Ollen Isiah Waldroop, age 91, passed peacefully at home in Henryetta on March 1, 2017.
Ollen was born in Checotah, OK on December 19, 1925, the son of James and Rhonda Waldroop. As a child born into the Great Depression, Ollen learned early on the value of hard work and personal responsibility. One of ten children, he was expected to help his father plow fields and harvest crops. Ollen would carry that hard work ethic with him the rest of his life, working for Eagle-Pitcher Smelter in Henryetta for 23 years, then at a smelter in Colorado and in Tulsa. He worked as a refrigerator repairman for Pepsi Cola in Tulsa until 1979. He would find his greatest joy performing “honey-do” work for elderly senior citizens around town, and you could see him riding his lawn mower from house to house right up until 90 years of age. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, a lifetime member of the VFW and DAV, and named the 1990 Henryetta Optimist of the the Year. Ollen was actively involved in his community and with his children’s many activities. Some of his favorite things were family gatherings, quail hunting, fishing, OU Football, well-struck bargains, saving a nickel, and the love of his grandchildren.
Ollen is a veteran of World War II, where he fought under General George Patton in the Battle of the Bulge. He served as a combat infantryman sharp shooter, and remained active in veterans’ activities throughout his life.
Mr. Waldroop is survived by his wife, Lynda, seven children: Ronnie, Jean, Kay, Misti, Tina, Julia, and Jason. He also leaves behind seventeen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 2:00pm at Integrity Chapel in Henryetta, OK with Rev. Kyle Kiner officiating. Interment will be on Monday, March 6, 2017 at 10:00am in Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, OK with honors provided by the United States Army.