Larry Forrest Wilks

Larry Forrest Wilks passed away on January 3, 2026, at his home in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on March 28, 1938, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Forrest John and Lucille Audrey White Wilks. A proud graduate of Fort Gibson High School in 1956, Larry was active in Vo-Ag and earned awards for showing cattle. He continued his education at Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in animal science and participated in both the college rodeo program and baseball team. Following graduation, Larry served in the U.S. Army as a meat inspector, applying his academic training to his military service. While stationed in New York, he enjoyed frequent visits to the racetrack—one of his lifelong passions. Upon returning to Oklahoma, he trained racehorses and raised cattle before beginning a 34-year career with the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier in Fort Gibson. He was especially known for his kindness to elderly residents on his route, often delivering mail directly to their doors during inclement weather. Larry had a deep love for animals and was known to feed raccoons, opossums, cats, dogs—especially his beloved dogs Buddy and Shorty—and even deer. He enjoyed watching OU softball and Tennessee women’s basketball, following rodeos and current events, working crossword puzzles, and discussing topics ranging from Moonshiners to Arch Manning. He believed in a higher power and cherished meaningful conversations with those around him. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, John Cartlett and Janie Wilks, Otto and Mary White; special aunt, Grace White Pratt and her husband Guy; aunt, Bertha White Haas; and cousins, Ruth McLemore, Carol Goad and her husband Lue Ray, and Bobby Wilks. He is lovingly survived by special cousin, Carol Perry of Edmond; cousins, Linda Shemely and family of Edmond, Wendy Hatley, husband Mark and family, Bobbi Butler and family, Alan Wilks, wife Sherry and family all of Fort Gibson, Gary Paul Wilks, wife Tye and family of Oktaha, Cheryl Sigel, husband Joe and family of Paola, KS, Diane Merry, husband Rodger and family of Bartlesville, Mary Lou Goad and family of Salina, KS, Susan Wilson, husband Darrell and family of Hartford, KS; special friends, Wayne Church, wife Rita and family, Doug Dortch, wife Cindy and family, Jeff Dortch, wife Shelly and family, Bill Morton, all of Fort Gibson, Michelle Madole and family of Edmond. The family would like those attending the service to dress in jeans in honor of Larry who always wore jeans. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Larry's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org. Viewing for Larry will be 12PM-7PM, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. Larry’s life will be celebrated 11AM, Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Greenhill Cemetery Pavilion in Muskogee with Brother Butch Cook officiating. Doug Dortch, Jeff Dortch, Darius Taylor, Wayne Church, Jason Taylor, Gary Paul Wilks, Mark Hatley, and Bill Morton will serve as casket bearers. Alan Wilks will serve as an honorary casket bearer. The family of Larry Forrest Wilks has entrusted his care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the Wilks family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Larry Forrest Wilks

March 28, 1938 - January 3, 2026