Arnold Wayne Wooten

Arnold Wayne Wooten, age 86, of Durant, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025. He was born on July 13, 1939, in Atoka, Oklahoma, to Charles Gregory and Mildred (Rhodes) Wooten. On May 3, 1966, Arnold married the love of his life, Floretta (Williamson) Wooten, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and family. He worked many years in the oil field before retiring from Sundowner Trailers. Arnold was a devoted member of Midway Family Worship in Coleman. A man of many passions, Arnold loved stock car racing, farming, “piddling,” and especially family get-togethers. He was known for tinkering on equipment—“planting” more than a few dozers and tractors along the way. His family fondly remembers his “Treasure Island,” though he wasn’t too fond when they teased him about calling it junk. “Onery” was the word most often used to describe Arnold, and anyone who knew him can recall being picked on in good humor—it was simply his way of showing love. Arnold’s legacy is one of hard work, perseverance, and deep devotion to his family. He taught those around him to never give up and to value every moment together. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mildred Wooten; children, Charles Wooten of Connecticut, Paul Wooten of Connecticut, and Brenda Milstead and husband Bill of Denison; son-in-law, Jeff Makros of Mesquite, Texas; sisters, Lucille Whitmire and husband Tince of Coleman, and Delores “Sue” Fulton and husband Walter of Atoka; and brother, Charles Gregory Wooten. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Floretta Wooten; children, Debra Makros, Mike Edwards and wife Rhonda, and Rodney Wooten and wife Rebecca; daughters-in-law, Nancy Wooten and Marzena Wooten; sisters, Brenda Cook and husband Vic, and Christine Hancock; brother, Bill Hicks and wife Brenda; unofficially adopted daughter, Darlene and husband Mike; as well as his “second family,” the Golden clan, whom he dearly loved. Arnold is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Midway Family Worship in Coleman, with interment to follow at Center Hill Cemetery in Folsom. Family hour will be held Thursday evening, October 2, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at DeArman-Clark Funeral Home in Tishomingo. Serving as pallbearers will be Delbert “Boone” Williamson, Cory Edwards, Frank Heck, Dakota Summit, John Blankenship, and Nick Watts. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Edwards, Rod Wooten, and Stan Williamson. Arnold Wayne Wooten will be remembered for his wit, his orneriness, and the unconditional love he showed his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

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Arnold Wayne Wooten

July 13, 1939 - September 29, 2025