Earl Cawvey, Jr.

Earl Cawvey, Jr., 79, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, entered eternal rest on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born on February 8, 1945, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Earl Cawvey, Sr. and Alma (Linzy) Cawvey, Earl lived a life marked by dedication to his family and community. Earl began his working life at Tasty Bread while still in high school but left before graduating to support his family. Later in life, he earned his GED in Fort Gibson with Larry Corley being his instructor. A lifelong learner with a passion for history and reading, Earl enriched his life and those around him through thoughtful conversations and shared knowledge. In 1967, Earl met the love of his life, Kay Huitt, at Brown’s Dairy Snack in Fort Gibson. Their marriage was filled with cherished memories of drive-in movies, skating rink outings, and evenings spent cruising the streets ending at the Rootbeer Stand or the Golden Corral Drive-In, where Beacon is presently located. Together they built a life centered on love and family. As a young man, Earl was known as “Gentleman Jim” to the CB Radio Community and utilized many CB lingo terms, such as Breaker Breaker, Copy That, Hammer Down, BR549 (code for I can’t hear you) and 10-4 Good Buddy. Earl found great joy in coaching his children’s sports teams, creating countless memories. He also pursued a variety of hobbies that brought him happiness and fulfillment, including hunting, fishing, reading, and indulging in his passion for fast cars and motorcycles. Earl dedicated two decades of his life as a volunteer firefighter for Fort Gibson, demonstrating a deep commitment to his community. In addition to his service as a firefighter, he contributed to the town’s growth and development by serving on the Zoning and Planning Committee. Earl was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather who touched the lives of many with his kindness and generosity. Known for his big, soft heart and unwavering compassion, Earl had a remarkable ability to not only connect with people, but his pets too, especially dogs. His gentle nature and deep empathy were evident in the way he cared for others. If he knew someone was facing challenges, he would go out of his way to offer support and lend a helping hand. Earl will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and community. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Anna Mae Cawvey; father-in-law, Wallace ‘Skin’ Huitt; mother-in-law, Ruth Huitt; brothers, Sherman ‘Jabo’ Bias, Reese Hinds, and Dennis Radebaugh; sisters, Patricia ‘Pat’ Green and Martha Mathis; sisters-in-law, Rhonda Hinds and Brenda Hinds; niece, Jennifer ‘Jinny’ Hinds; grand baby Spears and great-grand baby Cawvey. Those left to cherish Earl’s memories are his wife, Kay, of the home; son, Kevin Cawvey and wife Mary of Fort Gibson; daughter, Amy Spears and husband Cyrus of Checotah; grandchildren, Amanda Cawvey, Justin Cawvey and wife Katie, Austin Cawvey, Woodrow Spears, Prairie Rose Spears, Saysha Sisco, and Lauran Buckmaster and husband JP; great-grandchildren, Emma Bell, Ava Bell, Beau Cawvey, Liam Cawvey, Taeden Cawvey, Cas Moore, Kaydance Moore, Jagger Moore, Rayleigh Moore, Beau Moore, Buddy Moore, Salem Moore, Autumn Bird, Kinlee Berner, Audrey Buckmaster, and Lucas Buckmaster; siblings, Mary Pfeifer, Jerry Hinds and wife Betty, Michael Hinds, Ginger Wade and husband Fred, Sue Ann Betts, Shelly Harmon and husband Steve, LeaAnn Schrader and husband Jimmy, Byran Radebaugh and wife Tammy, Mike Radebaugh and wife Carol, Bill Green, Jean Mathis, Jimmy Rogers, Freddie Rogers; extended family and countless friends. A viewing will be held 12PM - 7PM Tuesday, January 21, 2025, with the family receiving friends 5PM - 7PM at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. A celebration of Earl’s life will be 11AM Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Community Gospel Center in Fort Gibson with Pastor John Overton officiating and Pastor Cyrus Spears eulogizing. Committal prayers and interment will be at 1:30PM at Citizens Cemetery in Fort Gibson with Justin Cawvey, Austin Cawvey, Woodrow Spears, Bo Mathis, Gary Spencer, and Mike Berkenbile serving as casket bearers. Billy Green, Tommy White, Sean Sherman, Edmond Jones and Larry Joe Huitt will serve as honorary casket bearers. The family of Earl Cawvey, Jr. has entrusted his care, service and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Earl Cawvey, Jr.

February 8, 1945 - January 16, 2025