Turner Funeral Homes

12/24/2025

Linda Ruth (Underwood) West was born on November 23, 1950, to Orville Bailey “Sonny” and Pat Ruth (Meyer) Underwood. She passed away at her home in Geary, Oklahoma, on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the age of 75. Linda was raised on the family farm northeast of Geary, where she developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. She graduated from Geary High School, and on November 24, 1972, she was united in marriage to William “Bill” West in Geary, Oklahoma. Bill preceded her in death on July 16, 2007. Linda lived most of her life in the Geary area and made her home on the Wharton place, where she lived for many years on the same piece of land she loved so dearly. She began her working career at First National Bank in Geary, where she worked until the birth of her daughter, Lindsey. Linda then devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mother. After Lindsey started attending middle school, she began working at Seiger’s Jewelry, the Geary Library, the Cherokee Trading Post, and finally All Nations Bank in Calumet, where she retired in 2022. During her banking career, Linda survived two bank robberies—an experience that became part of her remarkable life story. Linda cherished the outdoors and took great pride in her flowers, and hummingbird feeders. Above all, she treasured her granddaughters and was fiercely loyal and proud of her family, especially her daughter and grandchildren. She encouraged her granddaughters to be strong and independent and was well-known for being very protective—particularly when it came to their boyfriends. She was a devoted member of Greenfield First Baptist Church. Linda shared an especially close bond with her sister, Diana; the two were inseparable traveling everywhere together.
Linda is survived by her daughter, Lindsey Crisp and her husband, Jason, of Hydro, Oklahoma; three granddaughters, Audra Joye Crisp of Oklahoma City, Madilyn Grayce Crisp of Weatherford, Oklahoma, and Jasey Faythe Crisp of Hydro, Oklahoma; her sister, Diana West of Greenfield; niece and nephew, Amy West and Lance West; great-nieces Tricia West and Jenni Adams; great-great-niece and nephews Kagan Mooney, Avery Adams, and Watson and Walker Nightingale; along with many other cousins, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” West; her parents, Sonny and Pat Underwood; and her in-laws, Benjamin and Bonnie West.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Hydro-Eakly Schools Music Department, 407 E. 7th Street, Hydro, Oklahoma 73048.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Greenfield First Baptist Church in Greenfield, Oklahoma, with Mr. Chuck Niemeyer officiating. Burial will follow in Canadian Valley Cemetery in Calumet, Oklahoma, services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Geary, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes).

12/24/2025

Linda Ruth (Underwood) West was born on November 23, 1950, to Orville Bailey “Sonny” and Pat Ruth (Meyer) Underwood. She passed away at her home in Geary, Oklahoma, on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the age of 75. Linda was raised on the family farm northeast of Geary, where she developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. She graduated from Geary High School, and on November 24, 1972, she was united in marriage to William “Bill” West in Geary, Oklahoma. Bill preceded her in death on July 16, 2007. Linda lived most of her life in the Geary area and made her home on the Wharton place, where she lived for many years on the same piece of land she loved so dearly. She began her working career at First National Bank in Geary, where she worked until the birth of her daughter, Lindsey. Linda then devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mother. After Lindsey started attending middle school, she began working at Seiger’s Jewelry, the Geary Library, the Cherokee Trading Post, and finally All Nations Bank in Calumet, where she retired in 2022. During her banking career, Linda survived two bank robberies—an experience that became part of her remarkable life story. Linda cherished the outdoors and took great pride in her flowers, and hummingbird feeders. Above all, she treasured her granddaughters and was fiercely loyal and proud of her family, especially her daughter and grandchildren. She encouraged her granddaughters to be strong and independent and was well-known for being very protective—particularly when it came to their boyfriends. She was a devoted member of Greenfield First Baptist Church. Linda shared an especially close bond with her sister, Diana; the two were inseparable traveling everywhere together.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Lindsey Crisp and her husband, Jason, of Hydro, Oklahoma; three granddaughters, Audra Joye Crisp of Oklahoma City, Madilyn Grayce Crisp of Weatherford, Oklahoma, and Jasey Faythe Crisp of Hydro, Oklahoma; her sister, Diana West of Greenfield; niece and nephew, Amy West and Lance West; great-nieces Tricia West and Jenni Adams; great-great-niece and nephews Kagan Mooney, Avery Adams, and Watson and Walker Nightingale; along with many other cousins, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” West; her parents, Sonny and Pat Underwood; and her in-laws, Benjamin and Bonnie West.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Hydro-Eakly Schools Music Department, 407 E. 7th Street, Hydro, Oklahoma 73048.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Greenfield First Baptist Church in Greenfield, Oklahoma, with Mr. Chuck Niemeyer officiating. Burial will follow in Canadian Valley Cemetery in Calumet, Oklahoma, services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Geary, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes).

12/22/2025

Lynn Edward Hooten was born on July 8, 1948, in Hinton, Oklahoma, to Verneta Frances (Taylor). He later embraced his stepfather, Harry Monroe Knisley, as his father. Lynn entered into rest on December 16, 2025, in Watonga, Oklahoma, at the age of 77.

Lynn grew up in Hinton, Anadarko, and Oklahoma City. He cherished his youth spent playing in the creeks and canyons of Anadarko alongside his brother and many cousins.

At the age of 17, Lynn joined the United States Army. By 18, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he survived the Tet Offensive. He proudly served his country for more than 20 years, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. During his military career, Lynn earned numerous honors, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

After retiring from the Army, Lynn returned to western Oklahoma and made Watonga his home. He joined the local police force and faithfully served the community he loved for 22 years.

Lynn enjoyed horses, westerns, and two-stepping. He understood the nuance of humanity, and when asked what he wished to be remembered for, he simply said he hoped people would see him as “fair and just.” He offered others grace, generosity, and humor—and yes, he could be a little ornery.

Most importantly, Lynn loved his family unconditionally.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Verneta Knisley, and his brother, Robert Hooten.

Lynn is lovingly remembered and celebrated by his daughter, Julia Costello; her husband, John; and their children, Lauren and Ian, along with Ian’s fiancée, Samantha, all from Plano, Texas. He is also celebrated by his Sister-in-Law, Joyce Hooten, nephews, Dale Hooten and Robert Hooten; his niece, Robin Manly; and their families, as well as many beloved cousins and their families.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to Wheatheart Nutrition, 212 N. Spiece Ave., Watonga, OK 73772, as Lynn deeply cared about feeding the community.

A private family ceremony will be held at St. Paul Episcopal Chapel in Oklahoma City, where Lynn was baptized and welcomed into the church family.

A public graveside military memorial service honoring his life will be held on Armed Forces Day, May 16, 2026. Service details will be announced in the local newspaper in early May.

Services are under the direction of Turner Funeral Home of Hinton. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.

12/17/2025

Merle Maudine Jones was born on December 19, 1933, in Hydro, Oklahoma, to Louie Hart and Georgia (Isman) Hart. She passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, in Weatherford, Oklahoma, at the age of 91. Merle grew up in Hydro and graduated from Hydro High School in 1951, where she was an outstanding basketball player. That same year, she met Curtis Doyle Jones. After knowing one another for just two weeks, the couple married in Wheeler County, Texas on July18, 1951, beginning a devoted marriage that lasted 49 years. Throughout her life, Merle was known for her strong work ethic and business sense. She held many roles over the years, including bank teller, motel manager, clothing store owner, and traveling auditor for Motel 6. Her work allowed her to travel extensively and experience life in many places. As a Navy wife, Merle and Curtis lived in California, Guam, and Florida before eventually returning to Oklahoma. Merle cherished the stories from those years, especially one favorite she often shared about the family’s 1953 Ford. While Merle and Curtis were touring a house, the children—left briefly in the car—used a forgotten hammer to “make spiderwebs” on the windows, unknowingly breaking every one of them. Curtis never scolded them, believing it was his own mistake, and Merle delighted in retelling the story for years afterward. Merle had a deep love for reading, particularly Western novels by Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey. She enjoyed soap operas, admired John Wayne, and was a devoted fan of country music, especially Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and George Strait. Above all else, Merle loved her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose love and laughter touched generations.
She is survived by her children, son, Jerry Dale Jones and children Waylon, Aubrey and Amy Jones of the home of Weatherford, Oklahoma; daughter, Zoe Rogers and husband Joe of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her nieces, Linda Greg and Kathy Wright, along with many other relatives and dear friends.

Merle was preceded in death by her parents, Louie and Georgia Hart; her husband, Curtis Jones; her son, Michael Curtis Jones; her great-grandson, William David Jones; and her siblings, Betty Sharry, Frieda Hightower, Charlie Joe Hart, and Ray Hart.
Memorial Service for Merle will be held on Saturday, 10:00 AM, January 3, 2026 at Hydro Masonic Cemetery, Hydro, OK
Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or on Facebook at facebook.com/TurnerFuneralHomes.

12/16/2025

Charley Ray Rhoads, age 60, passed away on December 10, 2025, at his home in Binger, Oklahoma. He was born on October 6, 1965, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Wilburn R. Rhoads and Vicki A. Parsley Rhoads. Charley grew up in Fort Worth and spent his entire youth there. He graduated from W.E. Boswell High School in Saginaw, Texas. In his early adult years, Charley pursued a unique and exciting pastime as a wrestler for T.W.A. and B.Y.W.A., performing under the name “The Executioner.” He cherished his years in the wrestling world and carried many fond memories from that time. Charley was known for his larger-than-life personality and his love of bringing joy to others. Charley worked as a carrier for the United States Postal Service and retired after many years of service. In his later years, he delighted children by dressing up as Darth Vader at the local skating rink, handing out small surprises and creating unforgettable moments. He also loved playing Santa Claus, often being hired by families to deliver presents to their children. His love for kids and his desire to make them smile was truly one of his greatest gifts. A deeply patriotic man, Charley proudly flew both the Texas flag and the United States flag at his home. He was an enthusiastic Dallas Cowboys fan and supported the Dallas Mavericks in basketball. Always sharp in appearance, he enjoyed fine jewelry and watches. He was also an avid gun collector. Charley loved to sing and shared his talent through gospel music, traveling to many churches across Texas for years. Remembered as a lifelong jokester, he was fondly known as the class clown—someone who could light up any room with humor and heart. Charley dearly loved his family, especially his nieces and nephews, who held a very special place in his life. To know Charley was to love him, and his memory will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

He is lovingly survived by his siblings, Johnny Rhoads and wife Sheila of Waco, Texas, and Shelly Ragland of Hawley, Texas, his nieces and nephews: Rebekah Keller and husband Daniel and their two children of Hawley, Texas, Ryan Ragland and wife Chelsea and their three children of Arlington, Texas, Shaun Riddle and wife Audrey and their five children of Fort Worth, TX, Dana Rhoads and fiancé Jon, along with many other friends and relatives who will miss him deeply.

Charley was preceded in death by his parents, Wilburn and Vicki Rhoads, and brother-in-law, EC Ragland.

Memorial services will be held in Fort Worth, Texas, at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or on Facebook at Turner & Son Funeral Homes and Crematory.

12/15/2025

Steven Norbert Rother passed away December 3, 2025. Steven was born on March 23, 1965, in Watonga, OK, graduated from Watonga High School, and spent his life as a Watonga resident. Steven worked closely with his father, Norbert Rother, at the Watonga-based oil field service company Testco Inc. for almost 30 years before building and operating a NAPA store franchise south of Watonga where he worked until his death.

Steven was preceded in death by his father, Norbert J. Rother.

He is survived by his wife Cindy Rother of Watonga; his son Zakry Rother, wife Alisha and sons Aiden and Grady of Watonga; and his daughter Jessica Rother of Yukon, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his mother, Mary Kay Rother of Yukon, Oklahoma; his brothers Bryan Rother and wife Jan of Yukon, Oklahoma, Jeffrey Rother and wife Leah of Ardmore, Oklahoma, and Russell Rother and wife Lindsay of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and his sisters Juli Perkins and husband Dion of Norman, Oklahoma, and Susan Bond and husband Jim of Norman, Oklahoma.

Steven was a fiercely loyal husband, father, grandfather and friend and was very passionate about his work. In addition to operating his NAPA store, he enjoyed farming and ranching on land south of Watonga. He enjoyed working on and owning vintage cars and was an avid hunter which he enjoyed with family. He was a member of Watonga Church of the Nazarene and held a sound conviction in his faith. Most of all, Steven was a fighter. Faced with chronic health challenges during most his adult life, he fought the odds to always be there for his family.

A funeral service will be held on December 7th at Watonga Church of the Nazarene at 2:00 p.m. followed by a graveside service in the IOOF Cemetery in Watonga.
Services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Geary, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or on Facebook at facebook.com/TurnerFuneralHomes.

12/14/2025

Billy Mock was born on August 20, 1942, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to William Harold Mock, Sr. and Virgie (Christofferson) Mock. He passed away peacefully at his home in Guthrie, Oklahoma, on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the age of 83. Billy grew up in the Bethany area and graduated from Putnam City High School. He attended Central State University for a short time before enlisting in the United States Army. Billy proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he returned to college and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with minors in Economics and Psychology. Following graduation, Billy began a long and successful career as an insurance auditor, working for several companies over the years. He was known for his dedication, integrity, and strong work ethic. Billy had many interests and hobbies, most notably golf. His love for the game began at a young age and remained a lifelong passion—so much so that many family vacations were planned around golf courses. He also enjoyed bowling and bowled several perfect and near-perfect games. In addition, Billy loved playing card games and board games and cherished time spent with family and friends. On April 23, 1994, Billy married Teresa Diane Critchfield in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The couple shared a deep love for dancing and often went dancing together five to six nights a week. Billy was a devoted family man who was loving, funny, and kind. His Christian faith was central to his life. He had a strong desire to share his faith and longed for others to fall in love with Jesus as he had. He hated missing church due to health issues and remained active in his faith community. Billy was a member of the Independent Order of Foresters and an active member of Life. Church.
Billy is survived by his wife, Teresa Mock of the home in Guthrie, Oklahoma; three children, Alan Mock and wife Kim of Minco, Oklahoma, Matthew Wallace of Oklahoma City, and Kristy Mooney of Oklahoma City; five grandchildren, Emily Mock and Hayden Mock of Minco, Oklahoma, Dagan Hanigar and wife Emma of Utah, Bailee Hanigar of Oklahoma City, and Paytin Mooney of Oklahoma City; one brother, Dennis Keith Mock of Oklahoma City, sisters in law, Donita Werner and husband Rocky of Eufaula, OK and Vicky Johnson and husband Mike of DeKalb, TX along with numerous uncles, cousins, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Virgie Mock, wife, Joyce Mock, and mother-in-law, Florence McGraw.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Billy to YouVersion Bible app. give.bible.com
A memorial service honoring Billy’s life will be held 1:30pm, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Life Church, Broadway & Britton Campus, Oklahoma City, with Rev. Daniel DeMoss officiating. Services under the direction of Turner Funeral Home, Hinton, Oklahoma, condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or on Facebook at Turner & Son Funeral Homes and Crematory.

12/13/2025

Cecil “Gerb” Pendleton was born on November 6, 1948, to Cecil E. Pendleton, Sr. and Juanita Pearl (Powell) Pendleton. He passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Saint Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 77. Cecil attended several schools during his youth, including Hinton and Clarita. He began working at a young age and was known throughout his life as an exceptionally hard worker. Early on, he worked at the Cotton Gin for Lee Entz, did farming, and worked in concrete for Tindel’s Concrete. He later spent many years as a truck driver for multiple trucking companies, a career that reflected his strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his family. Throughout his life, Cecil lived in Hinton and several other communities before settling in Blackwell, Oklahoma. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing and hunting at his camp on Kaw Lake and along the river. A man of deep faith, Cecil attended various churches in the areas where he lived and remained strong in his beliefs. Above all else, Cecil was devoted to his family. He did whatever was necessary to support them and will be remembered as a hardworking, dependable, and faithful man.
Cecil is survived by his six children; his siblings, Rhonda White of Braman, Oklahoma, Sharon Ellis of Hinton, Oklahoma, Linda Hughes of Hinton, Oklahoma, and Joe Pendleton of Blackwell, Oklahoma; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil E. Pendleton, Sr. and Juanita Pearl Powell, and one brother, Terry Pendleton.
The family will have a service at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or on Facebook at Turner & Son Funeral Homes and Crematory.

12/10/2025

Kaiden William Hood-Statton was born March 24, 2005, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Kennith Wayne Statton and Hollye Annette Hood. He passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025, at his home in Geary, Oklahoma, at the age of 20. Kaiden attended Head Start and kindergarten in Geary and later attended Calumet Schools before moving to Houston, Texas. He graduated from Spring Woods Senior High School in Houston. After graduation, he returned to the Geary area where he worked for Nortech, Snyder Electric, Dexter Axle, and was currently employed as an assembler at Exiss Trailer in El Reno. Kaiden was saved and baptized at Red Rock United Methodist Church in Calumet. He enjoyed blacksmithing and had a deep fascination with history and medieval times. He loved playing video games, being outdoors, exploring, and riding four-wheelers. He also enjoyed working out at the gym, a passion he began while working out with his dad during his junior year of high school.

Survivors include his mother, Hollye Wood, and her husband, Chris, of Geary; his father, Kenny Statton, and wife, Katarina, of Houston, Texas; his siblings, Gaige and Reese Wood of Geary, and Anastasia Statton of Houston; his grandparents, Billy and Lisa Hood (Grammie and Papa) of Geary, and Nana Myrtle Statton of Calumet; his aunts and uncles, Gretchen Melvin (Aunt G) of Geary, Veilvete Hood (Nana) of Geary, Amber Peters (Auntie B) and her husband, Jonathan (Uncle Jonny), of El Reno, Jennifer Sanford (Jenny) and Conor of Lindsay, Oklahoma, and Katie Carnott (Aunt KK) and her husband, Uncle Chris, of Calumet; and his cousins, Kaleb, Kacen, Isabella, Elise, Calan, Elinor, Condry, Collyn, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandpa, “Papa Ronnie” Statton; his great-grandparents, Mom Hatton and David Hatton, Bill and Annette Hood, and Bill and Juanita Barker; and Irving Junior Statton.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Calumet Methodist Church in Calumet, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at Buena Vista Cemetery in El Reno, Oklahoma, services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Geary, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes).

12/10/2025

Craig Flynn Pruitt was born June 19, 1968, in Hobart, Oklahoma, to Harold Albert and Elva Marie (Flynn) Pruitt. At seven years old, Craig made a profession of faith and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Hobart. As a child, he was a member of the Royal Ambassadors and an eager participant in church and community activities.
Craig attended Hobart Public Schools, where he was a proud Bearcat. He excelled in athletics, participating in football, basketball, wrestling, and track, as well as serving actively in FFA. He was a member of the 1986 State Champion track team and was honored as the Senior Athlete of the Year upon graduating from Hobart High School in 1986.
Craig continued his education at Northwestern Oklahoma State University on a football scholarship and later earned his bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He began his teaching and coaching career in Lone Wolf, where he also taught children to swim. During that time, he proudly helped two visually impaired boys learn not only to swim, but to bravely jump from the diving board—an early example of his natural gift for teaching and encouragement.
Craig’s coaching journey took him to Hinton, Anadarko, and back to Hinton again. He served as Defensive Coordinator in Anadarko for more than a decade and coached numerous sports throughout his long and dedicated career. In 2000, he coached the Hinton girls to a Class A State Track Championship and was voted Girls Track Coach of the Year. Over the years, he coached or was associated with six state championships.
Craig had a God-given talent for recognizing strengths and potential in young athletes. Even with the youngest children, he instinctively saw where they might excel—on the field, on the track, or in life. He was always willing to mentor other coaches, offer encouragement, and share his wisdom. His influence stretches across generations of athletes, colleagues, and friends who benefited from his leadership and heart.
Craig is survived by his mother, Elva Pruitt of Hobart, Oklahoma; his girlfriend, Stacey Gray of Norman; and his three children: Chelsea Ragap and fiancé Wesley Dickson of Weatherford, Bryce Pruitt and wife Kaitlyn of Weatherford, and Cameryn Pruitt and girlfriend Savannah Williams of Weatherford. He is also survived by four grandchildren— Rylyn, Stevie, Briah, and Wyatt—as well as his aunt and uncle, Penny and Glenda Atkinson of Mangum, Oklahoma, and numerous cousins, extended family members, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Pruitt, and his brother, Harold “Wendell” Pruitt.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hinton Track Program, P.O. Box 1036, Hinton, OK 73047.
Services honoring Coach Craig Pruitt will be held Friday, December 12, at 10:00 a.m. in the Hinton Coliseum in Hinton, Oklahoma, with Pastor Mark Lumpkin officiating. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Lone Wolf Cemetery in Lone Wolf, Oklahoma.
Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or on Facebook at Turner & Son Funeral Homes and Crematory

12/09/2025

Kylar Blane Byrd was born January 29, 2002, in El Reno, Oklahoma, to Amber Slone Byrd. He passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky, at the age of 23, just 2 months shy of his 24th birthday. Kylar grew up in the Lookeba-Sickles area and graduated from Hinton High School in 2020, where he was active on the academic team and became a state qualifier in cross country, while also working at the Hinton Public library, surrounded by books, which he loved. He went on to attend OU for a semester, then, Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy summa cm laude. While at SWOSU, he also worked for Fed-Ex where he wrote a computer program for use with copier machines. He also worked for Hinton Public schools during this time as well. Kylar was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Kentucky, where he was working toward his master’s degree and serving as a graduate assistant, while teaching incoming freshman classes and attending his graduate classes. He greatly enjoyed his work in the lab and the opportunities it provided to learn and explore. Kylar lived life with curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for the world around him. He enjoyed rock climbing, climbing trees, and running, and he was happiest when surrounded by nature and filled with a quiet awe. Yellowstone National Park held a special place in his heart, and he loved traveling anywhere he could to experience new landscapes. He always wanted a pet frog and loved animals and creatures of all kinds. He loved running, riding bikes, and his unicycle and driving tractors, He found joy in simple adventures. He was gifted intellectually and artistically, never failing to see the simple beauty in the most small, unexpected places. Kylar loved computers, reading, movies, music, games, good food and family. He loved cooking—especially cabbage soup and turnips. He loved collecting. He loved cutting up, was witty, loved joking around and laughing. Music was a significant part of his life, and he was talented in playing piano and saxophone. He also enjoyed gaming and spent countless hours building large and intricate LEGO sets. Kylar had his own unique style and way of looking at the world. He loved the color yellow, had a big personality, and approached everything with determination and perfectionism. He was deeply curious, endlessly creative, and lived life entirely in his own thoughtful, genuine, authentic way.
Survivors include his mother, Amber Slone Byrd of Hinton; sister Lexi Linnel Byrd of Lookeba, grandparents Gary and Linda Crain of Lookeba; great-grandmother Nelda House of Hinton; uncle Trent House and wife Ashley of Hinton and their children Haley, Cheyenne, Noah, Leyah, and Ayva; uncle, Derek Byrd and his family, of Edmond; uncle Jonathan Byrd and his family, of Okc; as well as many other aunts, uncles, cousins, loved ones, and friends.
Kylar was preceded in death by his grandfather Terry Royce Byrd, great-grandparents John Dee House, Claude and Earline Byrd, and Kermit and Lavell Crain.
Funeral services will be held at the Missionary Baptist Church in Hinton, Friday 2:00 PM, December 12, 2025, with Rev. Tom Clifton and Rev. Jimie Wray Mead officiating. Burial will follow at Sickles Cemetery in Lookeba, Oklahoma.
Services under the direction of Turner Funeral Home, Hinton, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes)

12/05/2025