Willie B. Dause, Jr.

Willie B. Dause, Jr., 88, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, passed away Monday, December 1, 2025. He was born on February 24, 1937, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Willie B. Dause, Sr. and Evadean (Anderson) Dause. Willie proudly served his country in both the United States Air Force and the United States Army, beginning his military service in 1954. Willie completed advanced individual training in aircraft engine mechanics at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. He served with the 308 Air Refueling Squadron of the Strategic Air Force Command at Hunter Air Force Base in Georgia. While at Hunter Air Force Base, he was assigned to temporary assignments in Bermuda; the Azores Islands; France-Morocco; and Macon, Georgia. He received an honorable discharge in 1958. On June 22, 1959, Willie joined the Army and attended basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado. After training, he was stationed in Meitz, Germany, where he worked as an engine mechanic on fixed wing Army aircraft and helicopters. Willie received an honorable discharge from the Army in 1962. He received medals and ribbons for his service, including the Good Conduct Medal from the Air Force and Army and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Following his time in the service, Willie built a long and respected career as a Welder and Pipefitter, working diligently for more than 60 years before retiring in 1999. He was a valued member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Union 351 in Muskogee and was known as a man who could fix anything placed in front of him. His talent with machinery, tools, lawnmowers, and welding equipment was matched only by his patience and willingness to help anyone in need. Willie lived in several places throughout his life—including Paducah, Kentucky—but ultimately made Fort Gibson his home. A devoted family man and loyal friend, he spent his days enjoying simple treasures: working on cars, tinkering in his shop, riding motorcycles, and sharing laughter with his many friends. He loved traveling, especially the adventurous trip he once made hitchhiking to Nashville to visit the Grand Ole Opry. One of his fondest memories was riding his Harley Davidson from Savannah, Georgia, back to Fort Gibson after returning from military service. Willie was a proud and longstanding member of the Masonic Lodge for 67 years and an American Legion member in Fort Gibson. He was also honored as a Cherokee Warrior in 2016. His great-grandfather, William Anderson, was among the early settlers in Arkansas before the family ultimately came to Fort Gibson, where they have remained since the 1800s. Willie carried that proud heritage with him and added to it through a life marked by loyalty, generosity, and quiet strength. Those left to cherish Willie’s memory are his sisters, Patti Martin of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Peggy Caughman of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma; brother, James Dause and wife Patricia of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma; nieces, April Hathcoat, Angie Oxley, and Tammy Brassfield; nephews, John Martin, James Martin, Patrick Dause, John Fogle, Will Fogle, Rusty Dause, and Shane Dause; several more nieces and nephews; cousins; special friend, Kathryn Garbow; extended family; and many friends. Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Sr. and Evadean Dause; his siblings Billie Dean Fogle, Willard Dause, Danny Ray Dause; and many other beloved family members who welcomed him home. To have known Willie was to have known generosity. He helped countless people throughout his life, expecting nothing in return. If wealth were measured in friendship, Willie would be considered a very wealthy man. He leaves behind a legacy of service, craftsmanship, loyalty, and kindness that will be remembered by all who loved him. Willie’s life will be celebrated 11AM, Monday, December 8, 2025, at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Gibson with Brother Butch Cook officiating. Committal prayers and inurnment will follow at Citizens Cemetery in Fort Gibson with James Dause, John Martin, James Martin, Patrick Dause, John Fogle, Will Fogle, Rusty Dause, Shane Dause, and Jason Hathcoat serving as honorary urn bearers. The family of Willie B Dause, Jr. has entrusted his cremation, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the Dause family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Willie B. Dause, Jr.

February 24, 1937 - December 1, 2025