Oklahoma 74447. www.okmulgeehumane.org/donate.html

Arrangements and cremation services have been entrusted to McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Vic’s Tribute Page of our website. www.mcclendon-winters.com

Joy Kay Reeder crossed into glory Friday, August 23, 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born on January 13, 1945 to Opal Jones and Robert Foster. Joy Kay graduated from Okmulgee High School and was a long-time resident of Okmulgee County, where she was deeply rooted in her home community of Nuyaka. In 1996, Joy Kay married the love of her life, Nelson Reeder. As the owner of the Glamor Rama Beauty Shop and a member of the Elks Lodge #1822, Joy Kay fostered long-lasting friendships with many people and will be greatly missed. She loved her family and friends like no other, pouring her heart into supporting them. Joy Kay truly enjoyed living life to the fullest, finding humor and positivity in any circumstance, and having no problem letting her opinion be known!

She is predeceased by her parents, Opal Jones and Robert Foster; her son, Robert (Bobby) Fisher; her grandson, Clayton Fisher; and her husband, Nelson Reeder.

Joy Kay is survived by her brother, David Foster and wife Dyana Sue of Talihina; daughter Robin Farmer and husband Kelly, of Mannford; son Brad Fisher of Morris; grandchildren Kyle Wright of Drumwright; Codey Fisher of Louisville, Kentucky; Kaitlin Fisher of Louisville, Kentucky; Elizabeth Welch and fiancé Zach of Shawnee; Nathan Fisher and wife Candace of Bixby; Hagan Fisher and fiancé Raven of Nuyaka; great-grand-children Garrett, Gunnar, Gracie, Lynnen; Charlee, Bella, Brancher, Coy, Brinley; Granger, Brylee, Sadie; Lannie and Stella. Joy Kay also leaves behind many extended family, friends, and neighbors whom she dearly loved.

The family will host a Celebration of Life on September 7, 2024, at the Nuyaka Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 11. Potluck dinner will be served at 11:30, the family extends an invitation to all blessed enough to know Joy Kay. Please come prepared to share your favorite stories and favorite dishes as we honor the life of this incredible woman. Drinks will be provided at lunch. Immediately following, anyone who wishes, may bring lawn chairs and gather at 14925 Nuyaka Rd (1 mile south of the church) to continue visiting and toast Granny.