Booker T. Oliver Sr., born March 20, 1924, died at home on June 4, 2009. He was born to Thomas Henry Oliver & Julia Oliver in Brushy Creek, Oklahoma. They moved to Vinita a few years later where he attended Attuck School from 1st thru 11th grade. He was then drafted, leaving school to serve in the Navy for 3 years. He received a victory medal WWII, American Campaign Medal, and an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (2 stars). He received an honorable discharge March of 1946. He returned to Vinita and completed high school and graduated in 1947. He lived his whole life in Vinita. He worked for the railroad for a short time and also Clanton's Café. He went to work for Haslett's when they opened where he worked for approximately 35 years until he retired. He was preceded in death by his father Thomas Henry Oliver, mother Julia Oliver-Hardwick, life partner Leota Willis, brothers Raymond Oliver, William Oliver, Thomas Henry Oliver Jr., Silas Oliver, sisters Grady Oliver, Matilda Oliver, and Arvella Jacobs, step-daughter Mayola Willis, daughter Jackie Oliver, and granddaughter Sheila Oliver. He was survived by a brother Burnett Oliver and wife Frances of Englewood, California, son Booker T Oliver Jr. and wife Lisa of Bartlesville, OK, daughter Julie Oliver of Bartlesville, OK, son Richard Oliver of Kansas City, KS, step-son David Willis and wife Juanita of Vinita, OK. He had 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and many great-great grandchildren. He was known and loved by many and will be missed. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2009 at Fairview Cemetery with Rev. Farris Downing officiating. Services are under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com
Service Details
Thursday, June 11th, 2009 2:00pm, Fairview Cemetery - Vinita
Interment Details
Fairview Cemetery - Vinita