Shipman Funeral Home & Crematory

Shipman Funeral Home & Crematory Shipman Funeral Home and Crematory is family owned with an onsite crematory. Our family owned Funeral Home has been in business for more than thirty years.

It was built by the owners Randy and Brenda Shipman who is still fully active in the business today. Helping them in the business is their son Jason and daughter in law Anita Shipman. We take great pride in the upmost care and dignity that we give to our famillies. As a family we understand the needs of people in the most difficult time of their lives. Our mission at our family funeral home is to never let anyone's legacy go untold or be forgotten or to leave the one's left beind alone. We are here before and after...

03/31/2026

Matthew Allen Gilmore, 35, of Wagoner, Oklahoma, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Matthew was born on October 12, 1990, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Crystal Dianne Gilmore (Kilpatrick) and Leonard Terry Gilmore, Jr. He was a devoted family man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Matthew loved spending his time fishing, gaming, visiting arcades, and most of all, being with his family.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond and Sheila Kilpatrick, and Carolyn and Lance Kell; his aunt and uncle, Lisa and Billy Fondren; his uncles, Gary Caudle and Lance Allen Gilmore (LA); his niece, Emma Showalter; and his cousins, Gary Caudle Jr., Michael Gilmore Jr. and Tabitha Gilmore.

Matthew is survived by his parents, Crystal Gilmore and Adam Sanders of Wagoner, Oklahoma and Leonard Gilmore Jr. and Denni Turner of Muskogee, Oklahoma; his wife, Rena Gilmore of Wagoner, Oklahoma; and his sons, Payton and Eli. He is also survived by his sister, Christina Showalter and husband Kevin of Springdale, Arkansas; his brother, Leonard Gilmore III and wife Felicia of Springdale, Arkansas; his nephews, Stephen and Anthony Showalter, Carson Gilmore, SJ and Remi and his niece, Jayden; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will cherish his memory.

Matthew will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services are pending at this time.

Believe it or not… coming from an undertaker’s wife…One of the greatest gifts you can give your family isn’t just prearr...
03/27/2026

Believe it or not… coming from an undertaker’s wife…

One of the greatest gifts you can give your family isn’t just prearranging your service.

It’s something far deeper.

It’s making sure,without a shadow of a doubt—that when the time comes and you are separated from each other here on earth, you will meet again in eternity.

Because I’ve sat on the other side of the table…I’ve watched families say goodbye…and the greatest peace they ever hold onto is not the casket, not the flowers, not even the service…

It’s the knowing.

The knowing that their loved one is right with God. The knowing that this isn’t the end. The knowing they will see them again.

Pre-planning matters… yes, it does.
It brings order, it lifts burdens, it protects your family. It’s a wise investment especially in today’s society to lock in the prices.

But there is a deeper kind of preparation…
One that no paperwork can replace.

Preparing your heart.
Making peace.
Getting right with God.

Because when you give your family that promise—
“I’ll see you again”…

That becomes the greatest gift of all.

At Shipman Funeral Home & Crematory, we walk with families not just in planning… but in purpose, peace, and the promise of what’s beyond.

♥️Anita Jo

03/26/2026

Sometimes the peace we need in our storm of grief. Is just a sign that reminds us that transformation is a process.

And who we were before our loved one passed on, is not who we are today. We are in a transformation stage and as we walk and heal from the emotional pain of grief. We have to be patient with ourselves and know emotional healing takes time.

❤️Anita Jo

Scott Reid Esk, age 59, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was born on July 30, 1966,...
03/25/2026

Scott Reid Esk, age 59, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was born on July 30, 1966, in Austin, Minnesota, to Edward Eugene Esk and Lynne Kay Bailey.

Scott lived a life that reflected both adventure and faith. He found peace in the outdoors—whether hiking through the woods, riding his bike, or taking on the challenge of mountain climbing. He also had a strong passion for politics and enjoyed being involved in conversations and causes that mattered to him. Scott was a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma.

More than anything, Scott loved the Lord. He spent much of his time in church and in God’s Word, and his faith was a steady foundation throughout his life. In the midst of life’s journey, he found his greatest earthly blessing in Carol, the love of his life, who faithfully stood by his side with unwavering love and devotion.

Scott was preceded in death by his stepfather, C.B. Welch, and his grandmother, Carol Peterson.

He leaves behind those who will forever cherish his memory: his father, Edward E. Esk; his mother, Lynne Welch; his beloved Carol; and his sons, Nathan, Noah, and Jonathan Esk. His life touched many, and his presence will be deeply missed.

Viewing will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Shipman Funeral Home in Wagoner, Oklahoma. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 P.M. the same day at the Shipman Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Wagoner, Oklahoma.

Though his journey here has ended, we take comfort in knowing his faith has carried him home.

J.M. “Jim” Rhoades, Porter, Oklahoma, went to Heaven on March 19, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.J.M. was born o...
03/25/2026

J.M. “Jim” Rhoades, Porter, Oklahoma, went to Heaven on March 19, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

J.M. was born on April 16, 1939 in Gravelly, Arkansas to John Chester Rhoades and Margie Bertine Fowler Rhoades, his name derived from the first initial of both his parents. As a young man, J.M. joined the Air Force and was promptly given the name “Jim” as the US Military did not allow initial-only names. The name stuck, and he was known as Jim to most for the rest of his life.

Following his service in the Air Force (1957-1962, including a stint in England), Jim returned to his young wife, Norma Louise Sharp Rhoades. Jim and Norma met when they were both visiting their respective sisters – who happened to live next door to each other in Midwest City, OK. They married on April 27, 1958, and later moved to Nicoma Park, OK where they raised their family. They were married nearly 68 years and had four children, Jimmy, Gary, Timothy (“Chip”), and Tammy. For most of his career, Jim worked as a diesel mechanic, working for companies such as TransCon, American Farm Lines, Getty Oil, and Texaco.

In retirement, Jim and Norma moved to Porter, OK, where Jim pursued his dream of farming - returning to his childhood roots. In Porter, he raised a small herd of cattle and enjoyed working in his garden growing peas, turnips, tomatoes, strawberries, and blackberries. He loved sitting on his back porch looking out over his land and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Jim loved animals, and in addition to his cows he had many dogs and several cats over the years, including a cat named Jungle who lived for over 20 years and moved with Jim from Nicoma Park to Porter. A decade ago, a stray dog wandered onto his property, and Jim and the stray immediately took to each other. Jim named the dog “Queen” as he deemed her the “Queen of the Castle.” For the next 10 years Queen was Jim’s constant companion as he worked around his farm and in his shop.

Known as a loving, caring family man, Jim frequently bragged on his children and many grandchildren, of which he was immensely proud. He had an amazing memory and could remember the smallest details about people he had only met once or twice – if he ever met you, chances are he was asking years later about how you were doing. Jim also loved history and enjoyed a trip to France to see various sites where his older brother had served during WWII (including the beaches of Normandy), as well as a trip late in life to see multiple American historical landmarks and battlefields. Especially important to Jim was his Christian faith, and he was an active member at his church, First Baptist Porter.

He is reunited in Heaven with his parents, brothers Faye and Buel (“Boots”), and sister Virginia (“Toe”) Holland, and their spouses. He is survived by his wife, Norma, and his children and their spouses, Jimmy and Jane Rhoades, Choctaw, OK, Gary and Holly Rhoades, Nixa, MO, Tim and Sandra Rhoades, Edmond, OK, and Tammy and Wade Childress, Muskogee, OK, He is also survived by his sister Allie Lou Gwin, Russellville, AR, as well as many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Family visitation and viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 25 at Shipman Funeral Home, Wagoner, OK from 5-7 pm.

A funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, March 26 at First Baptist Church, Porter, officiated by Pastor Dennis Piearcy.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the Young Gravelly Cemetery in Arkansas.

Grief has a way of bringing up the “what ifs”… the “I should have”… the “I wish I would have said or done more.”And one ...
03/23/2026

Grief has a way of bringing up the “what ifs”… the “I should have”… the “I wish I would have said or done more.”

And one of the hardest things families carry…is guilt and regret.

But something we gently remind families of with love is this ❤️‍🩹

Forgive yourself for what you have now learned, and that’s how important time is.

You didn’t know then what you know now. You loved the best you could with what you had in that moment.

Grief isn’t just about missing someone…
it’s also about learning to release the weight you were never meant to carry forever.

Be gentle with yourself, feel what you feel. And allow the tears to fall so healing can come when you need it the most.

♥️Anita J. Shipman

Glenda Marie Threet (Holman), age 88, of Checotah, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Muskogee, Oklaho...
03/21/2026

Glenda Marie Threet (Holman), age 88, of Checotah, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

She was born on October 29, 1937, in Marble, Arkansas, to Jack Holman and Ruby Gilbert. Glenda attended South High School in Wichita, Kansas.

Glenda had a great love for talking and could often be found on the phone with friends and family, catching up on the latest news. She deeply cherished her family and friendships. She also spent many years collecting Elvis memorabilia and anything related to chickens—two of her favorite interests.

On January 15, 1955, she married the love of her life, Joe Threet.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Holman; her mother, Ruby Gilbert; her husband, Joe Threet; her sons, Terry Threet and Carroll Threet; her daughters, Patricia Hale and Roberta Threet; and her sister, Hettie Medlock.

Glenda is survived by her son, Steve Threet of Checotah, Oklahoma; her sister, Wanda Bledsoe (Pete) of Cheney, Kansas; her daughter-in-law, Krista Threet of Wichita, Kansas; her grandchildren, Megan Threet and Logan Threet, both of Wichita, Kansas; Matt Downum of Oktaha, Oklahoma; Jesse Downum (Tia) of Muskogee, Oklahoma; Brett Threet and Jake Threet, both of Eufaula, Oklahoma; and her great-grandchildren, Madison Threet and Sophie Threet of Wichita, Kansas, Hunter Downum of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Isabelle Downum of Oktaha, Oklahoma.

Glenda will be remembered for her warm spirit, her love of conversation, and her deep devotion to her family.

No service planned at this time.

03/20/2026

The world lost an amazing woman Saturday, March 14th, when Iva Jean Ballard went home to be with her Savior. Mom wasn't amazing because of her worldly accomplishments; her greatness came from her steadfast faithfulness. Faithfulness to her Heavenly Father, faithfulness to her husband of 68 years, faithfulness in raising her 3 sons with Godly wisdom, direction and reverence, faithfulness in being an incredible grandma, and faithfulness in diligently serving alongside her husband at the churches they pastored over 35 years. Mom's greatness wasn't displayed through loud or boisterous means, instead it was reflected in behind the scenes service as a powerful prayer warrior, consummate pastor's wife, and long-time primary age Sunday School teacher. Her legacy is not written in the annals of American or world history, but rather in Heavenly history because of her submission to and faithfulness in following wherever the Lord directed.

Jeanie, as her parents/siblings called her, was born December 16, 1933, at the Ponca-Pawnee Indian Hospital in Pawnee, OK. She attended Hominy Schools in Hominy, OK, all of her life and graduated from Hominy High as a full-fledged Buck in 1951. During her high school years she participated in Pep Club serving as secretary/treasurer, Drum Corps, F.H.A., served as class historian and acted in the 1950 high school 3-1 Act Play.

After graduation mom went to work for Phillips Petroleum and moved to Bartlesville, OK, where she lived for a short time with her sister Mary Lou Standridge and brother-in-law Odell. Odell introduced Jeanie to Jimmie Ray Ballard sometime later and they were married September 7, 1953, in Biloxi, MS. The first of their 3 sons, Jimmie Ray (Rusty), was born in Corona, CA, in September 1954 and the second and third boys, Scott and Brad, were born in Pasadena, TX, in October 1957 and July 1960 respectively.

God placed a call of ministry on dad's life in 1962 and the family relocated to Springfield, MO, in 1963 where he began bible studies at Central Bible College and public education at Evangel college. Mom went to work for the Gospel Publishing house to help support the family while dad attended school by day and worked at night. Upon his graduation, the family relocated to Dixon, MO, where dad taught school and mom worked in the special education department of Dixon Public Schools. Dad began his ministry at First Assembly of God in Chamois, MO, traveling each weekend between the two towns to minister. The family relocated, with mom's full support, to Chamois in 1966 where mom/dad began working at Chamois Public Schools while ministering at the small AG church. Mom's commitment in supporting God's call on their lives was always steadfast and with her help, dad subsequently pastored churches in Sapulpa, OK, Dixon, MO, Nampa, ID, and Chandler, AZ. Her willingness to go wherever God called was a testament to her commitment to her Savior and her husband husband.

While in Sapulpa, mom was a steadfast fan for her son's athletic and academic endeavors at Mounds Public Schools. She could be heard clanging the cow bell on Friday nights at football games, cheering loudly at basketball games, or checking academic progress at parent/teacher conferences. Mom understood her boys were the same as other adolescent males, but she expected more from her preacher's boys. She could be very firm when correcting while challenging with reward for results. She was faithful in parenting.

Grandma was blessed with 8 grandkids, but three of her first were girls. While that was quite the change from raising 3 boys, she expertly made dresses, decorated bedrooms, spoiled those girls, and loved them fiercely. Her love for her grands never faded as the pot grew to include a boy, twin girl and boy, and two more boys. Sunshine, Missy, Ali, Scotty, Megan and Michael, Shawn, and Trey have commented how Gma made them each feel spoiled and special. Mom's family was second only to her Savior and she loved us unconditionally. Her "grandma" quilts are treasured, her pies coveted, her cooking legendary, and her card or board game competitiveness renown. Gma wouldn't let you win, you had to earn it! Her favorite saying while playing was "It only takes one hand."

Dad/Mom's ministry stretched across 4 states as they followed God's direction. As a couple, they touched countless lives and forged life-long relationships. Mom was Rev. Ballard's closest and best parishioner, supporter, critic, friend, and life-long love. The outpouring of support and compassion expressed over the last five plus years as they both have gone home to be with Jesus has been truly incredible.

Mom was preceded in death by her husband Jimmie Ray Ballard, her mother Lucille Swinford Formby, fathers Sidney Swinford and Elmer Formby, brother Sidney Swinford and wife Fern, brother Buddy Formby and wife Mary Dell, sister Mary Lou Standridge and husband Odell, and daughter-in-law Debbie Ballard (Edwards).

She is survived by her son Jimmie and wife Judy Ballard of Depew, son Scott and wife Phyllis Ballard of Wagoner, and son Brad and wife Annie Ballard of Bethany, OK. Eight grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.

Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 20th at Shipman Funeral Home - 2980 US-69 Wagoner, OK 74467. A service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 21st at Shipman Funeral Home Chapel - Wagoner. Interment will be at 1:30 p.m. at A.J. Powell Cemetery - 1130-1144 County Road 5244 Hominy, OK 74035.

03/17/2026

True luck is not found in four-leaf clovers. It lives in the love, laughter, and memories we share with the people who matter most.

This St. Patrick’s Day, we honor those who made our lives richer simply by being part of them.

Who made you feel truly lucky to know them? Share a name or a favorite memory in the comments below.

It Takes All of Us Many people believe a funeral home is run only by licensed funeral directors. While they play a very ...
03/16/2026

It Takes All of Us

Many people believe a funeral home is run only by licensed funeral directors. While they play a very important role, the truth is… it takes an entire team.

At Shipman Funeral Home & Crematory, some of the people who help serve families are not licensed directors, people like Tina, Landon, Ryan, David, Brenda, Kim, Addison… and even myself.

But each of us plays an important part.

From welcoming families, preparing the chapel, coordinating details, listening to stories, getting the mail and helping create meaningful services it truly takes all of us working together.

Every service we help create is a unique ceremony designed around the individual who transitioned into eternity. Because we understand none of us are the same. So every service we do is different and designed specifically around the individual.

Behind every beautiful service is a team that cares deeply about the families we serve.

❤️ Because no one serves a family alone. It takes all of us.

If one of our team members has helped your family during a difficult time, we would love for you to mention their name in the comments or leave them a heart. It means more to them than you know. ❤️

— Anita Shipman
Shipman Funeral Home & Crematory

03/12/2026

Sammy Ray Bond, age 66, of Okay, Oklahoma, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

Sammy was born on May 19, 1959, in Nowata, Oklahoma, to Jackie Ray Bond and Charlotte Marie McClure. He received his GED and was known for his curious mind and creative spirit. Sammy loved guns and attending gun shows, trucks, and spending time with his family. He enjoyed visiting flea markets to see what unique and interesting items he could find. He also loved reading blueprints and was an avid inventor who enjoyed figuring out how things worked and creating new ideas.

Sammy was preceded in death by his mother, Charlotte Godfrey; his father, Jackie Bond; and his sister, Patricia Bond.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Michele Bond, of the home in Okay, Oklahoma; his children, Sarah Bond of Wagoner, Oklahoma, Dusty Bond and wife Morgan of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Olin Bond and wife Ashley of Muskogee, Oklahoma; and his six grandchildren, Carter, Murphy, Liam, Eli, Miles, Oliver, and Jaxon. He is also survived by many brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly. Sammy was a great husband, father and grandfather he loved and cherished his family and enjoyed helping others.

A memorial service to celebrate Sammy’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Shipman Funeral Home in Wagoner, Oklahoma, with Chaplain John Harrison officiating.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a meal following the service at The Life Center at First Baptist Church Okay, located at 7530 N. 37th E., Okay, Oklahoma 74446.

Address

2980 US Highway 69
Wagoner, OK
74467

Telephone

+19184859525

Website

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